Craftsman 917.254940 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.254940 Owner's Manual

14.0 hp electric start 38" mower deck 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.254940
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
[RI;IFTXMI:IN ®
14.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
38" MOWER DECK
6
D TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
•
Assembly
°
Operation
•
Maintenance
•
Service and Adjustment
°
Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Coo, Chicago, IL 60684 U.SoA.

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.254940

  • Page 1 OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 917.254940 [RI;IFTXMI:IN ® Caution: 14.0 HP Read and follow all Safety Rules ELECTRIC START and Instructions Before Operating 38" MOWER DECK This Equipment D TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly ° Operation • Maintenance • Service and Adjustment °...
  • Page 2 CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT IMPORTAN'I EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS, IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAU- TIONS. IT MEANS - ATTENTION! NOTE: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IM- COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS IN k PORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR TRACTOR VOLVED_...
  • Page 3 CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and SERIAL manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance° Should you experience any problem NUMBER you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service DepartmenL We have competent, well- DATE OF PURCHASE...
  • Page 4 iNDEX Starting the Engine ....11 Stopping Your Tractor ....1 1 Adjustments: Filter: Brake ............. Tractor Operation on Hills ..13 Air Cleaner ........1 8 Carburetor .......... Options: Fuel ............Attachments Choke ..........Oil ........... 1 8 ......... Mower Drive Belt ......Spark Arrester ......
  • Page 5 The operation of any tractor can result foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage_ Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tractor and while mowing.. recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask worn over spectacles or standard...
  • Page 6 ASSEMBLY ASSEMBL PARTS CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE L OCA TION BA TTERY Wing ,, 20 (21 Lockwasher BA TTERY 12) Hex Bolt 1/4 - 20 x 3/4 © TERMINAL (2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga (2) Hex Nut I/4- IIIIUlIllUllllill (I) Adjustment...

  • Page 7: Steering Wheel

    1. Unpack Tractor Take items out of box. The box contains the items shown on page 6+ b+ Cut down four corners of the carton with utility knife and fold down sides. CUT A_J_AY VIEW _//MENT co Disengage parking brake and position front wheels BATTERY TUBE straight ahead,, d,, Remove plastic on tractor hood.
  • Page 8 4. Install Seat SEAT Remove cardboard from seat pan. Place seat on seat pan. Screw adjustment knob ar_ SHOULDER BOLT fiat washer into seat (Fig. 3). Screw shoulder bol into seat (Fig. 3). Adjustment knob, shoulder boI and washer '_ouncl i n bag of parts (shown fullsize o_ page 6).
  • Page 9 ASSEMBLY Using thekeyhole ononeside ofthebattery s upport (Fig 6)slidebattery b oltintoframe keyhole(head TERMINAL ofboltdown)Fasten t hebattery bolt t otheterminal ACCESS guard usin_wingnut,(shown f ullsizeonpg.6)as WING NUT WING NUT DOORS shown in F_g 6 g Assemble t heremaining b attery b olt t ootherside of battery support andfasten terminal guard toitwith remaining wingnut,(shown f ullsizeonpg.6)as shown in Fig,6.

  • Page 10: Height

    OPERATIO KNOW YOU R TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION YOUR YARD TRACTOR° if you understand the machine and its ._ractration, you will achieve efficientand peak perforrnance_While reading the manual, compare the illustrations with yourYard or to familiarize yourself with the location of variouscontrolsaria adjustments, Study the operatinginstruciions and safety precautionsthoroughly to insure properfunctioning of yourYard Tractor and to prevent injury to yourselfand others.

  • Page 11: Starting

    OPERATION 1, Stopping Your Tractor ATTACHMENT CLUTCH STOP THE ENGINE. DO NOT CHOKE CARBURETOR LEVER "ENGAGED" POSITION NOTE: REMOVE KEY WHEN LEAVING TRACTOR TO MGHT SWITCH PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE: IGNITION KEY Push clutch/brake pedal intofull "BRAKE" position_ Keep your foot on pedal (Fig_ 21)o Place attachment clutch lever in "DISENGAGED"...

  • Page 12: Operation

    CAUTION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER TO AVOID INJURY "DISENGAGED" POSITION Read owner's manual. HEIGHT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER Know location and function of all controls_ ADJUSTMENT "ENGAGED" POSITION KNOB 3_ Keep guards, safety shield and switches in place and LEVER working_ "HIGHEST' POSITION Remove objects that can be thrown by btades_ Do not mow when children and others are around,.
  • Page 13 OPERATION 5. Mowing Tips NOTE: TIRE CHAINS CANNOT BE USED WITH THE MOWER ATTACHED. _,. Mower should be adjusted pmpedy front to back and side to side for good mowingperformanceo Re- fer to REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT section (page 24). Use the Runner on the R°Hoside as a guide; the Blade cuts approximately an inch (2.54 cm) out- side the Runner (Fig 8), Drive so that clippingsare discharged ontothe area...

  • Page 14: Air Cleaner

    NTENANCE ... ILLL ...... To keep your tractor running better and longer, perform necessary service using the following maintenance ANY ADJUSTMENTS, INSPEC- schedule: TION OR MAINTENANCE: WITH EVERY MOWING 1. PUSH TRACTOR CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY INTO Make sure all nuts on bolts are tight and cotter pinsand =BRAKE"...

  • Page 15: Brake

    & ADJUSTMENT 1. Brake Adjustment BRAKE OPERATING ARM This tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system mounted on the right side of the transaxle (Fig 10),, BRAKE ROD JAM NUT NUT "A" IF TRACTOR REQUIRES MORE THAN _1[. SIX FEET (1.8 METERS) STOPPING DIS- TANCE IN HIGHEST GEAR,...

  • Page 16: Levels

    & ADJUSTMENT 3, Blade Care For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. The NDRELL blades can be sharpened with a few strokes of a file, or on a grinding wheel We suggest they be sharpened after eve_ 25 hours of mowing. Do not attempt to sharpen while or ASSEMBLY mower.

  • Page 17: Terminals

    ADJUSTMENT CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS AIR INTAKE DUCT Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals cause the battery to "leak" power and hinders the operation of the charger° LEAD-ACID BATTERIES GENERATE FLAME SMOKING MATERIALS EXPLOSIVE GASES. KEEP SPARKS, AWAY FROM BATTERIES.

  • Page 18: Oil Filter

    & ADJUSTMENT Change Otl Filter Unscrew old filter (Fig° 17) by turning counterclock- wise, Use a suitable container to catch oil,, b. Lightly oil gasket on new _ter_ c_ installnew fiiter_ Screw filter on by hand untilgasket just touches engine, Then tighten 3/4 of a turn tighter_ Do not overtighten.

  • Page 19: Choke

    & ADJ 12. Starting Your Tractor With a Weak Battery POSITIVE _rREDCABLE) if yourbattery is too weak to startthe engine, it shouldbe re- RMINAL charged. If "jumper cables"are used for emergency starling, follow this procedure: BATTERY NOTE: YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM.

  • Page 20: Carburetor

    REPAIR & ADJUSTMENT Loosen casing clamp screw, THROTTLE IDLE SPEED Move choke cable casing and inner wire until chok LEVER on engine is completely closed. Tighten casing clamp screw,. Close up air cleaner and secure with knob. 15. Carburetor Adjustment NOTE: ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE BEFOR MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENT TO CARBURETOF AIR CLEANER MUST BE ASSEMBLED TO CAF...

  • Page 21: Fuse

    REPAIR & ADJUSTMENT 18o Motion Drive Belt Removal BELT BELT RETAINER The tractordrive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the GUIDE GUIDE SPRING tractor on level area° Engage parking brake, NOTE: A BELT INSTALLATION DECAL tS UNDER LEFT FOOTREST_ BRACKET TRANSAXLE ao Remove mower.

  • Page 22: Installation

    IR & ADJUSTMENT 20° 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) (Fig. 30). Unsnap headlight connection (Fig.

  • Page 23: Mower Drive Belt

    & ADJUSTMENT e, Spring b eltguide away fromidler p ulley and pull b elt offidler pulley, Slide belt from under extension spring_ 24. Mower Drive Belt Replacement Slide belt under extension spring(Fig. 36)_ Place belt on rear side of both mandrel pulleys_ c°...

  • Page 24: Side-To-Side

    ADJUSTM 26. Level Mower Housing LIFT Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or PLUNGER SIDE-TO.SIDE driveway. Make sure tire pressure is correct. If tires are over ADJUSTMENT or under inflated, you wil/not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE MOWER ADJUSTMENT a,.

  • Page 25: Sto Rage

    REPAIR & ADJUSTMENT B. Engine Oil 27. Storage Drain (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil, Remove mower from tractor for winter storage, When (See chart page 17)_ mower isto be stored for a periodof time, clean itthoroughly, remove ai! dirt, grease, leaves, etc.

  • Page 26: Air Cleaner 1

    SHOOTING PROBLEM Cause/Remedy Push ClutchlBrake Pedal into Brake position WILL NOT START ==" Move Attachment Clutch Lever to "Disengaged" position Fill Tank with Gasoline_ Check Fuel Line and Carburetor (clean if necessary),, Replace Fuel Filter, Use Fresh Fuet Check Fuse for fault and replace Recharge or replace Battery IR"...
  • Page 27 TROUBLE SHOOTING irl_ll i NO LIGHTS =" Check Fuse, Switch and Wire Connections.. Replace Headlight Bulbs Replace Switch WON'T CHARGE ,=" Check Fuse for fault and reptace Repiace Battery ,=r Repiace Regulator Replace Alternator ENGINE WILL NOT SHUT DOWN WHEN OPERATOR LEAVES SEAT e..
  • Page 28 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 29 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR .. - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 SCHEMATIC BATTERY STARTER WHITE SOLENOID CONNECTOR WHITE IGNITION SWITCH CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDALUP) :--23, Á-OI BLACK BLACK SEAT SWITCH AT'FMENT CLUTCH (NOT OCCUPIED) (CLUTCH OFF) SPARK _"_ BLACK UNIT IGNITION PLUGS REGULATOR ALTERNATOR AFTER FIRE...
  • Page 30 REPAIR PARTS - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR TosT,,.T, ELECTRICAL 22._.._ ¢0 • ENGINE...
  • Page 31 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ELECTRICAL DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. NO. NO. 108824X 109310X Fuse - 30 Amp Molded Key Bolt - Hex 1/4 - 20 x 314 74760412 110859X Harness, Light Socket...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 CHASSIS...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 CHASSIS PART DESCRIPTION KEY' PART DESCRIPTION t20039X Seat 108402X U-Ctip 105513X Bracket-Pivot-Seat !06910X Washer 105529X Bolt-Shoulder 5/16-18 108067X Pal-Nut 120068X Knob, Adjustment 105528X Grill 73680500 Nut-Lock 5!16q8 105806X Decal 73680600...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 DRIVE -- OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT SPARK ARRESTER...

  • Page 35: Type

    REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940, DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Nut, Lock 5f16 - 18 123666X Pulley, Transax/e (Driven) 73680500 * Bolt, Hex 3/8 * 16 x 2-3/4 12000028 Ring, Retainer STD523727...
  • Page 36 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 STEERING AND FRONT AXLE o.._+...
  • Page 37 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 STEERING AND FRONT AXLE KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. NO. 1058IOX Decal, Cap Steering Wheel 74761060 Bolt, Hex 5/8- 11 x3-3/4 100710L Insert, Steering Wheel 105664X Support, Saddle, Front 73940800...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP :38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 LIFT ADJUSTMENT...
  • Page 39 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 LIFT ADJUSTMENT KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NOo NO. NO. NO. 106933X Knob 9135R Retainer, Spring 125916X Lever, Mower Clutch 4939M Retainer, Spring 125914X Bracket, Pivot 110447X Trunnion, Lift 73680600...
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 38" MOWER 76 ._...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 38" MOWER KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. NO. 106085X V-Bett 121263X Blade, 38" Washer 13/32 x 1-1/4 x 12 Ga. 12t259X Housing 19132012 8417J Runner, R.H.
  • Page 42 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 TRANSAXLE FOOTE-DANA - - MODEL NUMBER 4360-7...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 TRANSAXLE FOOTE-DANA - - MODEL NUMBER 4360-7 KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO, NO. 2232J Washer, Plain, ..632 x 1.00 x .026 120458X Housing, Upper 108978X Spacer, .630 x 1..00 x .169 2274J...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 0015-02 10-- "='81 I-F,76 8 78 (_)67 55 ! 45 Q 52 0050...
  • Page 45 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 0015-02 KEY° PART DESCRIPTION KEY, PART DESCRIPTION 807511 Cylinder Assembly 805198 O-Ring (Crankcase) Cover) 805107 Bearing-Cylinder 805417 Pin-Cotter 805101 Seal-Oil...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 0015-02 d_19 241_ (_28 --,...,_ --75 '_45 I CARBURETOR GASKET SET I CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT I...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 0015-02 KEY. PART DESCRIPTION KEY. PART DESCRIPTION Screw-Hex Head 805006 Screw-Sem 805169 Regulator-Nternator 805409 Manifold Assembly_lntake 394890 Screw-Regulator Mtg, 805023 * Gasket-Intake Manifold...
  • Page 48 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 0015-02 (_17 PART DESCRIPTION PART' DESCRIPTION Gasket Set 805003 "Gasket-Air Cleaner 807640 * GaskehCrankcase Cover 807688 Breather Gasket Set 805112 "+ GaskehValve Cover Seal-Breather Screw...
  • Page 49 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATi'ON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 00'15-02 PART' DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 8O50O9 Screw-Sem 807657 Cover-Air Guide (CyL #2) 805369 Cover-Carburetor 807663 Back Plate Assembly 805406 Screw-Sem 807660...
  • Page 50 REPAIR PARTS 14 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254940 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 303777, TYPE NUMBER 0015-02 DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION PART PART 490309 Armature Assembly 399169 Motor-Starting Roll Pin 94288 490316 Brush Spring Set 398003 Clutch Assembly 805247...
  • Page 51 NOTES...
  • Page 52 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 53 SERVICE NOTES...

  • Page 54: Attachments

    Attachments That Add to the Usefulness of You= Craftsman Lawn Tractor Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your tractor. Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help you., This list was current at the time of publication: however, it may change in future years -- more attachments may be added, changes (including changes in the stock number) may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available..
  • Page 55 ..SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION "r ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 15 o MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 °) never across the face.
  • Page 56 i illlllllj illl,lll ..............[R!:IFTSMI:IN ° OWNER'S 14.0 HP IC MANUAL ELECTRIC START 38" MOWER DECK TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO, 917.254940 Each Tractor has its own model number, Each Engine has its own model number. The model nurrt)er for' your Tractor will be found on the Model Plate located under the seat,.

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