Craftsman 917289211 Lawn Tractor User Manual

Craftsman 917289211 Lawn Tractor

SAFETY RULES

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly 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 the machine off if a child enters the area. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace them with the manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
• The mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may
  suddenly 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 the machine off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
• If the machine stops while going uphill, disengage the blades, shift into reverse, and back down slowly.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION

• Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means, from your point of view, when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). TO REMOVE THE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

1. Cut along dashed lines on all four panels of the carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.
2. Remove protective materials from the tractor hood and grille.

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples in the skid that may puncture the tires where the tractor is to roll off the skid.

TO CHECK BATTERY

• Lift the hood to a raised position.
  NOTE: If this battery is put into service after the month and year indicated on label (L) (the label is located between terminals) charge the battery for a minimum of one hour at 6-1 O amps. (See “BATTERY” in the Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions).

ADJUST SEAT

1. Sit in your seat.
2. Lift up the adjustment lever (A) and slide the seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press the clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
3. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

WARNING: Before starting, read, understand, and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure the tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of the tractor is clear of other people and objects.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls)

1. Raise the attachment lift lever to its highest position.
2. Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in the “transmission disengaged position” (See “TO TRANSPORT” in the Operation section of this manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5. Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against the tractor.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for the 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 THE PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how 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.

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in the literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

• Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards which can result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER’S 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 attachments mounted to your tractor.
• (B) CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL – Used for declutching and braking the tractor and starting the engine.
• (C) PARKING BRAKE – Locks clutch/ brake pedal into the brake position.
• (D) THROTTLE CONTROL – Used to controll engine speed.
• (E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER – Used to engage the mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
• (F) IGNITION SWITCH – Used for starting and stopping the engine.
• (G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) “ON” POSITION – Allows operation of mower or other powered attachment while in reverse.
• (H) LIGHT SWITCH – Turns the headlights on and off.
• (J) GEARSHIFT LEVER – Selects the speed and direction of tractor.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence-sensing switch. When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress clutch/brake pedal (B) all the way down and hold.
2. Pull the parking brake lever (C) up and hold, release pressure from clutch/ brake pedal (B), then release the parking brake lever. The pedal should remain in the brake position. Make sure the parking brake will hold the tractor secure.

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES

• • To stop the mower blades, move attachment clutch clutch lever to the disengaged position

GROUND DRIVE

• To stop the ground drive, depress the clutch/ brake pedal all the way down.
• Move the motion control lever (J) to the neutral position.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control (D) between half and full speed (fast) position.
  NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full speed (fast) position, before stopping, may cause the engine to “backfire”.
• Turn the ignition key (F) to the “STOP” position and remove the key. Always remove the key when leaving the tractor to prevent unauthorized use.
• Never use choke (N) to stop the engine.
  IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than “STOP” will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
  NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause the “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility, always stop the engine when stopping the tractor on grass areas.
• CAUTION: Always stop the tractor completely, as described above, and set the parking brake before leaving the operator’s position.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)

Always operate the engine at full speed (fast).

• Operating the engine at less than full speed (fast) reduces the engine’s operating efficiency.
• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower performance.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the motion control lever. (J)

1. Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
2. Release parking brake.
3. Slowly move motion control lever to desired position.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

The position of the attachment lift lever (A) determines the cutting height.

• Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot.
•  Slide pointer tab (T) to desired cutting height as a reminder for next time youmow.
  The cutting height range is approximately 1″ to 4″. The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high;the second to desired height.

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS

Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.

NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.

1. Adjust the mower to the desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in this section of the manual).
2. With the mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in the appropriate hole. Tighten securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

TO OPERATE MOWER

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. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.

1. Select the desired height of the cut with the attachment lift lever.
2. Start mower blades by engaging the attachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES – disengage attachment clutch control.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield (S)in place.

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

WARNING: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide provided at the back of this manual.

• Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.
  IMPORTANT: The motion control lever does not return to neutral (N) position when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move the motion control lever to slowest setting.
• Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in the freewheeling position.
• NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)

• Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS “ON” position.
• WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS “ON”, to allow reverse operation with the attachment clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM –

Only use if you are certain no children or other bystanders will enter the mowing area.

1. Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise to ROS “ON” position.
3. Look down and behind before and while backing.
4. Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) position to start movement.
5. When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine “ON” position.

ROS “ON” Position

Engine “ON” Position (Normal Operating)

Transmission Disengaged

MAINTENANCE

1. Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2. Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3. Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4. Not required if equipped with maintenance-free battery.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tractor. At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

• At least once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter, and check blades and belts for wear. A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check brake operation.
3. Check tire pressure.
4. Check operator presence and ROS systems for proper operation.
5. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION CHART

1. SAE 30 or 10w30 Motor Oil
2. General Purpose Grease
3. Refer to Maintenance “ENGINE” Section

ENGINE LUBRICATION

• Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.
• NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL

• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.

1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.
2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning it counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, insert dipstick into the tube and push down firmly into place before removing. Keep oil up to, but not over, the “FULl” line on dipstick. Push dipstick down

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center

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Craftsman 917289211 Lawn Tractor-FAQs