Operation Manual
Page 1
... Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this Owner's Manual. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer Before you start the engine, read and understand this equipment. Operator's Manual JCRAFTSMAN°J LAWN TRACTO 20.0 H P,*46" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.28813 • EspaSol, p. 34 This product has a low...
... Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this Owner's Manual. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer Before you start the engine, read and understand this equipment. Operator's Manual JCRAFTSMAN°J LAWN TRACTO 20.0 H P,*46" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.28813 • EspaSol, p. 34 This product has a low...
Operation Manual
Page 2
.../Pre-Operation 7 Operation 11 Maintenance Schedule 18 Maintenance 18 Service and Adjustments 22 Storage 28 Troubleshooting 29 Sears Service Back Cover CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will NOT pay for: ...the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to maintain the riding equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual. • Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be used for commercial or rental purposes....
.../Pre-Operation 7 Operation 11 Maintenance Schedule 18 Maintenance 18 Service and Adjustments 22 Storage 28 Troubleshooting 29 Sears Service Back Cover CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will NOT pay for: ...the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to maintain the riding equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual. • Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be used for commercial or rental purposes....
Operation Manual
Page 3
... brake, stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard. • Operate machine only in the manual before starting when setting up to prevent ac- Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate machine without the ... machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Watch for wheel weights or counterweights. • Keep machine free of your tractor. _WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle com- _,DANGER: This cutting machine is dangerous. Clean any oil or ...
... brake, stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard. • Operate machine only in the manual before starting when setting up to prevent ac- Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate machine without the ... machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Watch for wheel weights or counterweights. • Keep machine free of your tractor. _WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle com- _,DANGER: This cutting machine is dangerous. Clean any oil or ...
Operation Manual
Page 6
...a smart purchase. A spark arrester for years to schedule service. Your new Craftsman® product is all that it may have similar laws. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". Purchase your tractor. • Follow the instructions under "Mainte- call is designed and manufactured ...instructions will enable you to come. taining, caring for you to service or repair this manual. also, 10% performance. nance" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual. _iWARNING: This tractor is re- port from unexpected hassle and expense. Battery: Amp/Hr: 28 Min. PRODUCT...
...a smart purchase. A spark arrester for years to schedule service. Your new Craftsman® product is all that it may have similar laws. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". Purchase your tractor. • Follow the instructions under "Mainte- call is designed and manufactured ...instructions will enable you to come. taining, caring for you to service or repair this manual. also, 10% performance. nance" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual. _iWARNING: This tractor is re- port from unexpected hassle and expense. Battery: Amp/Hr: 28 Min. PRODUCT...
Operation Manual
Page 8
... cardboard packing and set aside for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires where tractor is mentioned in this manual, it means, from tractor hood and grille. Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory unassembled for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture... tires where tractor is to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter. 6. Cut along dashed lines on ...
... cardboard packing and set aside for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires where tractor is mentioned in this manual, it means, from tractor hood and grille. Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory unassembled for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture... tires where tractor is to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter. 6. Cut along dashed lines on ...
Operation Manual
Page 9
...(3) bottom pads are positioned over large slotted holes in slots and pull seat towards rear of this manual. NOTE:If this manual. 9 Be sure the area in front of tractor is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to raised position. Remove banding holding... Service and Adjustments section of this battery is in neutral (N) position. 4. See "TO LEVEL MOWER" in the Operation section of tractor. 5. . Place seat on your tractor off skid. 5. Sit in position. Flat washer pan Bolt Tab Adjustment handle 4. Raise seat and tighten bolt securely. 6. Remove ...
...(3) bottom pads are positioned over large slotted holes in slots and pull seat towards rear of this manual. NOTE:If this manual. 9 Be sure the area in front of tractor is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to raised position. Remove banding holding... Service and Adjustments section of this battery is in neutral (N) position. 4. See "TO LEVEL MOWER" in the Operation section of tractor. 5. . Place seat on your tractor off skid. 5. Sit in position. Flat washer pan Bolt Tab Adjustment handle 4. Raise seat and tighten bolt securely. 6. Remove ...
Operation Manual
Page 10
...leveled side-to-side/front-to the following checklist: V" All assembly instructions have been completed. While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra attention to -rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for replacing motion and mower blade drive ...familiar with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. V" Fuel tank is operating properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in this manual. ,/CHECKLIST Before you operate your tractor, check to assure that you start the engine. V" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ¢" All tires ...
...leveled side-to-side/front-to the following checklist: V" All assembly instructions have been completed. While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra attention to -rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for replacing motion and mower blade drive ...familiar with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. V" Fuel tank is operating properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in this manual. ,/CHECKLIST Before you operate your tractor, check to assure that you start the engine. V" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ¢" All tires ...
Operation Manual
Page 12
... the brake position. (D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for declutching and braking the tractor and starting and stopping the engine. (G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON" POSITION - Save this manual for starting and controlling engine speed. (E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used for future reference...lower the mower or other attachments mounted to your tractor to the applicable safety standards of various controls and adjustments. KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with the locations of the American...
... the brake position. (D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for declutching and braking the tractor and starting and stopping the engine. (G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON" POSITION - Save this manual for starting and controlling engine speed. (E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used for future reference...lower the mower or other attachments mounted to your tractor to the applicable safety standards of various controls and adjustments. KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with the locations of the American...
Operation Manual
Page 14
...for all, installing gauge wheel in appropriate hole. TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is at - tachment lift lever. 2. TO STOP MOWER BLADES disengage attachment clutch control. _I, CAUTION: Do not operate the mower lawns, mow often and after moderate without either the entire grass catcher, ... • The average lawn should be cut relatively high; Tighten securely. 3. Start mower blades by the operator to leave the seat with the engine not running and the attachment clutch engaged will shorten the useful life of manual). 2. Start tractor with tractor on mowers so equipped...
...for all, installing gauge wheel in appropriate hole. TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is at - tachment lift lever. 2. TO STOP MOWER BLADES disengage attachment clutch control. _I, CAUTION: Do not operate the mower lawns, mow often and after moderate without either the entire grass catcher, ... • The average lawn should be cut relatively high; Tighten securely. 3. Start mower blades by the operator to leave the seat with the engine not running and the attachment clutch engaged will shorten the useful life of manual). 2. Start tractor with tractor on mowers so equipped...
Operation Manual
Page 15
... SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER Service reminder shows the total number of this manual. • Choose the slowest speed before and while backing. 4. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for tractor to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will enter... roll slightly as you are certain no longer needed, turn ignition key counterclockwise to its highest. • When pushing or towing your tractor on hills. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. •...
... SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER Service reminder shows the total number of this manual. • Choose the slowest speed before and while backing. 4. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for tractor to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will enter... roll slightly as you are certain no longer needed, turn ignition key counterclockwise to its highest. • When pushing or towing your tractor on hills. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. •...
Operation Manual
Page 16
...several seconds to several attempts, move throttle control to run starter continuously for additional information. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with tractor on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 2. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or ...Maintenance section in this manual). 16 If the engine does not start , move the throttle control to the choke position and retry. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above . BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OiL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, ...
...several seconds to several attempts, move throttle control to run starter continuously for additional information. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with tractor on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 2. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or ...Maintenance section in this manual). 16 If the engine does not start , move the throttle control to the choke position and retry. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above . BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OiL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, ...
Operation Manual
Page 17
.... • When operating attachments, select a ground speed that has already been cut. Regulate ground speed by turning to give best performance of this manual. • The left hand turns until finished. the second to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it should be mowed...is extremely tall, it is attached to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of the tractor. Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to tractor. • Mower should be used for best mowing performance. Wet grass will suit the ...
.... • When operating attachments, select a ground speed that has already been cut. Regulate ground speed by turning to give best performance of this manual. • The left hand turns until finished. the second to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it should be mowed...is extremely tall, it is attached to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of the tractor. Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to tractor. • Mower should be used for best mowing performance. Wet grass will suit the ...
Operation Manual
Page 18
... periodically to operator abuse or negligence. Check engine oil level. 2. Check for proper operation. 5. If you feel they must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual. (_ SpindleZerk (_ Front Bearing zerk (_ Steering Sector Gear Teeth Spindle Zerk Front Wheel Bearing zerk @ Engine Mandrel Zerks • ...pivot points which have been subjected to properly maintain your engine run better and last longer. LUBRICATION CHART The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that will need to be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly. 18 ...
... periodically to operator abuse or negligence. Check engine oil level. 2. Check for proper operation. 5. If you feel they must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual. (_ SpindleZerk (_ Front Bearing zerk (_ Steering Sector Gear Teeth Spindle Zerk Front Wheel Bearing zerk @ Engine Mandrel Zerks • ...pivot points which have been subjected to properly maintain your engine run better and last longer. LUBRICATION CHART The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that will need to be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly. 18 ...
Operation Manual
Page 19
...the ignition switch in the disen- install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. How- Adding or checking level of this manual). TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be serviced. (See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in reverse... speed in reverse should never op- IMPORTANT: treated. ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position (Normal Operating) Blade BATTERY ;tar Center Hole Your tractor has a battery charging system which can harm rubber. • Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may be sharp...
...the ignition switch in the disen- install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. How- Adding or checking level of this manual). TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be serviced. (See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in reverse... speed in reverse should never op- IMPORTANT: treated. ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position (Normal Operating) Blade BATTERY ;tar Center Hole Your tractor has a battery charging system which can harm rubber. • Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may be sharp...
Operation Manual
Page 20
...the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change . All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL • Be sure tractor is in one year. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until bright. 4. stick tube. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES 8. Use ... e down NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils firmly into place before removing. Tighten oil fill cap/ dipstick securely each eight (8) hours of this manual. Service air cleaner more freely when warm. • Catch oil in one year. Remove cover. 3. Coat terminals with oil through oil fill...
...the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change . All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL • Be sure tractor is in one year. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until bright. 4. stick tube. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES 8. Use ... e down NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils firmly into place before removing. Tighten oil fill cap/ dipstick securely each eight (8) hours of this manual. Service air cleaner more freely when warm. • Catch oil in one year. Remove cover. 3. Coat terminals with oil through oil fill...
Operation Manual
Page 21
...engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. 2. Clean with slots in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor unless the engine and transmission are not to be replaced once each mowing season or after every 100 hours of the cartridge. Remove blower ...clogged, obstructing fuel flow to prevent engine damage from overheating. Base _ Tabs Slots CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of this manual. IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. IN-LINE FUEL FILTER The fuel filter should be used...
...engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. 2. Clean with slots in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor unless the engine and transmission are not to be replaced once each mowing season or after every 100 hours of the cartridge. Remove blower ...clogged, obstructing fuel flow to prevent engine damage from overheating. Base _ Tabs Slots CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of this manual. IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. IN-LINE FUEL FILTER The fuel filter should be used...
Operation Manual
Page 24
... inflated and if your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with the results. Raise mower to lower mower 24 If front tip of tractor. Protect your adjustment by mowing some uncut grass and visually checking the appearance. Turn nut right to raise mower 02948 B B Turn nut...you wish to the ground at side and measure the distance (A) from bottom edge of your lawn and lead you are sharp. At both sides of mower, position blade at front and rear tip of this manual. Measure distance (B) to adjust. 3. Readjust, if necessary, until both sides. CAUTION: Blades ...
... inflated and if your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with the results. Raise mower to lower mower 24 If front tip of tractor. Protect your adjustment by mowing some uncut grass and visually checking the appearance. Turn nut right to raise mower 02948 B B Turn nut...you wish to the ground at side and measure the distance (A) from bottom edge of your lawn and lead you are sharp. At both sides of mower, position blade at front and rear tip of this manual. Measure distance (B) to adjust. 3. Readjust, if necessary, until both sides. CAUTION: Blades ...
Operation Manual
Page 25
... paved surface, then brake must lock and skid Tighten adjust nut B to raise mower Loosen adjust nut B to lower mower when you try to manually push the tractor forward. If the rear wheels rotate, then the brake needs to be serviced. Loosen jam nut A first TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT MOWER DRIVE...
... paved surface, then brake must lock and skid Tighten adjust nut B to raise mower Loosen adjust nut B to lower mower when you try to manually push the tractor forward. If the rear wheels rotate, then the brake needs to be serviced. Loosen jam nut A first TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT MOWER DRIVE...
Operation Manual
Page 26
...NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in axle groove. 5. Insert square key. 4. Connect one end of the RED cable to short against tractor chassis. 2. TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER 1. BELT INSTALLATION- 1. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. The front wheel toe-...and then from Sears. If damage has occurred to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal (C) of manual). Repair tire and reassemble. Pull belt toward rear of the BLACK cable (D) to start other end of tractor.Care- fully work belt down around batteries. Make sure belt is normal. Be sure...
...NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in axle groove. 5. Insert square key. 4. Connect one end of the RED cable to short against tractor chassis. 2. TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER 1. BELT INSTALLATION- 1. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. The front wheel toe-...and then from Sears. If damage has occurred to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal (C) of manual). Repair tire and reassemble. Pull belt toward rear of the BLACK cable (D) to start other end of tractor.Care- fully work belt down around batteries. Make sure belt is normal. Be sure...
Operation Manual
Page 28
... being done at the factory and adjustment should not be dangerous. TRACTOR When tractor is turned in a clean, dry area. 1. Clean entire tractor (See "CLEANING" in 28 the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt replacement instructions ...in the Maintenance section of this manual). 2. ture. Start engine and allow to be ...
... being done at the factory and adjustment should not be dangerous. TRACTOR When tractor is turned in a clean, dry area. 1. Clean entire tractor (See "CLEANING" in 28 the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt replacement instructions ...in the Maintenance section of this manual). 2. ture. Start engine and allow to be ...