1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Craftsman Manuals
  4. Lawn Mower
  5. 917.254740
  6. Owner's manual

Craftsman 917.254740 Owner's Manual

18.0 hp tractor electric start 38" mower deck automatic transaxle
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
9I 7.254740
Caution:
Read and follow
atl Safety
Rules
and
instructions
Before
Operating
This Equipment
CRRFTSMRN ®
18.0
P TRACTOR
ELECTRIC START
38" MOWER
ECK
AUTOMATIC
TRANSAXLE
®
®
®
®
®
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Service and Adjustmem
Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck
and Co., Chicago,
IL 60684 U.S.A.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Craftsman 917.254740

Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.254740

  • Page 1 OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 9I 7.254740 CRRFTSMRN ® Caution: 18.0 P TRACTOR Read and follow atl Safety Rules ELECTRIC START instructions Before Operating 38" MOWER This Equipment AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE Assembly ® Operation ® Maintenance ® Service and Adjustmem ® Repair Parts ®...
  • Page 2 CAUTION: LQQK_.FQR .THI_WQRD_ TO POINT LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT IM_bBzA=NT_ Q _ii PM &i4_ PRECAUTION iMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAU- TIONS. iT MEANS - ATTENTION! NOTE: LOOK_FOh:_i:Ht_ N_R_6_TC) _POINT OUT li PORT*NT NFORMATION ABOUT T,eOPERAT COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS iN- ______.__J AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR TRACTOR.

  • Page 3: Warranty

    CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu- SERIAL factured to give you the best possible dependability and NUMBER performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Department.
  • Page 4 iNDEX Filter: Adjustments: Tractor Operation on Hills ..15 Brake ........Air Cleaner ......18 Carburetor ......21 Fuel ........Clutch ........Fuel: Options: Mower Type ........Attachments ......54 Front-To-Rear ....23 Storage ........Spark Arrester ....2,34 Side-To-Side ..... 23 Fuse ..........
  • Page 5 ASSEMBLY To assemble and adjust your tractor you will need: (2) 7/16" wrenches Tire Pressure Gauge (1) 9/16" wrench Screwdriver (1) 1/2" wrench Utility Knife (1) 3/4" wrench Ratchet Wrench (1) 3/4"'socket (2) ! 1/16" Wrenches Take all of the items out of the box. The box contains the items shown below, Open the parts bag and check the contents (see below and page 6).
  • Page 6 A SSEMBL PARTS CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE L OCA TION BA TTER Y (2) Lockwasher, IntiExt Tooth (2) Wing _ I/4 - 20 BA TTER Y (2) Lockwasher (2) Hex Bolt, _ 20x © TERMINA (2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x t6 Ga, (2) Hex Nut, 1/4 - 20 (1) Hex Bolt,...

  • Page 7: Seat

    ASSEMBL Y Unpacking instructions Take items box; the box contains VENT items shown below. Cut down four corners of the carton with a utility knife and fold down sides, TUBE Disengage Parking Brake. Carefully guide tractor backwards skid, BATTERY BATTERY CELL WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD,...

  • Page 8: Steering Wheel

    ASSEMBL Y tnstafl Steering Wheel NOTE: POSITION FRONT WHEEL FORWARD. a. Use a 3/4" wrench to remove hex lock nut, 2 - 1/4" diameter washer (shown full size below) from steering column (Fig. 3) STEERING WHEEL ..LOCKNUT 2 . t/4" DIA, WASHER __'_...
  • Page 9 ASSEMBL d. Connect battery cable to positive battery terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lockwasher and hex nut (shown full size below) found in bag of parts (Fig. 5). Tighten securely. e. Connect BLACK ground cable to negative (-) BATTERY WASHER WASHER BATTERY...

  • Page 10: Installation

    ASSEMBL Mower Installation Your 38"mower installs without the use of tools. a. Raise lift lever (Fig. 9) to its highest position. b. Turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise (f_'J to lowest position (Fig. 9). "x RETAINER Install front hinge pin through tractor axle ano PARALLEL...
  • Page 11 A SSEMBL Y REPLACE ONLY W_TH BELTS SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL. a, Place attachment clutch switch in "disengaged" position (Fig. 9), b. Turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise ENGtNE (_-") to lowest position, IDLER BELT Move attachment lift lever (Fig, 9) forward lower mower to its lowest...

  • Page 12: Parking Brake

    OPERA TION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR. If you understand the unit and its operation, you will achieve efficient and peak performance, While reading the manual, compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments, Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your tractor and to prevent injury to yourself and others.

  • Page 13: Starting

    OPERA TION 1. StOpping Your Tractor iNTAKE _ DUCT CAUTION:DO NOT CHOKE CARBURETOR TO STOP THE ENGINE, NOTE: REMOVE KEY WHEN LEAVING TRACTOR PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE. a. Push clutch!brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position. Move motion control lever "'NEUTRAL" position. Place parking brake in "'ENGAGED"...

  • Page 14: Operation

    OPERA TION Operating Your Tractor _nd Mower NOTE: THIS TRACTOR EQUIPPED WITH OPERATOR PRESENCE SENSING SWITCH. TEMPT BY THE OPERATOR TO LEAVE THE SEAT WITH THROTTLE FUNCTtON MOTION CONTROL ENGINE RUNNING ATTACHMENT 8,co CLUTCH ENGAGED WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. CAUTION Normat Mowing...

  • Page 15: Mowing Tips

    TION CAUTION: N EVER RUN THE ENGINE WITHOUT AIR iNTAKE DUCT INSTALLED (FIGURE 11), Mowing Tips NOTE: TIRE CHAINS CANNOT USED WITH MOWER HOUSING ATTACHED. READ "SAFETY RULES" CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER. REFER TO PAGE Use the runner on the R.H. side as a guide; the blade cuts approximately an inch (2.54 cm) outside the runner (Fig.

  • Page 16: Brake

    INTENANCE First 2 Hours (Two Mowings) AIR SCREEN 1. Change Engine Oil Changing oil after the first two hours (or two mow _ OIL FILLER CAP!DIPSTICK ings) will help eliminate break-in residue which might be damaging to your engine. NOTE: BE CAREFULL NOT TO ALLOW DIRTTO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHANGING OIL.

  • Page 17: Blade Sharpening

    INTENANCE Tire Cam CENTER Maintain tire pressure in front at 14 PSI (1 kg per crr£) and in rear at 12 PSI (0.84 kg per crrP). Blade Sharpening For best results, Mower blades must be kept sharp. The blades can be sharpened with afew strokes of a fife or on a grinding wheel We suggest they be sharpened after FIGURE 20 every 25 hours of mowing.

  • Page 18: Air Cleaner

    INTENANCE Keep battery and terminals clean. Keep battery bolts tight. Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in caps VENT open, AWAY VIEW Recharge at 6 amperes for 1 hour if necessary, Clean Battery and Terminals TUBE Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals cause the BATTERY...

  • Page 19: Fuel

    MAINTENANCE Lubricate Steering and Front Wheets There is a grease fittin(] on each front wheel. Use a grease gun; give eacn grease fitting two shots of extreme pressure lubricating grease. Use 3O weight oil GREASE BOTH to lubricate front spindles (Fig. 26). FRONT WHEELS Oil Pivot Points...
  • Page 20 TENANCE LUBRICATION SPINDLE (_ WHEEL MOWER CLUTCH (D SAE MOTOR OIL- @ EXTREME PRESSURE LUBRICATING GREASE PUMP @ @ REFER TO ENGINE OIL SPECS (PAGE 16) (_ SAE MOTOR OIL 10W30 API- SFiCC ADJUSTME REPAIR & FOR ANY ADJUSTMENTS, INSPECTION NEGATIVE {BLACK CABLE...

  • Page 21: Carburetor

    REPAIR & ADJUSTMEN S,ttrting your Tr*ctor With. Wo*k _sttoty If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. If "'jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure; NOTE: YOUR TRACTOR EQUIPPED WITH VOLT NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM.

  • Page 22: Type

    & ADJUSTMENT Motion Drive Belt Replacement Park tractor level area. Engage parking brake. NOTE: BELT INSTALLATION DECAL UNDER LEFT FOOT R EST. Remove mower (page 23). Remove belt from stationarv idlers (Fig. 33). Re/ease parking brake, Puff belt as far possible over top of clutching pulley...

  • Page 23: Removal

    REPAIR & ADJUSTMENT Hood Removal Lift hood. Disconnect headlight wiring con- nection (Fig. 361, Unscrew screw at rear of each side panel (Fig. 35). Pivot hood and side panel forward and tilt tractor (Fig. 36). To replace, reverse the above procedure. 7.

  • Page 24: Blade Replacement

    REPAIR & ADJUSTMENT To raise rear of mower, loosen nut "E"on both rear suspension arms. Screw both nuts "F" up an EQUAL NUMBER OF TURNS (Fig. 41). When distance "D" is I/2" (1.27 cm) lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "E". To lower rear of mower, !oosen nut "F"...

  • Page 25: Clutch

    ADJUSTMENT .012 INCHES Rear Wheel Replacement (0.3048 ram) Coat axle with grease to prevent corrosion or rust accumulation and eventual seizing of wheel to axle shaft. Electric Clutch Adjustment The electric clutch should provide years of service. The clutch has a built-in brake that stops the pulley CLUTCH...
  • Page 26 REPAIR ADJUS Battery Engine Oil 1. Prior to storage, clean terminals and top of Drain (with engine warm) and replace with clean battery. engine oil. (See chart, page 16). Remove cable from positive battery terminal Cylinders 2. After a period of time in storage, battery C°...
  • Page 27 TROU LESHOOTING PROBLEM Cause/Remed WiLL NOT START Push Clutch/Brake Pedal into Brake position Move Attachment Clutch Switch to "Disengaged" position Fill Tank with Gasoline. Check Fuel Line and Carburetor (clean if necessary), Replace Fuel Filter. Use Fresh Fuel Check Fuse for fault and replace Recharge or repiace Battery ,=@.- Oheck Wiring...

  • Page 28: Mower Front-To-Rear

    TROU LESHOOTING Replace Regulator Replace Alternator ENGINE WILL NOT SHUT DOWN WHEN OPERATOR LEAVES SEAT WITH ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED NOTE: This tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing system. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running andthe attachment ctutch engaged wift shut down the engine, ,_"...
  • Page 29 18 HP 38 °° RiDiNG TRACTOR = o MODEL NUMBER 917o254740 SCHEMATIC BLACK TILLERATTACH CONNECTOR 1CLUTCH/BRAKE¿ (PEDALUP) POWER TAKE-OFF SWITCH (CLUTCH BLACK BLACK WHITE 2 TURNS BLACK CLOCKWISE FROM FUSE BLACK FUSE IGNITION SWITCH IGNITION 30 AMP UNtT SPARK PLUGS BLACK ©...
  • Page 30 :_EPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RiDiNG TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917=254740 =LECTRICAL Electric Clutch...
  • Page 31 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR -.. MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 4152J Bulb- L_#Tt I02476X Guard- Terminal 4207J 1 I0859X Harness - Light Socket Cable, Ground 4022J - Hex 4206J Cable- Battery 4021J Switch - Attachment Clutch 125619X Harness-...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 CHASSIS y/-53...
  • Page 33 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RiDiNG TRACTOR - = MODEL NUMBER 9!7.254740 CHASSIS DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION PART Bolt - Shoulder 5/16 - 18 120039X Seat t05529X Nut- Lock 5/16- 124294X Pan - Seat 73680500 "Washer - Lock 105513X Bracket - Pivot - Seat STD557 Decal I2 I642X...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 DRIVE...
  • Page 35 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RiDiNG TRACTOR .- - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 DRIVE KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO, NO. NO. NO. t25637X Rod, Brake, Park 4497H Clip, Hairpin 105710X Link, Clutch 1913136 Washer 13/32x 13/16x !6Ga. 73680600 Nut, Lock 3/8- 16 124!48X Engine, 18 H.P.
  • Page 36 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR -= MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 STEERING AND FRONT AXLE...
  • Page 37 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR o- MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 STEERING AND FRONT AXLE PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION 106933X Knob- Control I05810X D_ca/, - Cap, Steering Wheel 12t201X Rod. Control 100770L Insert - Steering Wheel t21631X Spring- Torsion 73940800 Nut=Hex Jam Toplook _/2-20...
  • Page 38 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 LIFT ADJUSTMENT 20_i 17---.."" _" .._26 32 _.,._ 32 --__'_"29...
  • Page 39 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR = ° MODEL NUMBER 917,254740 LiFT ADJUSTMENT PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION I00734K Knob, Height Adjustment 110448)( Link, Lift Adjust Trunnion, Lift STD541237 _Nut. Jam 3/8- 110447)( 110729)( Rod. Adjust. Lift 73710700 Nut, Crowntock 7/16- 20 UNF 76020308 Pin, Cotter 3/32 x 1/2 12000037...
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 38" MOWER _4-----75 __3o _"...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RiDiNG TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 38" MOWER PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION t 06085X V-Belt . - - Decal, Safety Std, (Not Serviced) *Bolt - 16 x 2 121458X Housing 74760636 84 t 7J Runner, R.H.
  • Page 42 REPAIR:PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - .. MODEL NUMBER 917,254740 TRANSAXLE AGRI-FAB CONTROL PART DESCRIPTION 123634X Control Assembly, Free Wheel STD551125 * Washer, Lock, Hvy. Helical Spring 121188X Bracket, Pnt. Mounting Differential 747604 ! 2 Bolt, Hex Hd. 1/4" - 20 UNC x 3/4 121186X Fan, Hydro 8"...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR = - MODEL NUMBER 917o254740 TRANSAXLE AG RJoFAB PUMP NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches, 1 inch = 25.4 mm 122780X Cylinder Block 122781X Cylinder Block 122756X Shaft, Pump Sp_ined 36T 122782X Piston 122716X...
  • Page 44 _EPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR =.- MODEL NUMBER 9i7.254740 RANSAXLE AGRI-FAB DiFFERENTiAL...
  • Page 45 REPAtR PARTS 18 HP 38" RiDiNG TRACTOR o o MODEL NU,%IBER 917o254740 TRANSAXLE AG RbFAB DIFFERENTIAL _5 _ PA_T NO OES_'nON Washer, F_at .343 x .88 x .062 122659X 1226t4X Housing, Half L.Ho 122660X Arm, Brake Actuator I22615X Housing, Hail R.H. 122662X Pin, Brake Actuating 122616X...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR = - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 ENGINE BRtGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 4,22707, TYPE NUMBER 1513-01 52 53 ";2 (_ 73 _,, 74 @ 7s * REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO iNSTALL ®81 SEE REPAIR iNSTRUCTiON MANUAL [ 78 GASKETSET...
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 ENGINE BRilGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1513-01 KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. NO. 491730 93559 Screw, Sem Cylinder Assembly 399265 221596 Bearing, Cylinder Retainer, Intake Valve...
  • Page 48 REPAIR PARTS ..18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR =.. MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1513-01...
  • Page 49 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RIDING TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,254740 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON ° MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1513-01 KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. NO. 271412 ..Gasket, Carburetor and Intake 491282 Plate Assembly, Governor Control Elbow 94298...
  • Page 50 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RiDiNG TRACTOR - -, MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 ENGINE BR1GGS AND STRATTON = MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1513-01...
  • Page 51 REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 38" RID|NG TRACTOR - .- MODEL NUMBER 917.254740 ENGINE BRIGGS AND STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1513-01 KEY PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. NO. Washer, Spring 394891 Armature Group (MAGNETROtV@ 22251t Motor and Drive Assembly Ignition) 394808...
  • Page 52 NOTES SERVIC...
  • Page 53 RVICE OTES...

  • Page 54: Attachments

    Attachments That Add to the Usefulness of Your Craftsman 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 S_GHTmNGSLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RiDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS H_LL SIGHTING GUIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WiTH SKY LINE OR TREE. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°) never across the face.
  • Page 56 4 ARS ® OWNER'S t8,0 HP TRACTO MANUAL ELECTRtC START 38 '° MOWER AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE MODEL 917°254740 Each Tractor has its own model number. Each Engine has its own model number. The model number for your Tractor will be lound on the Model Plate located under the seat.

Table of Contents