20.0 hp twin electric start 44" mower deck 6 speed transaxle garden tractor (24 pages)
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.254701
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Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (EIO) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (EIO) will void the product warranty.
Operation ..........Troubleshooting ........CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will also cover defects in material and workmanship of the Frame and Front Axle for five years from the date of purchase This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship.
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A_)ADANGER: 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: In order to prevent acciden- • Disengage blades when not mowing. tal starting when setting up, transporting, Shut off engine and wait for all parts to adjusting or making repairs, always discon-...
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• Always keep t hemachine ingear w hen IV. TOWING going down s lopes. Do not s hiff toneutral • Tow onlywith a machine that has a hitch and coast downhill. designed for towing. Do not attach towed • Avoid s tarting, stopping, orturning ona equipment except at the hitch point.
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GENERALSERVICE • Check brake operation frequently.Adjust • Never operate machine in a closed area. and service as required. • Keep all nuts and bolts tightto be surethe • Maintain or replace safetyand instruction equipment is in safe working condition. labels, as necessary. •...
PROTECTION AGREEMENTS Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC Congratulations on making a smart pur- (Gap: .030") chase. Your new Craftsman® product designed and manufactured for years of Ground Speed Forward: dependable operation. But like all products, (MPH): it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.
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Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
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INSTALL SEAT CHECK BA'n'ERY Adjust seat before tightening adjustment 1. Liftseat pan to raised position. knob. NOTE: If this batteryis put intoservice after 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer month and year indicated on label (label securing seat to cardboard packing and located between terminals) charge battery set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.
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CHECK TIRE PRESSURE V_CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at Before you operate and enjoy your new the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tractor, we wish to assure that you receive tire pressure is important for best cutting the best performance and satisfaction from performance.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST SLOW I.II.I IGNmONSWITCH (®) ENGINE REVERSE ENGINE ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) CRUISE...
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractorto familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment "ON" Position Clutch Lever Ignition Switch Throttle/Choke Lift Lever...
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
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TO OPERATE MOWER AI_WARNING: Backing up with the at- Your tractor is equipped with an operator tachment clutch engaged while mowing is presence sensing switch. Any attempt strongly discouraged. Turningthe ROS "ON", by the operator to leave the seat with the to allow reverse operation with the attach- engine running and the attachment clutch ment clutch engaged, should only be done...
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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take The engine inyour tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
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MOWING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower shouldbe properlyleveled forbest mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.
MAINTENANCE EEFORE EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE SCHEDULE EACH SEASON S rORAOE HOURS HOURS HOURS HOURS Check Brake Operation V" v" Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROE Systems Chock for Loose Fasteners ChecWReplace Mower Blades V#'3 Lubrication Chart 0 i Check Battery...
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TRACTOR ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position (Normal Operating) Always observe safety ruleswhen performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted.
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• Keep battery and terminals clean. Checkthe crankcase oil level before starting • Keep battery bolts tight. the engine and after each eight (8) hours of • Keep small vent holes open. operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick se- • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. curely each time you check the oil level.
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AIR FILTER ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Your engine will notrun properlyusinga dirty Debris may clog the engine's air cooling air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 system. Remove blower housing and clean hoursof operationor every season. Service area shown to prevent overheating and paper cartridgeevery 100 hoursofoperation engine damage.
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SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: ARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fullyand set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignitionkey to "STOP" and remove key. 5.
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TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against Adjustthe mower while tractor is parked on trunnion on both front links. level groundor driveway.Makesuretires are properly inflated (See side of tirefor proper •...
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TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage The mower blade drivebeltmay bereplaced parking brake. For assistance, there is a without tools. Park the tractor on level sur- belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest.
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TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEU- TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- TRAL ADJUSTMENT MENT The transaxle should be in neutral when Ifsteering wheel crossbars are not horizontal the gear shift lever is in neutral (lock gate) (left to right) when wheels are positioned position.
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REPLACING BA'n'ERY TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug- _WARNING: Do not short battery termi- in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind nals byallowinga wrench or any otherobject the dash. to contact bothterminals at the same time. TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL AS- Before connecting battery, remove metal SEMBLY...
ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will FUEL SYSTEM not be used for 30 days or more. IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent _WARNING: Never store the tractor with gum depositsfrom forming in essentialfuel gasoline in the tank inside a building where system parts such as carburetor,fuel hose,...
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CORRECTION CAUSE PROBLEM Fill fuel tank. Out of fuel. Will not start See "TO START ENGINE" in Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Operation section. Wait several minutes before Engine flooded.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: Seeappropriate s ectionin manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Recharge or replace battery. Engine clicks Weak or dead battery. will not start Corroded battery terminals. Clean battery terminals. Loose or damaged wiring. Check all wiring. Faulty solenoid or starter, Check/replace solenoid or starter.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Poor cut - uneven Worn, bent or loose blade. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt cutting Mower deck not level. Level mower deck, Clean underside of mower Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Battery will not Bad battery cell(s). Replace battery. charge Poor cable connections. Check/clean all connections. Faulty regulator (if so equipped). Replace regulator. Faulty alternator. Replace alternator.
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and , slopes greater than 15 degrees.
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ICRAFTSMAN°I Printed in the U.S.A. 03.04.11...