Craftsman 917.255581 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.255581 Owner's Manual

12.5 hp i/c electric start 3 in one convertible 42" mower deck 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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S_EA/ S
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.255581
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
CRI:IFTZMIIN +
12.5 HP I/C
ELECTRIC START
3 in One Convertible
42" MOWER DECK
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
, Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
° Service and Adjustment
° Repair Parts
_vertible
!r
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.

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  • Page 1 _vertible S_EA/ S OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 917.255581 CRI:IFTZMIIN + 12.5 HP I/C Caution: ELECTRIC START Read and follow all Safety Rules 3 in One Convertible and Instructions Before Operating 42" MOWER DECK This Equipment 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR •...

  • Page 2: Brake

    SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CU-I-NNG MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILUR E TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJU RY OR DEATH. GENERAL OPERATION • Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual I11.

  • Page 3: Specifications

    PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu- HORSEPOWER: 12.5 factured to give you the best possible dependability performance. GASOLINE CAPACITY: 5 QUARTS Should you experience any problem you cannot easily UNLEADED REGULAR remedy please contact...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............OPERATION ............11-14 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..... 3, 15-18 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ......19-24 WARRANTY ..............STORAGE ..............TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........TROUBLESHOOTING ..........26-27 INDEX ................REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ......... 30-45 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ...........
  • Page 5 ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS These accessories and attachments were available when the tractor was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor. ENGINE MAINTENANCE SPARK PLUG...
  • Page 6 CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK Parts Bag contents shown full size Parts packed separately in carton (2) Sheet Seat Metal Screws #10-16 x 1/2 Battery acid Plate (1) Locknut 3/8-24 Mulcher (1) 2-3/8" Diameter Washer Steering Wheel Battery " Steering (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-13 x 1 Boot Owner's Manual...
  • Page 7 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. the correct tools as necessary to insure their proper tightness, TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY...
  • Page 8 ASSEMBLY 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. CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield. • Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Assemble adjustment bolt, Iockwasherandflatwasher Wash hands or clothing immediately if loosely.
  • Page 9 ASSEMBLY INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4 & 5) CAUTION: Do not short battery termF rials. Before installing battery, remove rings, etc. metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding. Lift seat to raised position. •...
  • Page 10 ASSEMBLY INSTALL MULCHER PLATE TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARGING (See Figs. 6 & 7) Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Install two latch hooks, to mulcher plate using screw, Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of ..
  • Page 11 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Comparethe illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations ofvarious controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. UFTLEVER ATTACHMENT PLUNGER CLUTCH LEVER ATTACHMENT LIFr LEVER LIGHT SWITCH CONTROL MOWER DECK...
  • Page 12 OPERATION 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...

  • Page 13: Carb Ureto R

    OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 10) • To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal. Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with • Make all tums slowly. the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine.
  • Page 14 OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 9) • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried When starting engine for the first time or if engine has clippings. Make first cut relatively high;...
  • Page 15 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check for LooseFasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _##'4 Lubrication Chart !_ #_ Check Battery Level/Recharge Clean Batteryand Terminals I V _ F:_ Check Transmission Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension _/'s Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension _##s Check Engine...
  • Page 16 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. BRAKE OPERATION If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, than brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

  • Page 17: Battery Charging & Cleaning

    CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ENGINE BATI'ERY (See Fig. 15) Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient LUBRICATION for normal use. However, pedodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend it's life. Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG.
  • Page 18 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR FILTER FOAM PRE-CLEANER (See Fig. Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Cleanthe foam pre-cleaner element after every 25 hours of operation, more often if used in very dusty, dirty conditions.
  • Page 19 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. ® Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. Discon nect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

  • Page 20: Level Mower Housing

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 23 and 24) - Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE. driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See THE FOLLOWENG FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"...

  • Page 21: Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt

    HH''r_I 'll"" '"H SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" (See Fig. 25) 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 installation guide decal on the mower housing.
  • Page 22 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig, 29) If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned st raight forward, removesteer- ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries gener-...
  • Page 23 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE FUSE (See Fig. 30) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL (See Fig. 31) Replace with 30 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. fuse holder is located in the engine compartment, directly when removing retainer spdngs from in front of the dash. CAUTION: Muffler is hot.

  • Page 24: Throttle Control Cable

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS FINAL SE-I-rING - ENGINE " Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make TO ADJUST THRO'I-rLE CONTROL CABLE final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion (See Fig. 32) control lever in "NEUTRAL" position. The throttle control has been preset at the factory and Move throttle control lever to "SLOW"...

  • Page 25: Cleaning

    STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of t he season or ifthe unit will not be used for 30 days or more. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL __fore sCAU'FION: Never store the tractor with...
  • Page 26 TROUBLESHOOTING CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. Will not start See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Bad spark plug. Replace spark plug. Dirty air filter. Clean/replace air filter.
  • Page 27 TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS ==,_ n= CORRECTION PROBLEM CAUSE Check widng, switches and connections. If not Engine continues torun Faulty operator-safety presence control system. when operstorleavesseat corrected, contact an authorized service facility. with at_chment_utch engaged Poor cut - uneven Worn, bent or loess blade. Replace blade.
  • Page 28 • SERVICE NOTES...

  • Page 29: Wiring Diagram

    12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR = = MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 SCHEMATIC ÷Ill-- ollio BATTERY | ..FUSE 30 AMP. STARTER WHITE SOLENOID BLACK IGNITION SWITCH If-., .,-_. BLACK CLUTCH/BRAKE BLACK (PEDAL SEAT SWITCH BLACK (NOT OCCUPIED) (CLUTCH OFF) BLACK PLUG IGNITION UNIT...

  • Page 30: Electrical Parts List

    REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 31 Washer Cable Ground 6ga 12 black STD551125 132202 Cable Battery 6 Ga 43"red STD541025 4799J Key Ign Molded Craftsman Cable Battery 6ga 11 "red 109310X 129965 Fuse 30 Amp Auto Green Case Battery Hng Mech W/lid 108824X Tube Plastic 12"...
  • Page 32 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR = - MODEL NUMBER 917,255581 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES o_; ,! o "...
  • Page 33 74180512 Screw Mach Trhd 5/16-18uncx3/4 105464X459 Footrest Pnt Rh (dover Gray) STD541431 STD533707 Bolt 131445X459 Hood Asm Pnt Weld Dover Slpe STD541437 Pad Footrest Rbr Sq Craftsman 126938X Bumper Hood 105466X STD512505 Screw 134775 Bracket, Assembly, Pivot R.H. STD551125 Washer...
  • Page 34 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 DRIVE _--... _ ;, i._*',_"._ _ 9_ _ s_...
  • Page 35 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR '- MODEL NUMBER 917,255581 DRIVE KEY PART ;, KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Bolt 120898X Transaxle 6 sp. Dana 4360-7 STD523715 110422X Spring Extension Brake STD541437 Washer 123666X Pulley Transaxle 18"tires STD551037 Link Clutch 7 66 12000028...
  • Page 37 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Nyliner Snap In 133741 Wheel Steering 109816X Axle Asm Front 124036X Bracket Steering 131450 Ring Klip #t5304-75 135227 Spindle Asm Lh 12000029 Gear Sector 135228...
  • Page 38 .,,>/. I -., _I'T KEY PART KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 127438X Seat V-450 BIIdred Craftsman 134300 Spacer Split 2B X 88 Zinc 126656X Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) i21250X Spring Cprsn 1 27 BIk Pnt STD523707 Bolt...
  • Page 39 Decal Instruction Operat Eng 109199X 127908 Decal Eng 12 5hp Ic Gold Craft 131473 Decal Chassis 6sp 42" 128381 Decal Hood Rh Craftsman Lt4000 130981 Decal V-belt Schematic 42"eng 128382 Decal Hood Lh Craftsman Lt4000 121343X Decal Danger English 132874...
  • Page 40 REPAIR PARTS 917.255581 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER ENGINE OPTION AL EQU IPM ENT Spark Arrester...
  • Page 41 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR .. - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 ENGINE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Washer 132759 Control Throt Rh BIk Pd115 10 STD551025 Stud 1/4 Turn (replaces 105751 17720410 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T 123650X Shield Pnt Heat Browning Grass 131953 Engine B&s 12 5 Icq Dual 1 Vt...

  • Page 42: 42" Mower Deck Parts List

    REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 9!7.255581 42" MOWER DECK \" 90 89...
  • Page 43 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 42" MOWER DECK KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO, NO. DESCRIPTION Bolt Shldr 10-24 Zinc Gr 5 4-"_ 131340 130970 Roller Asm Cam Follower 42"dec Housing Asm Mower 42"...
  • Page 44 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR ° - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 FOOTF_JDANA "rRANSAXLE = MODEL NUMBER 4360=7...
  • Page 45 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 FOOTE/DANA TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER4360-7 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 105928X Sprocket, 9 Teeth 120458X Housin& Upper Gear, Bevel, 42 Teeth 110084X 2274J Screw,Tapping, Large...
  • Page 46 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE ° MODEL NUMBER 286707, TYPE NUMBER 0437-01 _15 6 4 1021 1020 1358 GASKET p5_5 *SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED TO INSTALL.
  • Page 47 REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 286707, TYPE NUMBER 0437-01 I21 CARBURE'f'OR OVERHAUL KIT ,_ 618 52. i 1711...
  • Page 48 REPAIR PARTS: 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 286707, TYPE NUMBER 0437-01 Housing Length '-_ NOTE: To Identify Brlggs and Stretton manufactured starter motors, measure the housing length. KEY NUMBER 31 t Motor and Thru Bolt...

  • Page 49: Installation

    REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - = MODEL NUMBER 917.255581 BRIGGS & STRA'I-I'ON ENGINE oMODEL NUMBER 286707, TYPE NUMBER 0437-01 KEY PART KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 490450 Cylinder Assembly 93805 Screw, Sems 261623 ** Screw, Throttle Bearing, Cylinder (Requires Special 94098...

  • Page 50: Terminals

    REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 42" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR' - MODEL NUMBER 917o255581 BRIGGS & STRA'I-I'ON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 286707, TYPE NUMBER 0437=01 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO; DESCRIPTION - - - Screw, Hex Head Motor, Starting, 12 Volt (see chart 94620 on illustrated pages for replacement 280848...
  • Page 51 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RiDE UPAND DOWN HILL, "" NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING IIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 15 ° MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°.), never across the face.
  • Page 52 [RgFTSMRN 12.5 HP I/C OWNER'S ELECTRIC START MANUAL 3 in One Convertible 42" MOWER DECK 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO. 917.255581 Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. The modet number for your tractor will be found on the model plate located under the seat.

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