Page 1
® MODEL 917,258960 OWNER'S NIANUAL ° Assembny ° Operation o Customer Responsibilities ° Service and Adjustments ° Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment. FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-659-5917 _"i_- ................
Page 2
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT _a SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. GENERAL OPERATION III, CHILDREN Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the and on the machine before starting.
Page 3
RIDING EQUIPMENT For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according 1o the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of cl_arge, any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.
ACCESSORmES AND ATTACHMENTS These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail oullets and service centers when the tractor was purchased, Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor ENGINE MAINTENANCE GAS CAN...
Page 7
You r new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembted for shipping purposes To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely, the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness,.
Page 8
ASSEBa.BLY CONNECT BAT _ER'_ 0see Fig. 2} INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. CAUTION: Do not short battery termi., Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.. rials+ Before connecting bakery, re._ move metal bracelets, wristwatch Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt bands, rir_gs, etc, Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely.
Page 9
ASSEM Place the R_H, suspension arm on inward pointing INSTALL MOWER DRIVE BELT (See deck pin,. If necessary, rock and raise front of mower Figs. 4 and to align deck pin with the hole in suspension arm, Be sure tractor is on level surface and mower suspension Retain with double loop retainer spring with loops down as shown,,...
Page 10
ASSE CHECK TiRE PRESSURE DEFLECTOR SHIELD Tile tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for sllipping purposes.. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutling performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSi shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM...
Page 11
OPERATION H:Ul ,, ,ll These symbols may appear on your product or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE CLUTCH LIGHTS ON LIGHTS OFF CHOKE FUEL...
Page 12
OPERAWION KNOW YOUR TRACYOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations witi_ your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments,. Save this manual for fLlture reference LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT IGNITION SWITCH CLUTCH SWITCH...
Page 13
OPERATION 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 the spectacles or standard...
Page 14
OPERATmO Move gearshift lever to 1st gear and range shift lever to TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 8) low (L) position. Be sure you have allowed room for Adjust gauge wheels with tractor-on a flat levet sufface_ tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.. Adjust mower to desked cutting heigl!t (See "TO AD- To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and JUST MOWER CUTTING HE!GHT"...
ATmO MOWING TiPS system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor- ° Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the is attached to tractor.
Page 16
OPERATIO rViULCH_NG MOWING TiPS IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MAX 1/3 MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH CLEAN AFTER EACH USE Tile special mulching blade will recut the grass clip- pings many times and reduce [hem in size so that as riley fall onto the lawn they wil! disperse into the grass and not be noticed..
Page 17
OUST0 ER RESPONS ULI ES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /. __!_n_n_ ../_/'_o_,_ ''* ..FILL IN DATES /_!?-_, _<,0_ AS YOU COMPLETE REGUL.ARSERV!C _ ....... /__,_._:/_4_;/ ATES CheckBrake Operalion Check Tire Pressure e" e"7 V" Check for Loose Fasteners sharpeniRepiace Mower Blades LUbd,cati,on Chart Level/Recharge =Check Battery...
Page 18
OUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLiTIES I'RACTOR The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel, Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower Always observe safety rules when performing any mahlte- To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter nance, steel bolt, pin, ora cone balancer.
Page 19
CUSTO IRESPONSI ULUTaES i i,,/ TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs 16 and 17) Determine temperature range expected before oil change. Your tractor has a batten.i charging system which is suffi- All oil must meet API service classification SF, SG, or SH cient for normal use,, However, periodic charging of the Be sure tractor is on level surfacer battery with an automotive charger will extend its lifeo...
Page 20
CUSWO£ IIER RESPONSIBILITIES IftUFFLER CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig, 17) Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arresLer (if Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. engine damage frorn overheating Ctean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum...
Page 21
SERVHCE AND ADJUST ENT$ CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Depress clutchlbrake pedal fully and set parking brake. ° Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key° Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
SERVHOE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT FROItT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 22 and 23) - I_IPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-StDE MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL (See Fig. 24) - THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT Park tractor on a level surface.. Engage parking brake {,IECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE.
Page 23
SERVHCE AN ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT NOTE: After installing a new electric clutch, run tractor at (See Fig. 25) full throttle and engage and disengage etectric clutch 10 cycles to wear in clutch plate.. Park the tractor on level surface,, Engage parking brake •...
Page 24
SERVICE AND ADJUST ENTS "TO REPLACE IVIOTION DRIVE BELT TO ADJUST STEERUNG WHEEL ALIGNMENT (See Fig, 28) If steering wheel crossbars are not ilorizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer- Pad< tt_e tractor on level surface.. Engage pafldng brake. ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly For ease of service there is a belt installation guide decal on section of this manual.
Page 25
SERVICE A ADJUSTME TO REMOVE WHEEL REPAIRS TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER - FRONT WHEEL (See Fig. 31) - BLACK cable first from chassis and fully charged batten7, Block up axle securely ° RED cable last from both batteries_ Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal.
Page 26
ERV CE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGRNE TO ADJUST ATTACHMENT SPRING (See Fig, 33) ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE While holding spring bushing with wrench, loosen jam (See Fig. 35) nut. The ttlrottle contro! has been preset at the faclory and Turn adjustment bolt clockwise to extend spring and adjuslment should not be necessary Check adjustment as reduce lift effort {for heavier attachments)
Page 27
AND ADJUST ENTS SERVnCE _.,,..._,,,_ TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL TO ADJUST CARBURETOR (See Fig. (See Figs. 35 and 36) Tile carburetor has been present at the factory and adjust- ment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment Ttne choke control has been preset at tlne factory and may be required to compensate for differences in fuel,...
Page 28
STORAGE ENGgNE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more.. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT iS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT CAUTION: Never stor DEPOSITS FROM FORMING ESSENTIAL FUEL...
Page 29
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start Out of fuel Fill fuel tank, Engine not "CHOKED" properly See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. Engine flooded Wait several minutes before attempting to start Bad spark plug Replace spark plug Dirty air filter Clean/replace air filter Dirty fuel filter...
Page 30
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS CAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION Engine continues to tun Faulty operator-safety presence control system Check wiring, switches and conneclJons I( not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ when operator leaves seat wilh attachment clutch department engaged Worn, bent or loose blade Poorcut-uneven Replace blade Tighten biade bolt...
Page 32
REPAgR PARTS TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 ELECTRICAL...
Page 33
REPAnR PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,258960 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 74760412 Boft Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 STD551125 Washer, Lock 1/4 STD551025 Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga STD541025 Nut Fin Hex 1/4-20 7697J Tube Plastic 7603J Tray, Battery 109596X Clamp, Hose...
Page 34
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES ,%0..>. 17 /...
Page 35
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 9'17.258960 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 150253 Rail, Frame RH STD5337t0 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x t 140506 Drawbar, Gt t36939 Bracket, Spnsn Front Lh 13667IX558 PanelAsm, Side LH 136940 Bracket, Spnsn Front Rh 73680700 Nut, Crown Lock Hex 7/I6-14 Unc 154913...
Page 36
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 GROUND DRIVE...
Page 37
REIPA R PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 GROUND DRIVE PART PART NO,, DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 9858MI t2t749X Washer 25/32 x 1-t/4 x 16 Ga. Key, Woodruff 7563R Washer, Thrust, Axle 150035 Nyliner 17490508 Screw, Thdrot 5/16-t8 x 1/2 Tyt 74321016 Screw, Fin..
Page 38
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLy ""MODEL NUMBER 917.258960...
Page 39
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.2589£,0 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 121472X Wheel, Steering t37094 Axfe Asm., Front 6855M Fitting, Grease 136960 Spindle Asm, LH 136959 Spindle Asm., RH 6266H Bearing, Race Thrust Harden t2t748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x !6 Ga. 12000029 Ring, Klip #T5304-75 121232)(...
Page 40
REPAHR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 ENGINE "iJ ii_; / ,% , 5448 [ SPARK ARR_ESTER KIT ..
Page 41
REIPA R PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION Engine (See Breakdown) Kohler CV20S-65538 Muffler Asm 152947 13200300 Elbow STD 90 Degree 318 - 18 NPT Muffler Asm Guard 151396 12!361X Pulley V-Idler 150828 Belt Keeper Asm VGT I05432X Bushing Clutch Electric...
Page 42
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 140124 Seat 72050411 Bolt, Carriage 1/4-20 X 1-3/8 14055 t Bracket, Pivot Seat 121249X Spacer, Split 140675 Strap, Fender 123740X Spring, Cprsn 127018X Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 x 62 t23976X Nut, Lock 1/4 Lge Fig Gr.
Page 44
REPAUR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 LIFT ASSEMBLY...
Page 45
IREPAnR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION t21006X Rod Asm,, Lever 154389 Shaft Asm., Lift Vgt 12t002X Lever Asm., Lift Rh 12000022 E-Ring Truarc #5133-87 19292016 Washer 29/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga 74780624 Bolt, Fin Hex 3/8-t6 x 1-1/2 125631X Grip, Handle Fluted 122365X...
Page 46
REPABR PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 MOWER DECK...
Page 51
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR o - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 KOHLER ENGINE _ MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65538 CRANKCASE CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 24-782-05 Cylinder Block (Use Mini Block) 24.-318-11 Head Assembly, #1 Cylinder 24-294-03 Fitting Kit, Valve Cover, Breather...
Page 52
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - lvIODEL NUMBER 917.258960 KOHLER ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65538...
Page 53
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 KOHLER ENGINE - f_]ODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65538 24-063-23 Baffle, Valley, # 1 Side IGNITION/ELECTRICAL M_0545016 Screw, Hex Flange M5 x 0.8 x 16 KEY PART 24-063_30 Baffle, Cylinder Barrel, # I Side NO.
Page 54
REPAaR PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 KOHLER ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65538 i,,i,i STARTING SYSTEM ! ENGINE CONTROLS 2!L pAN/.LUBRICAT!ON...
Page 55
REPAQRPARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 K:OHLER ENGBNE - MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUr_BER 65538 ENGINE CONTROLS STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO, NO. SM-0642025 Screw, Hex Flange M6 x 10 x 25 M-0839070 Screw, Hex Flange M8 x 125 x 70 24-090-t4 Lever, Governor...
Page 56
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 KOHLER ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65538 EXHAU.ST _..2 ----_ 3---_ FUEL SYSTEM 6./? !18 20 16 17 '_'37 - 36...
Page 57
REPAORPARTS TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.258960 KOHLER ENGINE - MODEL NU[,fdBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65538 CRANKSHAFT FUELSYSTEM KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Crankshaft 24-014-72 24-853-19 Kit, Carburetor with Gasket 52-I39-09 Plug, Cup (Includes Key Numbers 2 thru 4) 24-041-15 Gasket, Carburetor 24-053-19...
Page 59
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING _UIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 15° MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face.
® OWNE 18.5 HP IC ELECTRIC START 46" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE GARDEN TRACTOR MODEL NO. Each tractor' has its own model number_ Each engine has its own model number. 917.258960 The model number for your tractor will be found on the model plate located under the seal The model number for your engine will be found on the blower housing of the engine,...