Craftsman 17.5 HP Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman 17.5 HP Riding Mower is a powerful lawn tractor featuring a 17.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, mulching capability, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper use and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls and Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Cutting Deck Maintenance 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start with key, adjustable seat, cup holder, headlights, and mulching kit compatibility.

Feature	Description
Engine	17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Seat	High-back, adjustable for operator comfort
Turning Radius	18 inches (zero-turn capability)
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Mulching	Optional mulching kit for clippings

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers; keep bystanders away.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disengage blades before starting engine or crossing driveways.
Stop engine and remove key before performing maintenance.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Install seat: Mount onto frame with provided bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 12 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) as per dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded (87 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Verify tire pressure before first use.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter, blade engagement lever, parking brake.

Operation Steps:

Set parking brake; ensure blades are disengaged.
Adjust seat for full control reach.
Turn key to START; release when engine starts.
Press clutch, select gear (1-6), release clutch slowly.
Engage blades with lever once moving.
Adjust speed with throttle; use brake to stop.

Tip: Mow in overlapping rows for even cut. Avoid mowing wet grass.

Specifications

Engine: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, 500cc, OHV
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear drive
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30 recommended)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Wheel Size: Front 15", Rear 20"
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, blade condition
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, sharpen blades
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check belts
Seasonally	Lubricate moving parts, check battery

Note: Refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with SAE 30.
Air Filter: Replace paper filter every 50 hours; clean foam pre-filter if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer for storage; drain carburetor if storing >30 days.

WARNING! Engine is hot after operation; allow to cool before maintenance.

Cutting Deck Maintenance

Keep deck clean and blades sharp.

Disconnect spark plug wire before servicing deck.
Remove debris from underside after each use.
Sharpen blades every 25 hours; balance after sharpening.
Check belt tension; replace if cracked or worn.
Lubricate spindle zerks every 25 hours.

Tip: Dull blades tear grass, leading to brown tips. Sharpen for clean cut.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside.
Change engine oil and replace filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery; store in cool, dry place.
Store in covered, dry area; elevate if on concrete.

CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank without stabilizer; can cause carburetor damage.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 17.5 HP Riding Mower includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; replace air filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades; set throttle to full speed.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old spark plug	Clean/replace air filter; replace spark plug.
Mower won't move	Parking brake engaged, transmission issue	Disengage brake; check transmission linkage.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.