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Craftsman 917.254244 Owner's Manual

Lt 12 hp electric start 6 speed - 38" mower lawn tractor
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OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL
NO.
q17.254244
Caution:
Read and Follow
All Safety
Rules
And instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
LT 12 HP ELECTRIC
START
6 SPEED
- 38"
MOWER
LA WN
TRA CTOR
® Assembly
® Operation
e Maintenance
® Repair and Adjustment
® Repair Parts
Sears,
Roebuck
and
Co,
Chicago,
IL 60684
USA

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.254244

  • Page 1 ,,,,. OWNERS MANUAL MODEL q17.254244 Caution: Read and Follow LT 12 HP ELECTRIC START All Safety Rules 6 SPEED - 38" MOWER And instructions LA WN TRA CTOR Before Operating This Equipment ® Assembly ® Operation e Maintenance ® Repair and Adjustment ®...

  • Page 2: Brake

    SAFETY RULES Know the controls and how to stop quickly READ THIS Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment. OPERA TOR'5 MANUAL end instructions furnished with Use only approved drawbar hitch points, attachments, Limit loads to those you can safely control Do not allow children to operate the machine.
  • Page 3 CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn Tractor It has been designed, engineered and manufactured SERIAL to give you the best possible dependability and performance. NUMBER Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- edy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Department DATE OF PURCHASE We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this uniL...
  • Page 4 INDEX Filter ............. 16 Adjustments: Parking Brake ..........Brake ..........14 Fuel: Paffs Bag ............ Carburetor ........18 Type ......... Mower Drive Belt ......22 Storage ........22 Mower Fuse ..........Front-to-Rear .......23 Repa# and Adjustments ....1 4-23 Side-to-Side ....... 22 Blade ..........
  • Page 5 Unpack Tractor Sleeve Push Steering down aligning notch Take items out of box, The box contains the items Steering Sleeve with tab on steering bushing shown below Place steering wheel adapter on upper steering shaft. With front wheels pointed straight ahead, place Cut down four corners of the carton with a utility...
  • Page 6 ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY PARTS CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE LOCATION © BA T TER Y (2) Wing Nut _ 1/4 - 20 (21 Lockwasher, Int/Ext Tooth © BA TTER Y (2) Lockwasher 1/4 (2) Hex Bolt, I/4 - 20 x 3/4 /P_ ©...
  • Page 7 ASSEMBLY Toassemble tractoryouwillneed: (2) 7/16" Wrenches TirePressure Gauge INSERT (1) 1/2"Wrench Screwdriver (I) 3/4" wrench Utility Knife (2) 9/16" wrenches NOTE: RIGHT HAND (RH) AND LEFT HAND (L H) ARE STEERING WHEEL DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR STEERING WHEEL WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD...
  • Page 8 ASSEMBL Y Check Tires SHOULOER AOJUSTM_Nt 6QLT _OLT Check the air pressure in the t#es. Tires with too much air pressure will cause the unit to ride rough. The wrong air pressure will also keep the mower from cutting level. coFect air pressum is shown on the side of the timso ff the ait pf _ssure is not shown, set to pressures shown in the REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT...
  • Page 9 OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR. If you understand the unit and its operation, youwillachieveefficientandpeakpedormance, Whilereadingthemanual, comparetheillustrationswithyourLawn Tractor to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments,, Study the operating instructions and safety precauti_ns th_r_ugh_y t_ insure pr_per functi_ning _f y_ur Lawn Tract_r and t_ prevent injury t_ y_urse_f and _thers.
  • Page 10 OPERATION 1o Stopping Your Tractor NOTE: REMOVE KEY WHEN LEAVING TRACTOR PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED SCREEN Push clutch-brake pedal into full "BRAKE"position, Keep your foot on pedal. Place attachment clutch lever in "DISENGAGED" Position, Move gear shift lever to "NEUTRAL " position_ Place parking brake in "ENGAGED"...
  • Page 11 StaRing The Engine OPERATION a,. Move throttle control lever (Fig., 7) past "FAST"to the ATTACHMENT CLUTCH "CHOKE" position. LEVER "DISENGAGED*' POSITION HEIGHT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH Tumignitionkeyto "START"andreleasekeyassoon ADJUSTMENT LEVER "ENGAGED" as engine starts. KNOB POSIT!ON LIFT LEVER CAUTION: DO NOT RUN STARTER CONTINUOUSLY LIFT LEVER FOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN SECONDS PER 'OSITION...
  • Page 12 Mowing Tips OPERATION NOTE: TIRE CHAINS CANNOT BE USED WITH THE MOWER ATTACHED. Slowly release clutch brake pedal Mowershouldbe adjustedpropedy front to back and Move throttle lever to fast position, side to side for good mowing performance, Referto REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT section Ipage 22).
  • Page 13 MAINTENANCE To keep your tractor running better, longer, BEFORE MAKING ANY INSPECTION, perform necessary service using the folio wing ADJUSTMENT, OR REPAIR: maintenance schedule: PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY DOWN, With Every Mowing MOVE GEAR SHIFT CONTROL LEVER TO NEUTRAL POSITION. PLACE PARKING BRAKE IN "EN- Make sure all nuts on bolts are tight and cotter pins and...
  • Page 14 FtEPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT Brake Adjustment This tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system mounted on the right side of the transaxle (Fig. 10)_ BRAKE OPERATING IF TRACTOR REQUIRES MORE THAN BRAKE SIX FEET STOPPING DISTANCE HIGHEST GEAR, THEN BRAKE MUST BE ADJUSTED.
  • Page 15 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall., Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed, Place center hole of clean blade overthe head of the nail(Fig. NOTE: CENTER HOLE OF BLADE ON NAIL, IF BLADE IS PROPERLY BALANCED, BLADE SHOULD REMAIN IN POSI-...
  • Page 16 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT _20 ° 0 ° 32 ° 60 ° 80 ° 100 _ Check Engine 011 Level NOTE: DO NOT CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL WITH ENGINE RUNNING, Several minutes after stopping engine, check engine oil level with tractor on level ground, Wipe dipstick (Fig°...
  • Page 17 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT 9.. Check Muffler Inspect and replace damaged muffler and/or deflector as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. CYLINDER OR FINS AS CONTACT TOUCH MUFFLER, MAY CAUSE BURNS. 10. Lubricate Pivot Points Place several drops of SAE 30 oil at points where parts move against each other, especially: Front axle pivot Hood hinges...
  • Page 18 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT 12. Throttle Control Cable Adjustment DO NOT MAKE UNNECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS. FACTORY SETTINGS ARE SATISFACTORY FOR MOST APPLICATIONS AND CONDITIONS. IF ADJUSTMENTS ARE NEEDED,PRO- CEED AS FOLLOWS: a. Make sure air cleaner is clean (see page _8) b. With engine not running, place throttle control in "FAST"...
  • Page 19 FtEPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT 16. Motion Drive Belt Removal The tractor drive belt may be replaced without tools Park the ENGINE tractoronlevelarea Engageparkingbrake NOTE: ABELT PULLEY INSTALLATION DECAL IS UNDER LEFT FOOTREST DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION Remove mower (See mower section, Following DECAL CLUTCH page 2o).
  • Page 20 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT 17. Fuse Replacement Replace with 30 amp automotive - type plug-in fuse_ 18, Hood Removal To raise hood, lift at rear of hood,. To remove hood, grill and side panels, raise hood and loosen one screw on each side panel (This screw remains in the side panel)

  • Page 21: Mower Drive Belt

    REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT 20. Mower Installation Your Mower instafls without the use of tools Raise Attach- ment Lift Lever (Fig 27) to its highest position Turn height LIFT LEVER adjustment knob to lowest position (Fig 28) PLUNGER LIFT LEVER Slide Mower under tractor, discharge guard to RH POSITION Side Install front hinge pin through axle and parallel link...

  • Page 22: Side-To-Side

    REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT 22. Mower Drive Belt Replacement Slide belt under extension spring (Fig 30) Place belt on rear side of both mandrels. Spring idler belt guide down and place belt around rear side of idler pulley° Rofl belt over engine pulley. e,, Make sure belt is inside all belt guides_ 23.
  • Page 23 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT NOTE: ONE ROTATION OF ADJUSTMENT NUTS EQUIVALENT APPROXIMATELY 3/16" HEIGHT CHANGE REAR Be sure all nuts are securely tightened SUSPENSION Replace cover Front-To-Rear Mower Adjustment To obtain the best cutting results, your mower hous- ing should be adjusted so the front and rear flange distance "D"...
  • Page 24 REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT LUBRICATIONCHART AXLE PIVOT; SPINDLE _1_ SPINDLE FRONT WHEEL _FRONT WHEEL BEARING BEARING ® CLUTCH PIVOT CLUTCH/BRAKE PIVOT _-_ ATTACHMENT LIFT_ ATTACHMENT LIFT ARM MOWER CLUTCH PIVOT SAE 30 MOTOR OIL GENERAL PURPOSE GREASE REFER TO PAGE 16 FOR ENGINE OIL SPECIFICATIONS.
  • Page 25 TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE/REMEDY (SEE INDEX) Push Clutch/Brake Pedal into Brake Position. Move Attachment Clutch Lever to "Disengaged Position Fill Fuel Tank with Gasollna, Check Fuel Line and Carburetor (clean If necessary) Replace Fuel Filter WILL NOT START Check fuse for fault and replace Recharge or replace Battery...
  • Page 26 TROUBLESHOOTING Chock air pressure in tires Chock front to roar and side to side mower adjust- ment Use a slower ground speed UNSATISFACTORY MOWER PERFORMANCE Check engines RPM's (refer to Carburetor Adjustment) UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF CLIPPINGS Replace mower blades Relnstafl mower blades with...
  • Page 27 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 SCHEMATIC BLACK INTERLOCK SW,TCHES I CLUTCH/BRAKE ATT'MENT CLUTCH." {PEDAL UP) (CLUTCH OFF) WH,TE __ BLACK BLACK SEAT SWITCH _._J IGNITION (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION FUSE SWITCH BLACK_ UNIT 30 AMP • \ BLACK BLACK SPARK PLUG IGNITION...
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  • Page 32 REPAaR PARTS H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 DRIVE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester Screen Assembly...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR,-MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 109070X Retainer Belt 12O358X 4470J Spacer Engine, 12 H.P. Tecumseh 4859J Idler, Flat Model No. 143386012 106298X Pulley, Idler 105731X Pulley, Engine t 05705X Bellcrank Assembly (inc. Key No. 88) 120374K Valve, Drain Oil STD523715...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244...
  • Page 35 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 STEERING AND FRONT AXLE PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 109283X012 Dash 2882J Pin . Drive 3/16 x 1 74580 74180512 Screw - Truss Hd. Cross Recess Spacer .627 x .88 x .695 71208 5/16.
  • Page 36 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 LIFT ADJUSTMENT...
  • Page 37 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 LIFT ADJUSTMENT PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION Lever, Assembly I06448X Lever, Clutch, Mower 105768X Plunger I06932X Knob I05723X Grip, Handle 106451X Bolt, Shoulder I09413X Retainer, Spring 73680600 Nut, Lock, 3/8 - 16 4939M Link, Lift I06452X...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 H.P. 38" RIDING 38" MOWER 53 I GRASS CATCHER ATTACHMENT IS I BEING USED. REFER TO GRASS CATCHER OWNERS MANUAL BLADE PART NUMBER.
  • Page 39 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 38" MOWER PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION ** Blade I06085X V.Belt 106634X Washer 13/32x I - I/4 x 12Ga 105689X Housing 19132012 • Washer, Lock 3/8 8417J Runner, RoH. STD551137 • Bolt, Hex, 3/8 - 24 x 1 - 1/2 Gr 5 73680600 Nut, Lock, 3/8 - 16 STD623715...
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 TRANSAXLE FOOTE - MODEL NUMBER 4150-40 TRANSAXLE 38"...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,254244 TRANSAXLE FOOTE - MODEL NUMBER 4150-40 TRANSAXLE PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION Washer, Plain, 758 x 1,25 x 025 105903X Housing, Upper 106097X Washer, Plain, .758 x 1.25 x rO31 2276J Screw.
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 ENGINE TECUMSEH - MODEL NUMBER 143.386012 ENGINE MODEL and SERIAL )-_- NUMBERS HERE _121 6564, 81 70' "- 76...

  • Page 43: Element

    REPAUR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,254244 ENGINE TECUiViSEH - MODEL NUMBER 143.386012 ENGINE Ref. Part Ref. Part P_tName P_tName 35323A Cylinder Assy, (IncL Nos 8 8- 13) 35308 Valve, Exhaust (Std.) 28277 Washer, Flat 35433 Valve, Exhaust (1/32"...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 317.254244 ENGINE TECUMSEH - MODEL NUMBER 143.386012 ENGINE MODEL andSERIAL NUMBERS HERE 1132B -ooA...
  • Page 45 REPAaR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RiDiNG LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 ENGINE TECUMSEH - MODEL NUMBER 143.386012 ENGINE Ref. Part Ref. Part Part Name P_tName 35290 *34912 Cover, Cylinder head Gasket, Air cleaner 650273 Screw, Fil hd Seres, 5/16-18 x 1/2 650784 Screw, Hex hd taptite, w/flatwasher, 30688...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS 12 H.P. 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.254244 ENGINE TECUMSEH - MODEL NUMBER 143.386012 ENGINE STARTER MOTOR 33605 Part Name 33605 Starting Motor, Complete Cover, Dust 33451 33842 Ring, Retainer 33430 Retainer, Spring 33431 Spring, Anti-drift 33432 Gear 33433...

  • Page 47: Levels

    SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SBGHTDNG SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATnON ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE 0/11 SIGHT HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH LiNE OR TREE 15 ° MAX. Operale your Tractor down faoe of slopes (no{ greater than 15°)_ never across...
  • Page 48 L T 12 HP ELECTRIC START OWNERS 6 SPEED - 38" MOWER MANUAL LAWN TRACTOR MODEL 917.254244 The Model Number will be found on the Model Plate attached the Fender. Always provide the Model Number when requesting service or repair parts for your Lawn...