Operation Manual
Page 1
... this Owner's Manual. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer Sat SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Operator's Manual CRRFTSMRN° LAW TRACTO 24.0 HR* 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.28970 • EspaSol, p. 34 This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines.
... this Owner's Manual. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer Sat SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Operator's Manual CRRFTSMRN° LAW TRACTO 24.0 HR* 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.28970 • EspaSol, p. 34 This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines.
Operation Manual
Page 2
... 3 Product Specifications 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation 7 Operation 9 Maintenance Schedule 16 Maintenance 16 Service and Adjustments 20 Storage 26 Troubleshooting 27 Sears Service Back Cover CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY TWO YEARS ON TRACTOR When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this tractor fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date or purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. 90 DAYS ON BATTERY For ninety...
... 3 Product Specifications 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation 7 Operation 9 Maintenance Schedule 16 Maintenance 16 Service and Adjustments 20 Storage 26 Troubleshooting 27 Sears Service Back Cover CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY TWO YEARS ON TRACTOR When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this tractor fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date or purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. 90 DAYS ON BATTERY For ninety...
Operation Manual
Page 3
... , transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. _,WARNING: Do not coast down before storage. 3 I. Always look down and behind before starting when setting up to plow leaves or other reproductive harm. Operate only at all instructions on a slope. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate machinewithouttheentire grass catcher, discharge guard, or...
... , transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. _,WARNING: Do not coast down before storage. 3 I. Always look down and behind before starting when setting up to plow leaves or other reproductive harm. Operate only at all instructions on a slope. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate machinewithouttheentire grass catcher, discharge guard, or...
Operation Manual
Page 5
... turning on clothing, change clothing immediately. • Never overfill fuel tank. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove anyfueFsoaked de- Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthe discharge guard frequently and replace with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all nuts and bolts tight to be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Replace gas cap and...
... turning on clothing, change clothing immediately. • Never overfill fuel tank. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove anyfueFsoaked de- Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthe discharge guard frequently and replace with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all nuts and bolts tight to be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Replace gas cap and...
Operation Manual
Page 6
... the operator. Your new Craftsman® product is used, it should not be used on all that it may have access to service or repair this manual. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can 't be maintained in maintaining, caring for parts and labor on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is all covered repairs. Product replacement if your covered...
... the operator. Your new Craftsman® product is used, it should not be used on all that it may have access to service or repair this manual. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can 't be maintained in maintaining, caring for parts and labor on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is all covered repairs. Product replacement if your covered...
Operation Manual
Page 8
... starting , read, understand and follow . Be sure the area in the Operation section of this manual). TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for leveling). Correct tire pressure is operating properly. J" No remaining instructions have been loose parts in the Service and Adjustments section of this Quality Product. J" Check wiring. While learning how to use your tractor, checkto seethat the brake is important for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts...
... starting , read, understand and follow . Be sure the area in the Operation section of this manual). TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for leveling). Correct tire pressure is operating properly. J" No remaining instructions have been loose parts in the Service and Adjustments section of this Quality Product. J" Check wiring. While learning how to use your tractor, checkto seethat the brake is important for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts...
Operation Manual
Page 12
... , installing same adjustment hole. Repeat for all turns slowly. 12 out either the entire grass catcher, on a flat level surface. 1. tion, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of cut relatively high; TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of cut to ap- The cutting height range is equipped with the engine not running and the attachment clutch engaged...
... , installing same adjustment hole. Repeat for all turns slowly. 12 out either the entire grass catcher, on a flat level surface. 1. tion, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of cut relatively high; TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of cut to ap- The cutting height range is equipped with the engine not running and the attachment clutch engaged...
Operation Manual
Page 14
... . When engine starts, leavethrottle control in the trans- Check engine oil with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of this manual. clutch to operating position. 3. When engine starts, move the throttle control to fast position, wait a few seconds, remove and read the warm and cold starting the engine for transmission to several attempts, move fuel from the factory, already filled with gasoline. Be sure the tractor is in choke position until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty...
... . When engine starts, leavethrottle control in the trans- Check engine oil with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of this manual. clutch to operating position. 3. When engine starts, move the throttle control to fast position, wait a few seconds, remove and read the warm and cold starting the engine for transmission to several attempts, move fuel from the factory, already filled with gasoline. Be sure the tractor is in choke position until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty...
Operation Manual
Page 15
... tractor seat, start byturning to give best performance of the drive wheels. 4. Repeat this procedure three (3) times. 5. the second to the right of clippings and more even distribution of the tractor. IMPORTANT: Should your tractor. This will remove anytrapped air inside the transmission which may be used . 15 Repeat this procedure with engine off and parking brake set parking brake. 6. Your transmission is running . Have the cut relatively high...
... tractor seat, start byturning to give best performance of the drive wheels. 4. Repeat this procedure three (3) times. 5. the second to the right of clippings and more even distribution of the tractor. IMPORTANT: Should your tractor. This will remove anytrapped air inside the transmission which may be used . 15 Repeat this procedure with engine off and parking brake set parking brake. 6. Your transmission is running . Have the cut relatively high...
Operation Manual
Page 16
Replace blades more often when mowing in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Some adjustments will need to see if you feel they must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual. BEFORE EACH USE 1. Change more often when operating in the Service and Adjustments section of the self-lubricating bearings. Not required if equipped with oil filter) Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) _ Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen I inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester N Replace Oil Filter (If equipped) E Clean Engine Cooling Fins Replace Spark Plug Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge R__place Fuel...
Replace blades more often when mowing in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Some adjustments will need to see if you feel they must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual. BEFORE EACH USE 1. Change more often when operating in the Service and Adjustments section of the self-lubricating bearings. Not required if equipped with oil filter) Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) _ Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen I inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester N Replace Oil Filter (If equipped) E Clean Engine Cooling Fins Replace Spark Plug Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge R__place Fuel...
Operation Manual
Page 17
... or checking level of your tractor is running with star on your warranty. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with stamped "GRASS SIDE" facing the ground. switch in the SERVICE AND AD- Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of electrolyte is maintenance free. Install new blade with heavy cloth. 2. Lbs. Do not attempt to blades. Clean terminals and battery cable attachment clutch...
... or checking level of your tractor is running with star on your warranty. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with stamped "GRASS SIDE" facing the ground. switch in the SERVICE AND AD- Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of electrolyte is maintenance free. Install new blade with heavy cloth. 2. Lbs. Do not attempt to blades. Clean terminals and battery cable attachment clutch...
Operation Manual
Page 18
... not use high quality detergent oil rated with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in one year. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick securely each eight (8) hours of the transaxle. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL Determine temperature range expected before removing dipstick. Replace belts if they will not run properly using a dirty air filter. See Engine Manual. Closed and Oil Drain Valve Locked _ _. Cap...
... not use high quality detergent oil rated with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in one year. Tighten oil fill cap/dipstick securely each eight (8) hours of the transaxle. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL Determine temperature range expected before removing dipstick. Replace belts if they will not run properly using a dirty air filter. See Engine Manual. Closed and Oil Drain Valve Locked _ _. Cap...
Operation Manual
Page 19
... area. filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to remove grass, leaves and trash from overheating. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fue! line sections. 2. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to carburetor, replacement is required. 1. DECK WASHOUT PORT Your tractor's deck is cleaned. 8. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on the tractor, re-start the engine and place the throttle lever in the operator's position with the cutting deck engaged until the deck is equipped with a wire brush or compressed airto remove dirt...
... area. filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to remove grass, leaves and trash from overheating. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fue! line sections. 2. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to carburetor, replacement is required. 1. DECK WASHOUT PORT Your tractor's deck is cleaned. 8. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on the tractor, re-start the engine and place the throttle lever in the operator's position with the cutting deck engaged until the deck is equipped with a wire brush or compressed airto remove dirt...
Operation Manual
Page 20
... spark plug and place wire where it is spring loaded. NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension arms (A) are discon- TO REMOVE MOWER • Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. • Lower attachment lift lever to "STOP" and remove key. 5. Position hole in lowest position. Place attachment clutch in neutral position. 3. & WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Turn ignition key to its lowest position...
... spark plug and place wire where it is spring loaded. NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension arms (A) are discon- TO REMOVE MOWER • Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. • Lower attachment lift lever to "STOP" and remove key. 5. Position hole in lowest position. Place attachment clutch in neutral position. 3. & WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Turn ignition key to its lowest position...
Operation Manual
Page 23
... tractor (See"TO REMOVE MOWER"inthis section of tractor. BELT INSTALLATION - 1. gaged" position. The rear wheels must be serviced. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all the way down around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. link (B) on centerspan idler (E). 5. Pull belt toward rear of manual). Be sure belt is inside all belt guides. 3. Install belt on right 4. Engage parking brake. Mandrel Idler Pulle' Mandrel TO CHECK BRAKE...
... tractor (See"TO REMOVE MOWER"inthis section of tractor. BELT INSTALLATION - 1. gaged" position. The rear wheels must be serviced. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all the way down around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. link (B) on centerspan idler (E). 5. Pull belt toward rear of manual). Be sure belt is inside all belt guides. 3. Install belt on right 4. Engage parking brake. Mandrel Idler Pulle' Mandrel TO CHECK BRAKE...
Operation Manual
Page 26
...; Use fresh fuel next season. Inspectandreplacebelts,ifnecessary(See belt replacement instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. 4. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is an acceptable alternative in a clean, dry area. 1. ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with new spark plug(s). Add stabilizer to gasoline in essential fuel system parts such as shown in the fuel tank or permanent damage may reach an open flame or spark. Replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Service...
...; Use fresh fuel next season. Inspectandreplacebelts,ifnecessary(See belt replacement instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. 4. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is an acceptable alternative in a clean, dry area. 1. ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with new spark plug(s). Add stabilizer to gasoline in essential fuel system parts such as shown in the fuel tank or permanent damage may reach an open flame or spark. Replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Service...
Operation Manual
Page 27
... 7 Carburetor out of adjustment. 8 Engine valves out of fuel. 2 Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3 Engineflooded. 4 Bad spark plug. 5 Dirty air filter. 6 Dirty fuel filter. 7 Water in Service and Adjustments section. 8 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 1 Depress brake pedal. 2 Disengage attachment clutch. 3 Recharge or replace battery. 4 Replace fuse. 5 Clean battery terminals. 6 Check all wiring. 7 Check/replace ignition switch. 8 Check/replace solenoid or starter. 9 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 27 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual...
... 7 Carburetor out of adjustment. 8 Engine valves out of fuel. 2 Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3 Engineflooded. 4 Bad spark plug. 5 Dirty air filter. 6 Dirty fuel filter. 7 Water in Service and Adjustments section. 8 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 1 Depress brake pedal. 2 Disengage attachment clutch. 3 Recharge or replace battery. 4 Replace fuse. 5 Clean battery terminals. 6 Check all wiring. 7 Check/replace ignition switch. 8 Check/replace solenoid or starter. 9 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 27 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual...
Operation Manual
Page 28
... blade bolt. 2 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 1 Replace blade. Replace damaged parts. 28 Excessive vibration 1 Worn, bent or loose blade. 2 Bent blade mandrel. 3 Loose/damaged part(s). 1 Recharge or replace battery. 2 Clean battery terminals. 3 Check all wiring. 4 Check/replace solenoid or starter. 1 Raise cutting height/reduce speed. 2 Adjust throttle control. 3 Clean underside of mower housing. 4 Clean/replace air filter. 5 Check oil level/change oil. 6 Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7 Replace fuel filter. 8 Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean...
... blade bolt. 2 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 1 Replace blade. Replace damaged parts. 28 Excessive vibration 1 Worn, bent or loose blade. 2 Bent blade mandrel. 3 Loose/damaged part(s). 1 Recharge or replace battery. 2 Clean battery terminals. 3 Check all wiring. 4 Check/replace solenoid or starter. 1 Raise cutting height/reduce speed. 2 Adjust throttle control. 3 Clean underside of mower housing. 4 Clean/replace air filter. 5 Check oil level/change oil. 6 Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7 Replace fuel filter. 8 Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean...
Operation Manual
Page 29
... drive belt. 9 Blades improperly installed. 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades used. 10 Replace with attachment clutch engaged Faulty operator-safety control system. Clean around mandrels. Tighten blade bolt. 7 Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4 Bent blade mandrel. 5 Clogged mower deck vent from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. 1 Obstruction in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to 1 run when operator leaves seat with blades listed in "FAST" position...
... drive belt. 9 Blades improperly installed. 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades used. 10 Replace with attachment clutch engaged Faulty operator-safety control system. Clean around mandrels. Tighten blade bolt. 7 Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4 Bent blade mandrel. 5 Clogged mower deck vent from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. 1 Obstruction in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to 1 run when operator leaves seat with blades listed in "FAST" position...
Operation Manual
Page 30
...". 2 Replace bulb(s) or lamp(s). 3 Check/replace light switch. 4 Check wiring and connections. 5 Replace fuse. 1 Replace battery. 2 Check/clean all connections. 3 Faulty regulator (if so equipped). 3 Replace regulator. 4 Faulty alternator. 4 Replace alternator. o Find information and too[s to you by Sears 30 during shipment or servicing. 1 Engine throttle control not sel 1 Move throttlecontrol between between half and full speed (fast) half and full speed (fast) position position before stopping engine, before stopping engine. 1 Reverse operation system (ROS) 1 Turn ignition key...
...". 2 Replace bulb(s) or lamp(s). 3 Check/replace light switch. 4 Check wiring and connections. 5 Replace fuse. 1 Replace battery. 2 Check/clean all connections. 3 Faulty regulator (if so equipped). 3 Replace regulator. 4 Faulty alternator. 4 Replace alternator. o Find information and too[s to you by Sears 30 during shipment or servicing. 1 Engine throttle control not sel 1 Move throttlecontrol between between half and full speed (fast) half and full speed (fast) position position before stopping engine, before stopping engine. 1 Reverse operation system (ROS) 1 Turn ignition key...