Craftsman 917.257281 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.257281 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.257281 Owner's Manual

12.0 hp ic electric start 38" mower deck 5 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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MODEL NO,
917.257281
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and instructmns
Before Operating
This Equipment
ERR
12.0
IC
ELECTRIC START
38" MOWER DECK
5
TRANS/_LE
LAWN TRACTO
• Assembly
oOperation
° Customer Responsibilities
° Service and Adjustment
, Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, iL 60684 U.S.A.

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  • Page 1 MODEL NO, 917.257281 12.0 Caution: ELECTRIC START Read and follow all Safety Rules 38" MOWER DECK and instructmns TRANS/_LE Before Operating This Equipment LAWN TRACTO • Assembly oOperation ° Customer Responsibilities ° Service and Adjustment , Repair Parts Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, iL 60684 U.S.A.
  • Page 2 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT; THIS CUTTtNG MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS, FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. GENERAL OPERATION I!1. CHILDREN •...
  • Page 3 CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears :bRODUCT SPECiFICATiONS Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu- HORSEPOWER: 12.0 factured to give you the best possible dependability and penormanceo ....GASOLINECAPACITY: 5 QUARTS Should you experience any problem you cannot easily UNLEADEDREGULAR remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service CenteriDepartmento We have competent, well-trained...
  • Page 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............OPERATION ............10-13 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........3 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........14 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES ..... 3, 14.17 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ......18-23 WARRANTY ..............STORAGE ..............TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........TROUBLESHOOTING ........... 25-26 INDEX ................REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ........
  • Page 5 ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS Thoseaccessories and attachments wereavailablewhentheunitwaspurchased.They are alsoavailableat mostSears retailoutlets, catalogand servicecenters. MostSearsstorescanorderthoseitemsforyouwhenyou providethemodel numberofyourtractor. ENGINE MAINTENANCE ..F.N iNE SP K PLua GASCAN BLADES BELTS MUFFLER AIR FILTER STABILIZER PERFORMANCE Searsoffersa wide varietyof attachmentsthat fit yourvehicle. Manyoftheseare listed below withbrief explanations of howtheycan helpyou.Thisllstwascurrent atthetimeofpublloation;...
  • Page 6 iiiiiii1,,, ........ ii/!1 ..I1'111111"1' IIII LI]II! CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK ,HWI'II' III1' I ................iii1,11, L'IJ Jl Parts Bag contents shown full size Parts packed separately In carton ..ii I iiii1! ,, !, I,LI © Seat Battery acid '\\\/#10.16 x 1_/2 (1) Locknut 3/8-24...
  • Page 7 L,,,,......r '"'"" ...."Your new iract0r 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 tlghtened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure their propertightness.

  • Page 8: Product Specifications

    HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2) • Remove cardboard packing on seat pan, i,ii,i,1,ii,ii,iiiii,iiii,ii,iiii, III, L !LLLIJLI CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield. • Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt.
  • Page 9 iNSTALL BATTERY (See Figs, 4 & 5) CAUTION: Do not short batten=/termi- nals, Before Installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acclden- tat grounding. Lift seat to raised position_ Open battery box door.
  • Page 10 ..iiiii1,,i ... _ ii ,i ii iii , ii ii1,111,111111111 i I i i i, ,11, II'H KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Comparethe,tustrations with your tractortofamiltadze yourselfwith the locations ofvarious controlsand adjustments. Save this manual for future reference, ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER...
  • Page 11 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 wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog stores.

  • Page 12: Carburetor

    OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8) • If stopping Is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing brake. switch. Any attempt by the operatorto leave the seat with the eng!ne runningand the attachment clutch engaged will •...
  • Page 13 OPERATnO ° Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7) that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of When starting engine for the first time or if engine has the machine.
  • Page 14 RESPONSIBILITIES AS YOU C OMPLETE _, _€ REGULARSERVICE /_/_/_.,_ERVICE DATES ....III1'11'11 CheckBrakeOperation Ii# # C,eck',roP.e=ura IV " +. " " " T Checker _0Se Fasteners Sha_ervl:leplace MowerBlades tj_4 c m+<8o.;_ L ,;vom_h;;_o V' ..Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transmission Cooling ..
  • Page 15 CUSTO TIES TRACTOR AZways observe safety rules when performingany matnte- n_ce, BRAKE OPERATION If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopptngdistance at high s_eed in highest gear, than brake mustbe adjusted. (See 'TO ADJUST BRAKE" in Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
  • Page 16 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY (See Fig. 12) ENGINE Your unit has a battery charging system whlchis sufficient for normal use° However. periodic cnargmg of.the battery LUBRICATION with an automotive charger will extend it's life. Only use high quality detergent oll rated with API service •...
  • Page 17 AIR FILTER FOAM PRE-CLEANER SCREWS BLOWER HOUSING (See Fig. 14) Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirtyair filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner element after every 25 hoursof operation, more often if used in very dusty, dirty conditions.
  • Page 18 ..AND ADJUSTM i1,, ,i,iil,l,lllllllllllllllll L' ,ll,ll,lml,ll,l,lll,ll,ll,, I i1,1111,1,1111, CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: &. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever In "NEUTRAL" 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, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come In contact with plug.
  • Page 19 ADJUSTMENTS ......i ::It TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs, 20 and 21) - Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE. IF driveway. Make sure tires are property inflated (See THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT tS "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"...
  • Page 20 AND ADJUSTM TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE _ENGAGEO = (See Fig. 22) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installaUon guide decal on the mower housing.

  • Page 21: Assembly

    ADJUSTMENTS SERVICE AND =_ .,.o ._, ..... TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (See Fig, 26) If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (leftto right) I1'1 "1 ,;,,,; when wheels are positioned straight forward_ remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the ateexploslvegases, Keepsparks,flame Assembly section of this manual...
  • Page 22 AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL (See Fig. 28) TO REPLACE FUSE (See Fig. 27) Replace wit_.30 amp automotive+type plug+in fuse. The fuse holder iS located in the engine compartment,directly CAUTION: Muffler Is hot. Be careful in front of the dash. when removing retainer springs from hood pivot brackets, •...
  • Page 23 CE A ADJU ENT$ FINAL SETTING - ENGINE • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion (See Fig. 29) controllever in "NEUTRAL position° The throttle control has been preset at the factory and Move throttJe control lever to "SLOW"...

  • Page 24: Cleaning

    STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or ifthe unitwill notbe used for30 days or more. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL CAUTION: Never store the tractor wlth SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE.
  • Page 25 POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Fitlfuel tank. Out of fuels 2. See "TO START ENGINE"in OpereUon section. Engine not =CHOKED = properly, 3. Walt severalminutes beforeatlempUng to staff,. Engine flooded, 4. Replacesparkplug. Bad spark plugs 5. Clean/replaceair filter. Dirty air fiiter.
  • Page 26 TROU OOTING POINTS JHLI_HUU CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM EnginecontinuestO run 1. Fault/operator.safsty presence control system. 1. Checkwtdng, s witchesand conneotlons, I f not when operatorleaves unt corrected, c ontactSears ServiceCenter/Depertment. with attachment clutch engaged Poorcut - uneven Worn,bentor looseblade, 1, Replaceblade. Tightenbladebell Mowerdecknotlevel.
  • Page 27 t2 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 SCHEMATIC °111 ° BATTERY FUSE 30 AMP, STARTER WHITE L ..SOLENOID BLACK IGNITION SWITCH SLACK CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL UP) SEAT SWITCH BLACK I ATT_MENT CLUTCH (NOT OCCUPIED) (CLUTCHOFF) BLACK SPARK e ------_ D PLUG IGNITION UNIT...
  • Page 28 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 29 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 STD551025 Washer STD551125 Washer STD541025 109310X Key Ign Molded Craftsman 108824X Fuse 30 Amp Auto Green 109238X Tube Plastic 12" t23620X Cover Sw Key BIk 1 25 Text Sit 110712X Switch Light BIk BIk Red...
  • Page 30 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - .. MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES £ "G...
  • Page 31 105465X417 Footrest Pnt Lh (silver) 105464)(417 Footrest Pnt Rh (silver) Bolt STD533707 STD541437 105466X Pad Footrest Rbr Sq Craftsman 134618 Bracket, Assembly Pivot LH Mower Rear 134617 Bracket, Assembly Pivot RH Mower Rear 72140606 BoltCarriage 3/8-16 x 3/4 STD541437 NOTE:...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 DRIVE 26_:7 36...
  • Page 33 REPARR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION Bellcrank Asm 120897X Transaxle 5sp Std Dana 123789X 1t0422)( Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 123205X Retainer Belt Style Spring Bolt Hex Hd 3/8-16unc X 1-1/2 123666X Pulle_iTransaxle Alum STD523715...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 STEERING ASSEMBLY...
  • Page 35 REPAURPARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 133741 Wheel Steering 131450 Axle asm Front 135227 Spindle Asm Lh 135228 Spindle Asm Rh 6266H Beadng Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 X t 5/8 X 16ga 19272016 Washer 27/32 X 1 1/4 X 16 Ga 12000029...
  • Page 36 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 SEAT ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION PART 72050411 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20xl-3/8 127436 Seat V250 BII4red Craftsman 121249X 126656X Spacer Split 28 X 88 Zinc Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) 121250X STD523707 Bolt Spring Cprsn 1 27 BIk Pnt...
  • Page 37 Decal Clutch/brake English 126685X Decal Engine 12hp Ic B&s Craft 109199X Decal V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E 124489X Decal Hood Slope Rh Craftsman 105809X Decal Chassis 5sp 38" 124490)( Decal Hood Slope Lh Craftsman Decal Mower Drive Schematic 38 13o929 132674 •...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPM ENT Spark Arresier...
  • Page 39 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION Control Throt Rh Bik Pd115 10 132759 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T 17720410 131951 Engine B&s 12hp i!c Dual 1 Vt Muffler Exhaust B&s Lt Std 125610X 101326L Deflector Muffler # 222573...
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 38" MOWER _,72 ------7...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 38" MOWER PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 19131612 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 12 Ga 129365 Mower Asm 38"welded STD54!437 STD54143i 131290 V-belt Mower 88 12 38" STD533107 Bolt 133502 7631J Runner Mower Lh 10 00 Spacer Arm Idler Upper Hdn 42"...
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR .. - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 TRANSAXLE DANA- MODEL NUMBER 4360-6 TRANSAXLE...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR ,. = MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 TRANSAXLE DANA = MODEL NUMBER 4360-6 TRANSAXLE KEY PART KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 120458X Housing, Upper 105928X Sprocket, 9 Teeth 2274J Screw, Tapping, Large t10084X Gear, Bevet, 42 Teeth t/4-20 x .734 108983X...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 0217=01 :30S j-------t----...
  • Page 45 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 0217-01 121 CARBUP, E TOR OVERHAUL KIT _634 _105 17" © _138 _ 955 [ 60e::_t ..
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 0217-01 Reference Number :309 1111310 :3tl eo:3 I e_1 ....I""I:Y"' _torand I ThrJBo|t at.=. Ddv,t ] Armntum _ive End _p I End Cap _'y,,...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 0217-01 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 490450 Cylinder Assembly 94637 Stud, Carburetor Mounting 399265 Bearing, Cylinder (Requires Special 224061 Washer, Spring...

  • Page 48: Replacement

    REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 0217-01 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 265 221535 Clamp, Casing 635 66538 Elbow, Spark Plug 284 94419 Screw, Clamp Mounting 646 224546...
  • Page 50 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 51 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SiGHTiNG SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATiOH ,,,,,,. ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 15° MAX. OPerate your Tract0_rup anddown the _ll _ face o flllslopes _inot greater than 15°), never across the face.
  • Page 52 CRRFTSMIIN 12.0 HP IC OWNER'S ELECTRIC START MANUAL 38" MOWER DECK 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO. 917.257281 Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. The model number for your tractor will be found on the model plate located under the seat°...

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