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Craftsman 917.259870 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.259870 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.259870 Owner's Manual

13.5 hp electric start 38" mower 5 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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Owner's Manual
ELECTRIC
START
38" MOWER
5 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.259870
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-
gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating
this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman
Help Line
5 am - 5 prn, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman
Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.259870

  • Page 1 Call: Read and follow all Safety 1-800-659-5917 Rules and Instructions before Sears Craftsman Help Line operating this equipment. 5 am - 5 prn, Mon - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Parts Ordering ..... Back Cover LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT: This culling machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwin _ objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious mlary or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION It. SLOPE OPERATION • Road, understand, end follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss instructions in the manual end on the...
  • Page 4 III. CHILDREN • Never run a machine inside a closed Tragic accidents can occur if the operator area. is not alert to the presence of children. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade Children are often attracted to the attachment bolts, tight and keep machine and the mowing activity.
  • Page 5 ,_CAUTION: Tow only the attachments • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that are recommended by and comply that you will not have to stop or shift with specifications of the manufaclurer while on the slope. your tractor. Use common sense when •...

  • Page 6: Safety Rules

    REPAIR AGREEMENT PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS A Repair Agreement is available on this GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS product. Contact your nearest Sears CAPACITY UNLEADED store for details, AND TYPE: REGULAR CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES 31LTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE 32°F) • Read and observe the safety rules. _,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30 •...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Extension Steering Shaft Steering Sleeve teering Wheel Adapter (1) Large Flat (1) Hex Bolt Washer 3/8-16 x 1 Steering Wheel Insert (1) Lock washer 3/8 Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Video Cassette Keys...

  • Page 8: Assembly

    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, Review the video cassette before you begin.

  • Page 9: Operation

    TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location function of controls) Battery Box Laber 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. 3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
  • Page 10 CHECKTIRE PRESSURE ",/'CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated Before you operate and enjoy your new at the factory for shipping purposes. tractor, we wish to assure that you receive Correct tire pressure is impodant for best the best performance and satisfaction culling performance.
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNfNG ENGINE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS OVER TEMP LIGHT MOWER LIFT FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING DRAKE UNLOCKED...
  • Page 12 KNOWYOURTRACTOR 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. Attachment Clutch Lever Ignition Switch ht Switch Lever Throttle/Choke...
  • Page 13 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.
  • Page 14 TO OPERATE ON HILLS TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT _I,CAUTION: Do not drive up or down The position of the attachment _ift lever hills with slopes greater than 15° and determines the cutting height. • Grasp lifl lever. not drive across any slope. •...
  • Page 15 BEFORE STARTINGTHE ENGINE TO START ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first timeor if the engine has run outof fuel, it wilttake extra The engine in your tractor has been crankingtime to move fuel from the tank to shipped, from the factory, already filled the engine, with summer weight oil.
  • Page 16 MOWlNGTIPS • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and • Tire chains cannot be used when the possible fire hazard from dried clip- mower housing is attached to tractor. pings. Make first cut relatively high; the •...
  • Page 17 2 • $_,vice _or_ c_len whe_ ope_tr,g in diay o_duSly cor,dd_ns 6 NOl r,_,_r ed _ equ,_p,_f with m_r4enance Ir_,_bat_e_ 7 • T_ghle,_ t_c_t a_l_ p;vo_bOl__o 35 II t,s maximum • _er,_¢e t_la _,_Sraore o_e_ wren r_,_wing in sandy sol_ Oo no1 overt_gaten GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS...
  • Page 18 TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown.
  • Page 19 BATTERY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption ever, periodic charging of the battery with when used above 32°E Check your an automotive charger will extend its life.
  • Page 20 ENGINE COOLING FINS 3. Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface. Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace cooling fins to prevent engine damage cartridge. from overheating. 4. Reinstall cartridge, nut, precleaner, 1.
  • Page 21 CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. electrical system, muffler, air filter and of all foreign matter. carburetor are covered to keep water out. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free Water in engine can resuJt in a shortened of all gasoline, oil, etc.
  • Page 22 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Check adjustment on right side of tractor. Measure distance "D" directly in front and Adjust the mower while tractor is parked behind the mandrel at bottom edge of on level ground or driveway. Make sure mower housing as shown. tires are properly inflated (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS"...
  • Page 23 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE 4. Road test tractor for proper stopping BELT distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still The mower blade drive belt may be greater than six (6) feet in highest replaced without tools. Park the tractor on gear, further maintenance is neces- level surface.
  • Page 24 TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK MENT BATTERY _CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, positioned straight forward, remove flame and smoking materials away from steering wheel and reassemble per batteries.

  • Page 25: Maintenance

    REPLACING BATTERY INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS ,_CAUTION: Do not short battery Loose or damaged wiring may cause your terminals by allowing e wrench or any tractor to run poorly, stop running, or other object to contact both terminals at prevent it from starting. the same time.
  • Page 26 FINAL SETFING - 2. Check that holes "A" in governor control lever and hole in governor plate line-up. 1. Start engine and allow to warm for five If holes 'W' are not aligned, loosen clamp minutes. Make final adjustments with screw and move throttle cable until holes engine running and shift/motiee control are aligned.

  • Page 27: Storage

    Immediately prepare your tractor for experianee indicates that alcohol storage at the end of the season or if the blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture tractor will not be used for 30 days or more.

  • Page 28: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE 3ORRECTION Will not start Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" 2. Engine not "CHOKED" in Operation section. properly. 3. Wait several minutes 3. Engine flooded. before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4.
  • Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Set in "Higher Cut" position/ Loss of power 1, Cutting too much grass/too fast. reduce speed. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" 2. Adjust throttle control. position. 3. Clean underside of mower 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM Mower blades will 1. Obstruction in clutch 1. Remove obstruction. not rotate mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower 2. Replace mower drive belt. drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel• 4.
  • Page 31 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 scHEMATIC NON.RE_OVAE_-E CONNECTIONS pROPERLY SECURE Y...
  • Page 32 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 9 17.259870 ELECTRICAL KEY PART DESCRIPTION 144925 Battery 12 Volt 25 Amp 74760412 Bolt, Hex Head 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 156417 Case, Battery Mech Hinge 153664 Switch, Interlock Push-In 166181 Harness, Light Socket (Includes 4152J) 4152J Bulb, Light 4799J Cable, Battery, 6 Gauge, Red, 11"...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRIPTION 169831 Chassis 169061 Dfawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash t55924X014 Saddle Slkscr Fit LT 155138 Clip Retainer Slide-On 168347X014 Dash 72140608 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 3/9-16unc 155927 Panel Dash LH 145660 Clip Tin nerman Gdlle P/L...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 GROUND DRIVE...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 9 17.259870 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION ..Transaxle Dana D4360-139 165638 Keeper Bell Idler (Order parts from Iransaxle 19131312 Washer 13/32 x 19/16 x 12 Ga Manufacturer) 127783 F'ulley Idler V Groove Plastic 146682 Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 154407 Beltcrank Asm.
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 STEERING...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 STEERING PART DESCRIPTION 14CO44X428 Bteedn9 Wheel 154427 Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL 156483 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 157473 Spindle Assembly, 6266H Beadng, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Gauge 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Gauge 12000029 Ring, Klip 3366R...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 137040 Line Fuel20' 170551 ControITWch 17720410 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T ..Plug Oil Drain (See Engine Engine Bdggs Model 28R707 Breakdown) (See Engine Breakdown) 124028X Bushing Snap Nyl BIk Fuel Line 137348...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 127427 Seat 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Ny150 Id 140551 Bracket Pvt SI 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht 1/4-20xl -1/2 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc 134300 Spacer Split 28x 96 Yet Zinc 19131610 Washer Flat 13/32 xl xl0 Ga...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 172976 Decal Fender 168869 Decal Tick Mark Aust 156439 Decal Fender Dnger 165387 Decal Engine HP 171704 Deca_Hood 4900J Decal, Clutch/Brake 146046 Decal V-Be_t Dr Sch tractor 163204 DecarFender 136832 Decal V-Belt sch 145005 Decal Battery Danger...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 LIFT ASSEMBLY 161718 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 173288 Link Front 159,460 Wire Asm Inner W/plunger 159471 Shaft Asm Lift 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc 105767X Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc 130171 Trunnion BIk Zinc 73800800 Nut Lock w/Wsh 1/2-13 UNC 12000002...
  • Page 44 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMB ER917.259870 MOWER D ECK...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR _ MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 170280 Mower Housing Assembly 165723 Spacer, Retainer Knob 72140506 {3o_1,Carriage 5/16 18 x 3/4 149846 Belt 138017 Bracket Asm Fram Sway Bar 144200 Pin, Cotter 3/32 x 3/4 169970 Brackel, Deck Sway 76020312...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 DANA TRANSA°XLE--MODEL NUMBER D4360-139...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,259870 DANA TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER D4360-139 pARr pARr DESCRIPTION DBSCRIPTION 170981 Housing, Upper 105928X Sprocket, 170988 Gear, Revel, 36T 2274J Screw, Tapping, 1/4-20 x .734 134400 Ball Detent 134394 Assy, Kit, Shim, .759 Shaft 120473X Shaft, Drive 105904X Spring, Detent 100940...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707TYPE NUMBER 1140-E3 _r REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR _:_'1 ol ,NSTRUC'r,ON.AN...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707TYPE NUMBER 1140-E3 "- 111' REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS TOINSTALL.SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 276 i_ 977C_RBURETOR GASKETSET...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - MODEL N UMBER 917.259870 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707TYPE NUMBER 1 140,.E3 789_ 1113_...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707TYPE NUMBER 1140-E3 108B _ ,30B © 231A_ 95A _'; 634B_ 987A _-_ 104_/_ 276A 950A 121A CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 51 _ 95A_ 117_ 276A_ 104A/; 127A _ 634B_ 231A 977A CARBURETOR GASKET SET...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707TYPE NUMBER 1140-E3 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPllON 496413 Cylinder Assembly 231855 Float Needle Valve 399265 Bushing/SeafKit(Magneto 105A 694922 FloatNeedleValve Side) 231854 Inlet Seat 391086 OilSeal 690464 ChokeValve(ManualChoke) 494238 Engine Sump 108A 692344 Choke Valve (Choke A Malls) 494240...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.259870 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707TYPE NUMBER 1140-E3 KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO, NO, DESCRIPTION 221535 Casing Clamp 399891 Counterweight 695134 Screw (Casing Clamp) 691239 Counterweight Pin 281164 *& Sealing Washer 691096 Screw (Counlerweight) 276A690997 *&...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL GUIDE TH_S greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- I ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not caution when changing direction on slopes.
  • Page 56 Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold ifl 1-800"4-MY-HOME SM Anytime, day or night (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for...