Craftsman 917.288623 User manual

Operator's Manual
iIII I IIIIIIIIUII III
CRI:IFTSMRN°..
IIIIIII
LAWN TRACTOR
21.0 HP,* 46" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No,
917.28862
• Espar_ol, p. 33
This product has a low emission engine which operates
[_ from built Before start the
differently previously engines. you
engine, read and understand this Operator's Manual.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
SEARS Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5pm, Mon -Sat
Gasoli,ne containing up to 10% ethanol (El0) [s acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) will void the product warranty,
Esta m_.quina puede utilizar gasolina con un contenido de hasta el 10% de etanol (El0).
El uso de una gasolina que supere el 10% de etanol (El0) anular._la garantia del producto.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:vcww.sears.com!craftsman *,_s rated bytheenginemanufacturer
581910227 Rev. 1

Warranty .................................................. 2
Safety Rules ............................................ 3
Product Specifications ............................. 6
Assembly/P re-Operation ......................... 7
Operation................................................. 9
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 16
Maintenance .......................................... 16
Service and Adjustments ....................... 21
Storage .................................................. 27
Troubleshooting ..................................... 28
Sears Service ......................... Back Cover
Craftsman Riding Equipment Warranty
CRAFTS MAN FULL WARRANTY
FOR TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, all non-expendable parts of this riding equipment are
warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. A defective non-expendable part will
receive free in-home repair or replacement if repair isimpossible.
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 orfront 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 inmaterial or workmanship (ourtesting 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 bythe originalowner afterthe fifth year from the date of purchase,the
cast ironfrontaxle (ifequipped) ofthis riding equipmentiswarranted against anydefects in material or
workmanship,With proofof purchase,adefectivecast frontaxlewillreceivefree in-home replacement,
WARRANTY" SERVICE
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, call 1-800-659-5917 or visit the
web site: www,craftsman.com
In all cases above, if part repair or replacement is impossible,the riding equipment will 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 services or if rented to another person.
This warranty covers ON!2{ defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT
include:
• Expendable parts (except battery) that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period,
including but not limited to blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.
° Standard maintenance servicing, oil changes, ortune-ups.
• Tire replacement or repair caused by puncturesfrom outside objects, such as nails, thorns,
stumps, or glass.
•Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operationor
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's manual.
•Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized
(stale). tn general, fuel should be used within 30 days of itspurchase date.
• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement.
This warrantygives you specificlegal rights,andyou mayalso have other rightswhichvary from
statetostate.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

_(_DANGER: 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: Inorderto preventacciden-
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.
_i_JlLWARNING:Do not coast down a hilt in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
,_WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and compty with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when ona slope. Tooheavy of a 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.
_WARNING: Battery posts, 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,
!. 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. Stopmachine ifanyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow inreverse 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 safety devices in placeandworking.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set
parkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to acomplete stop before cleaning
the machine, removing the grass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge chute.
Operate machine only indaylight or good
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 loading orunloading
the machine into a trailer or truck.
Alwaysweareye 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 to protect themselves and
others from serious injury.
Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tionfor wheelweightsorcounterweights.
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 oil or fuel spillage before
operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.
3

!1,SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are amajor factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result insevere injuryor death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution, if you
cannot backupthe slope or ifyoufeel 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 a low ground speed sothat you
will not haveto stop or shift while on the
slope.
• Do not mow on wetgrass. Tires maylose
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. Ifthetireslosetraction, 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 grasscatchers or other attachments;
they can affect the stabilityof 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 ifa wheel is over the
edge or if the edge caves in.
III. CHILDREN
,_kWARNING: 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 lawn mower
and a minimum of 16 years of age before
operating a riding lawn mower.
Tragic accidents can occur if 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.
4
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and in the 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. They mayfall offand beseriously
injured or interfere with safe machine
operation. Childrenwho havebeen given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in
the mowing area for another ride and be
runover or backed over bythe machine.
, Never at]ow 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 amachine that has a hitch
designed fortowing. Do notattach towed
equipment except atthe hitch point,
•Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tion forweight limitsfor towed equipment
and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on
towed equipment,
• Onslopes, theweight ofthetowed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction andloss
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 coo]
before refueling.
• Never fuelthe machine indoors.
, Neverstore the 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 ortrailer bedwith plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle when filling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom •
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground,Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel o
suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,
ratherthanfromagasolinedispenser
nozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim •
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat
alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot
useanozzlelock-opendevice.
• Iffuelisspilledon clothing, changecloth-
ing immediately.
• Neveroverfiltfuel tank, Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Neveroperate machine in ac]osed area,
• Keepall nuts andboltstightto besurethe
equipment is in safe working condition.
Nevertamperwith safety devices. 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 machinetocoolbeforestoring.
tf you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspectthe machine. Repair,ffnecessary',
before restarting.
Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
Checkgrass catchercomponents andthe
discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
Mower bladesare sharp. Wrapthe blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
Checkbrake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
° Maintain orreplace safetyand instruction
labels, as necessary.
•Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. Stop machine ffanyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary.Always lookdown and behind
before and while 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
been givenrides inthe past maysuddenly
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 in the watchful care of a responsible
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 anddown slopes (15° Max'},not
across.
• Choose a low ground speed sothat you
willnot have tostop orshift whileonthe
slope.
•Avoid starting, stopping, or turningona
slope. Ifthetireslosetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
downthe slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse and
back down slowly.
• Do notturn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
•When loading or unloading this machine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-
mended operation angle of 15°.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity 3,0 Gallons/11,35 L
and type: Regular Unleaded
Oil Type: SAE30 (above 32_F/0_C)
(API i SGoSL) SAE 5W30 (below 32_F/0°C
Oil Capacity: Wi Filter: 56 Oz./1,65 L
W/out Filter; 48 Oz,!1,4 L
Spark Plug: Champion RCt2YC
(Gap; .030"/0,76 mm)
Charging 3Amps Batten
System: 5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/H r: 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case size: U1 R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbe.i62-75 Nm
CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of
a new tractor. It has been designed, engi-
neeredandmanufacturedto giveyouthe best
possible dependability and performance.
Shouldyou experience anyproblem youcan-
not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or
other qualified service center. We havecom-
petent, well-trained representatives and the
propertools to service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructionswill enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly, Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observethe safety rules.
° Follow a regular schedule in maintaining,
caring for and using your tractor.
• Follow instructions under "Maintenance"
and "Storage" sections of this manual.
•Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE)while operatingthis machine,
including (ata minimum) sturdy footwear,
eyeprotection, and hearingprotection. Do
notmowinshortsand/oropentoed footwear,
• Always letsomeone knowyou are outside
mowing.
_WARNING: Thistractor isequipped 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 arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrestor is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order by
the operator.
Inthe stateofCalifornia theabove isrequired
bylaw (Section 4442 ofthe California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply onfederal
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,
itmay require repair from timeto time. That's
when havingaRepair Protection Agreement
can save you money and aggravation.
Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement
now and protect yourself from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here's what's included in the Agreement:
• Expertservice byour 12,000 professional
repair specialists.
Unlimited service and no charge for 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 bythe agreement; also, 10% off
regular price of preventive maintenance
check.
•Fast help by phone - phone support
from a Sears representative onproducts
requiring in-home repair,plusconvenient
repair scheduling.
Once you purchasetheAgreement, asimple
phone call is allthat ittakes for youto sched-
uleservice.You cancallanytime dayornight,
or schedule a service appointment online.
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair
specialists, who have access to over 4.5
mi]tion quality parts and 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.
For pricesand 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 1-800-4-MY-HOME®

Keys Slope Sheet
Key(s)
(I) QuickConnect
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassemb]ed 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 Uti]ity knife
Pliers
When right or left hand is mentioned in this
manual,itmeanswhenyou areintheoperating
position (seated behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts cartons from carton.
• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels
of carton. Remove end panels and lay
side panels flat.
• Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
For battery and battery cable installation
see "REPLACING BATTERY" in the
Service andAdjustments sectioninthis
manual.
f
bel
TO ADJUST SEAT
•Sit in seat.
• Liftupadjustment lever (A)andslideseat
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. Lifthood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery is put into service after
month and year indicated on label (label is
located between terminals) charge battery
for minimum ofone hour at 6-10 amps, (See
"BATTERY" in Maintenance section ofthis
manual for charging instructions).
7

NOTE:Youmaynowrollyourtractoroffthe
skid,Continueusingtheinstructionsthat
followtoremovethetractorfromtheskid.
WARNING:Beforestarting,read,un-
derstandandfollowallinstructionsinthe
Operationsectionofthismanual.Besure
tractorisinawell-ventilatedarea.Besure
theareainfrontoftractorisclearofother
peopleandobjects.
TOROLLTRACTOROFFSKID(See
Operationsectionfor locationand
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 tires on your tractor were overinflated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct
tire pressure _simportant 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
Service andAdjustments section ofthisman-
ual. Verifythatthe belts are routedcorrectly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
Afteryou ]earnhow to operate your tractor,
check to see that the brake is operating
properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
t_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:
VfAll assembly instructions have been
completed.
t,/No remaining loose parts in carton,
_" Batteryisproperly prepared andcharged.
v_ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
t/" All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-
ping purposes,the tires were overinflated
at the factoLt).
t/" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-sideifront-to-rear for bestcutting
results, (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
v/"Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and insideall belt keepers.
J" Check wiring. See that all Connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
t/" Before driving tractor, besure freewheel
control is in "transmission engaged"
position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
While learninghowto use yourtractor,payex-
tra attention tothe following important items:
_ Engine oil is at proper level.
Fueltank isfilled with fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline,
t/" Become familiar with all controls, their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine,
vfBesure brakesystem is insafe operating
condition.
t/( Besure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (Seethe Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
it is 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
TRANSM[SS[ON" in the Operation sec-
tion of this manual).

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.Learn
andunderstandtheirmeaning.
NHL I',,.I
REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST
ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE STAWT PARKING BRAKE
OPERATION
SYSTEM(ROy
LIGHTS ON FUEL SA'FrERY REVERSE FORWARD
ATTACHMENT A3-1"ACHMENT DANGER_ KEEP HANDS
CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED AND FE_I" AWAY
SLOW
MOWER HEIGHT
IGNITION SWITCH
MOWER LIFT
CRUISE CONTROL CLUTCWBRAKE
PEDAL
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
FREE WHEEL
(Autore_tio Models only)
&
Failure to follow 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 injury.
CAUTION indicates ahazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury,
CAUTION when used wlthout the alert symbol,
indicates asituationthat 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.
RRE indicates ahazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Compare the illustrations with 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- Locksclutch/brake
pedal into the brake position.
(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used
for starting and controlling engine speed,
(E) ATTACHMENTCLUTCH LEVER- Used
toengagethe mower blades, or other attach-
ments mounted to your tractor.
(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting
and stopping the engine.
(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM
(ROe) "ON" POSITION - Allows operation
of mower orother powered attachment while
in reverse.
(H) LIGHT SWITCH -Turns the headlights
on and off.
(J) MOTION CONTROL LEVER - Selects
the speed and direction of tractor.
(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL- Disengages
transmission for pushing orslowlytowing the
tractor with the engine off.
10