Craftsman 917.288622 User manual

LAWN TRACTOR
21.0 HR* 46" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.28862
*Espa_ol, p. 33
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines, Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Operator's Manual,
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow a!l Safety
RuIes and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
SEARS Craftsman Help Line
5am -5 pro, Mon _Sat
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (EIO) is acceptable for use in this machine,
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (EtO) will void the product warranty,
Esta m_=quina puede utilizar gasolina con un contenido de hasta el 10% de etanol (EIO),
Ef uso de una gasolina que supere el 10% de etanol (EIO) anulard la garantia del producto.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S,A,
Visit ourCraftsmanwebsite:wvwv,sears.com!c[aftsman *,_sratedbytheenginemanufacturer
581910227 Rev. 2

Warranty .................................................. 2
Safety Rules ............................................ 3
Product Specifications ............................. 6
Assembly/Pre-Operation ......................... 7
Operation ................................................. 9
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 16
Maintenance .......................................... 16
Service and Adjustments ....................... 2t
Storage .................................................. 27
Troubleshooting ..................................... 28
Sears Service ......................... Back Cover
Craftsman Riding Equipment Warranty
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
FOR TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, all non-expendable parts of this ridingequipment are
warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. A defective non-expendable part will
receive free in-home repair or replacement if repair is impossible.
FOR FIVE YEARS from the date of purchase, the frame and front axle of this riding equipment are
warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. A defective frame or front axle will receive
free in-home repair or replacement if repair is impossible.
FOR 90 DAYS from the date of purchase, the battery (an expendable part) of this riding equipment
is warranted against any defects in material or workmanship (our testing proves that it will not hold a
charge). A defective battery will receive free in-home replacement.
ADDITIONAL LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY on CAST IRON FRONT AXLE (if equipped)
FOR AS LONG AS IT IS USED by the odginalowner after the fifth year from the date of purchase,the
cast ironfrontaxle (ifequipped) of thisriding equipment iswarranted against any defects in material or
workmanship.Withproofofpurchase,adefectivecastfrontaxle willreceivefree in-homereplacement
WARRANTY SERVICE
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, call 1-800-659-59t 7 orvisit the
web site: www.craftsman.com
In all cases above, if part repair or replacement is impossible,the riding equipmentwill be replaced
free of charge with the same or an equivalent model.
All of the above warranty coverage is void if this riding equipment is ever used while providing
commercial servicesor if rented to another person.
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT
include:
•Expendable parts (except battery)that can wear outfrom normal use withinthe warranty period,
includingbut not limitedto blades, sparkplugs, air cleaners, belts, and oilfilters.
•Standard maintenance servicing,oilchanges, ortune-ups.
•Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns,
stumps, or glass.
• Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operation or
maintenance.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage caused by
towing objects beyond the capability of the riding equipment, impacting objects that bend the
frame, axle assembly or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.
• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and
mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount
of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to maintain the riding
equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator'smanual
° Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to becontaminated or oxidized
(stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.
• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement.
This warrantygives youspecificlegal rights,and you mayalso haveotherrightswhichvaryfrom
statetostate,
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

_JLDANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death.
_WARNING: Inordertopreventacciden- *
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
_t, WARNING: Do not Coastdown a hill in •
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
_t, WARNING: Tow only the attachments .
that are recommended by and comply with °
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when ona slope. Tooheavy ofa load, while .
on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.
_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- "
nents contain or emit chemicals known to °
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
_I, WARNING: Batteryposts,terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead °
compounds, chemicals known tothe State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects •
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I, GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, andfollowallinstruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual
before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area ofobjects such as rocks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown bythe blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
beforeoperating. Stop machineffanyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always lookdown and behind
before and while backing.
Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blades when crossing gravel
surfaces.
Do not operate machine without the en-
tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or
other safetydevices in placeand working.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
Disengage blades when not mowing,
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
cometo acomplete stop before cleaning
the machine, removingthe grass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge chute.
Operate machineonly indaylightorgood
artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
Use extracarewhen loadingor unloading
the machine into a trailer or truck,
Alwayswear eye protection when operat-
ing machine.
Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related inju-
ries. These operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough toprotectthemselves and
others from serious injury.
Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tion forwheel weights orcounterweights.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch hot
exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not
allow the mower to plow leaves or other
debris which can cause build-up to oc-
cur. Clean any oi[or fuel spillage before
operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.
3

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are amajor factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution. If you
can notback upthe slope or ifyou feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or
other hidden objects, Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
•Choose alow ground speed so that you
wilt not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
•Do not mow onwet grass. Tires may lose
traction,
Always keep the machine in gear when
going down slopes. Do not shiftto neutral
and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope. Ifthetires losetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine
with grass catchers or other attachments;
they can affect the stability of the ma-
chine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,
or embankments, The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the
edge or if the edge caves in.
III. CHILDREN
_I=WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED
BYTHISEQUIPMENT.The American Acade-
my of Pediatrics recommends that children
be a minimum of 12 year of age before op-
erating a pedestrian controlled lawnmower
and a minimum of 16 years of age before
operating a riding lawn mower.
Tragic accidents can occur ff the operator
is not alert to the presence of children,
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
- Keep children out of the mowing area
and inthe watchful care of aresponsible
adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children,
• Nevercarrychildren, evenwiththeblades
shutoff. Theymayfall off andbeseriously
injured or interfere with safe machine
operation. Children who have beengiven
rides inthe past may suddenly appear in
the mowing area for another ride and be
runover or backed over bythe machine.
• Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may block your view of a child,
IV. TOWING
Tow only with a machine that hasa hitch
designed for towing. Do notattach towed
equipment except at the hitch point.
. FoUowthemanufacturer'srecommenda-
tion forweight limitsfor towed equipment
and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on
towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weightofthetowed equip-
ment may cause loss oftraction and loss
of control
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to
stop
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property dam-
age, use extreme care in handling gasoline,
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container,
° Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never fuelthe machine indoors.
° Never storethe machine orfuel container
where there is an open flame, spark, or
pilot light such as on a water heater or
other appliances.
° Never fill containers inside a vehicle or
on atruck or trailer bed with plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle when filling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,
ratherthanfromagasolinedispenser
nozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat
alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot
useanozzlelock-opendevice.
Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth-
ingimmediately.
• Neveroverfillfueltank,Replacegascap
andtightensecurely.
GENERAL SERVICE
•Never operate machine in aclosed area.
• Keep allnuts andboltstightto besure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Nevertamperwith safetydevices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage and remove anyfuel-soaked de-
bris. Allow machineto coolbeforestoring.
• tf you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspectthe machine.Repair, ifnecessary,
before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
• Checkgrasscatcher components andthe
discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
° Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
• Check brakeoperation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
• Maintain orreplace safetyand instruction
labels, as necessary.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
beforeoperating. Stop machine ffanyone
enters the area.
. Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always lookdown and behind
before andwhile backing.
• Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off, They may fall off and
beseriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have
beengiven rides inthe pastmay suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by
the machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and inthe watchful care ofaresponsible
adult other than the operator,
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not
across.
•Choose a low ground speed so that you
willnot have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
•Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope, Ifthetires losetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse and
back down slowly,
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• When loading or unloading thismachine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-
mended operation angle of 15°,
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity 3.0 Gallons/11,35 L
and type: Regular Unleaded
Oil Type: SAE30 (above 32°F/0°C)
(API: SG-SL) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C)
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 56 OzJ1,65 L
W/out FilIer: 48 Oz.!1,4 L
Spark Plug: Champion RCl 2YC
(Gap: ,030"/0,76 mm)
Charging 3Amps Battery
System: 5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28
Min, CCA: 230
Case size; UI R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm
CONGRATULATIONS onyourpurchaseof
a new tractor, it has been designed, engi-
neeredand manufacturedtogiveyouthe best
possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience anyproblem youcan-
not easily remedy, please contact aSears or
other qualified service center. We have com-
petent, well-trained representatives andthe
proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly, Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow aregularschedule in maintaining,
caringfor and usingyour tractor,
• Follow instructionsunder "Maintenance"
and "Storage" sections ofthis manual.
o Wear proper PersonalProtective Equip-
ment (PPE) while operatingthismachine,
including(at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection,andhearing protection. Do
notmowin shortsand/oropentoedfootwear`
•Always letsomeoneknow youareoutside
mowing.
_$,_WARNING: Thistractorisequipped with
an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-
covered land unless the engine's exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any), If aspark arrester is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order by
the operator,
6
InthestateofCaliforniathe aboveis required
bylaw (Section4442 ofthe California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is
availablethrough yournearest Searsservice
center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).
REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
Congratulations on making a smart pur-
chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is
designed and manufactured for years of
dependable operation, But like all products,
it may require repairfrom timeto time.That's
when havingaRepair Protection Agreement
can save you money and aggravation.
Purchase aRepair Protection Agreement
now and protect yourself from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here's what's included in the Agreement:
E×pert service by our 12,000 professional
repair specialists.
•Unlimited service and no chargefor parts
and labor on all covered repairs.
•Product replacement if your covered
product can't be fixed.
•Discount of 10% from regular price of
service and service-related parts not
covered by the agreement; also, 10% off
regular price of preventive maintenance
check.
• Fast help by phone - phone support
from aSears representative on products
requiring in-home repair,ptusconvenient
repair scheduling,
Once you purchasetheAgreement, asimple _
phone call is attthat ittakes for you tosched-
uleservice. Youcancall anytime dayor night,
or schedule a service appointment online,
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair
specialists, who have access to over 4.5
million quality partsand accessories. That's
the kind ofprofessionalism you cancount on
to help prolong the lifeof your newpurchase
for years to come, Purchase your Repair
Protection Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply,
Forprices and additional information call
1-800-827-6655.
SEARS INSTALLATION SERVICE
For Sears professional installation of home
appliances, garage door openers, water
heaters, and other major home items,in the
U.S.A. call 1-B00-4-MY-HOME@

Keys
Connect
Key(s)
Slope Sheet
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed,
(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife
Pliers
When right or left hand is mentioned in this
manual,itmeanswhenyouareintheoperating
position (seated behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
•Remove all accessible loose parts and
partscartons from carton.
• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels
of carton, Remove end panels and lay
side panels flat.
• Check for any additional looseparts or
cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
For battery and battery cable installation
see "REPLACING BATTERY" in the
"Service andAdjustments" section inthis
manual.
J
bel
TO ADJUST SEAT
• Sit in seat,
• Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat
until a comfortable position is reached
which allows you to press clutch!brake
pedal all the way down,
• Release lever to lock seat in position.
TO CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery is put into service after
month and year indicatedon label (label is
located between terminals) charge battery
for minimum clone hour at 6-10 amps. (See
"BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this
manual for charging instructions).
7

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor offthe
skid. Continue using the instructions that
follow to remove the tractor from the skid,
_1_WARNING: Before starting, read, un-
derstand and follow all instructions in the
Operation section of this manual, Be sure
tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure
the area in front of tractor is clear of other
people and objects.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal,
3, Place freewheel control in "transmission
disengaged position" (See "TO TRANS-
PORT" in the Operation section of this
manual),
4. Roll tractor forward off skid,
5. Remove banding holding the deflector
shield up against tractor.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tiresonyourtractor wereoverinflatedat
the factory for shipping purposes, Correct
tire pressure is important for best cutting
performance,
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on
tires.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO LEVEL
MOWER" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual,
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing
motion and mower blade drive belts in the
SenJiceand Adjustments section ofthisman-
ual,Verify thatthe belts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how tooperate your tractor,
check to see that the brake is operating
properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual,
CHECKLIST
Before you operate your new tractor, we
wish to assure that you receive the best
performance and satisfaction from this
Quality Product.
Please review the following checklist:
_" All assembly instructions have been
completed,
J No remaining loose parts in carton.
_' Battery is properly prepared and charged.
v/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
v!A]I tires are properly inflated. (For ship-
ping purposes, the tires were overinflated
at the factory),
v/" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
_" Check mower and drive belts, Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
Vr Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel
control is in "transmission engaged"
position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
While learninghowto useyour tractor,payex-
traattention tothe following important items:
Engine oil is at proper level.
v/" Fueltankisfilled withfresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline,
v/ Become familiar with all controls, their
location and function, Operate them
before you start the engine.
v( Besure brake system isinsafe operating
condition.
Vr Besure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (Seethe Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
t/" Itis important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the
first time, Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions (See
"TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE
TRANSMISSION" in the Operation sec-
tion of this manual),

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.Learn
andunderstandtheirmeaning.
R N H L I\1 "e
REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST
ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE
OPERATION
SYSTEM tROS)
oRwA.o oeUISECO.,.O,
LIGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY REVERSE
SLOW
MOWER HEIGH¥
IGNITION SWITCH
MOWER LIFT
CLUTCH/aRAKE
PEDAL
ATrACHMEN'I" ATTACHMENT DANGER, KEEP HANDS
CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED AND FEI_" AWAY
FREEWHEEL
(Automatic Modelsonly(
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
Failure to foliow instructions
could result in serious injury or
death, The safety alert symbol
is used to identify safety inform-
ation about hazards which can
result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.
&
&
&
DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious _njury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury,
CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the tractor and/or engine.
HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.
FIRE indicates ahazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.
9

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute,
(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to
raise and lower the mower or other attach-
ments mounted to your tractor.
(B) CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for
declutching and braking the tractor and
starting the engine.
(C) PARKING BRAKE- Locks clutch/brake
pedal into the brake position.
(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used
for starting and controlling engine speed.
(E) ATrACHMENTC LUTCHLEVER- Used
to engage the mower blades, orother attach-
ments mounted to your tractor.
(F) IGNITION SWITCH -Used for starting
and stopping the engine.
(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM
(ROS) "ON" POSITION - Allows operation
of mower or other poweredattachmentwhile
tn reverse.
(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights
on and off,
(J) MOTION CONTROL LEVER - Selects
the speed and direction of tractor.
(M) FREEWHEELCONTROL- Disengages
transmission for pushing orslowlytowing the
tractorwith the engine off.
10