SWA/_S [R n TSMaN MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 OWNER'S MANUAL • Assembly • Operation • Customer Responsibilities • Service and Adjustments • Repair Parts ;AUTION: Read and follow FOR CONSUMER F------ all safety ASSfSTANCE IHH ........... rules and instructions before operating HOT LINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: this t-800-659-5917 equipment.
& SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation Mowers IMPORTANT: TH_S CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT _NSERIOUS INJURY I. = • ° • ° • • • • • ° • • • IL Ul. CHILDREN GENERAL OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
PRODUCT CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearesl Sears Authorized Service Center/Department. We have competent, we!ttrained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OPERATION ........................................................... 10-15 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 16 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 21-26 STORAGE .................................................................... 27 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 28-29 REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 32-49 REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ....................................
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets 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 SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE GAS CAN ENGINE OIL i FUEL STABILIZER AIR FILTER BLADES BELTS PERFORMANCE Sears offers a wide vadety of attachments that fit your tractor. you.
CO NTS OF HA Parts Bag contents E PACK Parts packed shown full size separately in carton Seat Mulcher Plate Steering Wheel (1) Lock (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-t8 video (1) Locknut washer 3/8 5/!6-18 x I-1/4 _ _ Cassette (1) Hex Bof 1/2-13 x 1 1 Manual Steering Boot Parts bag contents ' ......
ASSE ,_ ................ _iv. ,.L....................... Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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 insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY = Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) terminal with remaining hex bolt, fiat washer, lock washer and hex nut. Tighten securely, , , Close battery box door. • • Open battery box door for: Inspection for secure connections ware). • Inspection for corrosion. • Testing battery, • Jumping (if required). Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
°_ i?i BLY TO CONVERT DiSCHARGiNG GAUGE WHEEL MOUNTING BRACKET TO BAGGING OR Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place, Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory. DEFLECTOR 3/8-16 LOCKNUT SHOULDER BOLT 318" WASHER GAUGE WHEEL" FIG. 5 LATCH HOOKS iNSTALL (See MULCHER Figs. PLATE 6 & 7) Install two latch hooks to mutcher plate using screw, washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supp!ied with the product. ,il Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ,THIS OWNER'S MANUAL Comparetheiilustrationswithyourtractor this manUal for future reference, AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE tofamiiiarizeyoursetfwiththe{ocations ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR of various controls and adjustments. Save IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT SWITCH POSITION LiFT LEVER PLUNGER r ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL PARKING BRAKE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB GEARSHIFT LEVER FIG.
OPERATION over the spectacles or standard safety gmasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE o Never use choke to stop engine. NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibility, always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas. (See Fig. 9) Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• ::;7i!¸:I: !iir_!_i7: 7!: , OPE AT!ON t TO OPERATE IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DoEs NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL tS DEPRESSED• ,MOWER (See Fig. 10} Your tractor is equipped With an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. , , Select desired height of cut. Lower mower with attachment lift control.
OPERATION ADD GASOMNE o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
OPERATION ............. _ __=-.= - • Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch!brake s]owty return to operating position. Allow one minute for transmission to warm uo. This can be done during the engine warm up period. Theattachments can also be used during the engine warm_up oeriod after the transmission has been warmed up. MULCHmNG MOWING mMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH.
CUSTOM MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES SCHEDULE FILL tN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE _ERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Chec Tire Pressure _ T I C for Loose Fasteners a ,,n/Replace Mower f _/7 _tionChart T l Battery Level/Recharge .... __ t Clean Battery and Terminals R I Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Oi[ Level _## a Engine Oil Nt | Clean I InsF t Muffler/Spark _2 , L_2 L. F ..........
......................... CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR o.,o, c Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION ff tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manuat)i GE FLAT WASHER TIRES ,, Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS,' on page 3 of this manual).
CUSTO RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consu_nption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running tow on oil. Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.
AIR FILTER (See Fig. 18) CLEAN Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs firsL Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean With a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
CUSTO RESPONSIBILITIES MUFFLER CLAMP CLAMP Inspect and rep ace corroded muff er and spark arrester (if equipped) as it couJd create a fire hazard and/or damage; SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occUrs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual, IN-LINE FUEL FILTER FUEL (See Fig. 20) FiG, 20 The fuel filter should be replaced once each season.
SERVICE A CAUTION: • = , , , , ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. Depress ciutchlbrake pedal fui_y and set parking brake. Place attachment ctutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and ali moving parts have completely stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and p_ace wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER LEVER (See Fig.
E TO LEVEL MOWER CE AN ADJUSTMENTS HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 24 and 25) IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE !EVEL SlDE-TO-SlDE. iF THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-DAQK ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE-TOSIDE_ To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" tower_han the rear when the mower is in its highest position. Check adjustment on right side of tractor.
S TO REPLACE (See Fig, 26) CE AN MOWER BLADE ADJ DRmVE BELT ;TlVlENTS WiTH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" NUT "A" The mower blade drive be_tmay be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on {eve{ surface. Engage parking brake. NUT BELT REMOVAL - Remove mower from tractor (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). Work bett off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys, , Pull belt away from mower.
SERVICE TO ADJUST Fig. 29) MOTION CONTROL A !NTS TO REMOVE WHEEL (See Fig. 30) LEVER (See The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. FOR REPAIRS Block up axle securely. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER - o BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. RED cable last from both batteries. HOOD POSITIVE TERMINAL NEGATIVE TERMINAL HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECTOR \ FiG. 32 ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE (See Fig. 33) CHARGED BATTERY POSiTiVE TERMINAL NEGATIVE TERMINAL , HEADLIGHT * , With engine not running, move throttle control lever from slow (_l,) to choke (N) position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTM TO ADJUST CARBURETOR (See Fig. 34) ACCELERATION NTS TEST - The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, proceed as follows: = In general, tuming idle mixture valve in (clockwise) de-, creases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a leaner fuel/ air mixture.
STORAGE ENGINE 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, __side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool FUEL SYSTEM j J TRACTOR • Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower iS to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, lremove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
TRO LESHOOTI CORRECTION PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Engine not "CHOKED" Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuet filter. Water in fuel. '8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start POINTS t. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. properIy. 8. 9. 10. Fill fuel tank. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug.
...... -- TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE Engine continues to run when operator teavea seat with attachment clutch 1. Faufty operator-safety 1. 2. • _ POINTS i_ "_,_'i = CORRECTION presence control system. t, Check wiring, switches and connections, If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Worn, bent orloose blade, Mower deck not level 1. 2. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. Level mower deck. 3. 4. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower.
CE NOTES 3O
TRACTOR - = MODEL NUMBER 917,258531 SCHEMATIC o÷1 I11o 1° RED BLACK BATTERY RED RED AMMETER (OPTIONAL) WHtTE SOLENOID RED " S )G L )- IGNITION SWITCH BLACK _ IGNITION SWITCH POSITION RCUI, TI OFF |G+M+LI RUNiLIGHTI B+L --_/* _ s_ARTtB:d+sl | NONE A+Y F NONE .O.E METER HOUR ) NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL BROWN ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR .. - MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR CHASSIS - -MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR CHASSIS =- MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - = MODEL NUMBER 9i7o258531 DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. t 2 3 8 10 15 16 I8 t9 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 3t 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 t50071 142431 143995 I54.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR STEERING - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 ASSEMBLY ...... _-_,_2_--_1 . . "22-_2222 "-.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR STEERING - MODEL NUMBER 9!7.258531 ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 SEAT ASSEMBLY 8 -...,__f 8 21 2°\ /t6 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 14O123 140551 STD523710 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17490616 19131614 155925 12t246X 121248X 72050411 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x I x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw, Thd, Rotl. 3/8-16 x 1 Washer 13/32 x 1 x I4 Gauge Pan, Seat Emboss QCK Conn.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR ° o MODEL NUMBER 9!7.25853! DECALS 13 9 2 6 t 3 18 7 7 10 !8 20 21 2! !2 13 14 KEY NOo 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 12 PART NO. 156811 !50333 151299 151300 133644 I50927 156787 146709 156439 146046 WHEELS KEY NO, DESCRIPTION Decal, DecaI, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decat, Decal, Deca}, Decal, Decal, Oper. tnstr. Cap Cnsmr Help Line Hood, R.FI. Hood; L.H. Customer Maintenance Side Panel Deck Mower EZ3 Fender, Craftsman Fender Danger V-Belt Drive Schematic 13 14 18 20 2t -.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - = MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 ENGINE KEY PART NO, NO. 150600 17720410 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 35 37 38 137352 272293 13280324 13200300 STD551237 156123 137180 109202X 123549X 123487X 17490512 137040 .......
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MOWER = - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MOWER - = MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 DECK 76 74 84 !03 t05 102 34 .
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.25853! DECK KEY NO, PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - = MODEL NUMBER - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR HYDRO GEAR TRANSA×LE o - MODEL NUMBER - MODEL NUMBER 917.258531 310-0650 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRiPT!ON KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON =- MODEL NUMBER ENGmNE o MODEL NUMBER 28N707, 917,25853t TYPE NUMBER 0!73=01 230 _614 635 238 337 3°@ 0 7 305 5O
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATFON 121 CARBURETOR ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER = MODEL NUMBER OVERHAUL 28N707, 9i7.258531 TYPE NUMBER 0173o01 KiT 0 15 !37 52 _" REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR iNSTRUCTiON MANUAL.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - ° MODEL NUMBER - MODEL NUMBER 28N707, 9!7.
REPAIR PARTS BRIGGS & STRATTON TRACTOR _ _ MODEL NUMBER ENGINE NUMBER - MODEL 917.
REPAIR PARTS BR1GGS & STRATTON TRACTOR o - MODEL NUMBER ENGINE NUMBER = MODEL KEYPART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
SERVICE NOTES 56
SERVICE 57 NOTES
SERVICE NOTES 58
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CRAFTSMAN® S!AIRS OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 917°258531 15.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC (HYDROSTATIC) LAWN TRACTOR Each tractor has its own model number, its own model number. Each engine has The model number for your tractor wi!l be found on the model plate located under the seat. The model number for your engine wilt be found on the b!ower housing of the engine.