Craftsman 917.203810 Owner Manual

The Craftsman 917.203810 is a riding lawn mower featuring a powerful engine, durable cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, comfortable high-back seat, and easy-to-use controls. Designed for residential lawn care with reliable performance and safety features. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Attaching Accessories 7. Operating Procedures 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, steering wheel, seat, fuel tank, battery, and blade engagement system.

Feature	Description
Engine	Powerful gasoline engine for reliable performance
Cutting Deck	Durable steel deck with adjustable cutting height
Hydrostatic Transmission	Smooth, variable speed control without shifting
Steering Wheel	Adjustable for operator comfort
Seat	High-back padded seat with suspension
Fuel Tank	Large capacity for extended operation
Battery	12V battery for electric start
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch for easy blade control
Parking Brake	Manual parking brake for safety
Headlights	Integrated headlights for low-light conditions

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on level surface with proper tools.

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Install seat: Mount seat bracket and secure with bolts.
Connect battery: Attach cables to terminals (red positive, black negative).
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure pins.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; check oil level.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

Check oil: Ensure engine oil is at proper level.
Fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Tire pressure: Inflate tires to recommended PSI.
Blades: Inspect for damage and secure mounting.
Start engine: Engage parking brake, sit on seat, turn key to start.
Test controls: Verify steering, brake, and blade engagement.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Operate only in clear, dry conditions.

Specifications

Engine: 20 HP gasoline engine.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Transmission: Hydrostatic drive system.
Cutting Height: Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches.
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons.
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA.
Seat: Adjustable high-back with suspension.
Tires: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-8.
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs.
Warranty: Limited 2-year residential warranty.

Controls and Settings

Dashboard: Ignition key, throttle control, choke, hour meter, headlight switch.

Control Panel: Blade engagement lever, parking brake lever, forward/reverse pedals, steering wheel.

Cutting Height: Adjust via lever at each wheel (positions 1-7). Throttle: Set to FAST for operation, SLOW for idle. Choke: Use for cold starts. Hour Meter: Tracks engine operating hours. Headlights: Switch on dashboard for illumination.

Attaching Accessories

Compatible with bagger, mulcher, and tow-behind cart.

Turn off engine and remove key.
Attach bagger: Connect chute to deck outlet, secure brackets.
Install mulcher: Replace standard blades with mulching blades.
Hitch cart: Attach hitch pin to rear tow bracket.

Tip: Ensure engine is off and cool before attaching accessories.

Operating Procedures

Follow safe operating practices for best results.

Starting: Sit on seat, engage parking brake, set throttle to FAST, turn key.
Driving: Release parking brake, press forward pedal gradually.
Mowing: Engage blade lever, maintain steady speed, overlap passes.
Turning: Slow down before turning to prevent scalping.
Stopping: Disengage blades, release drive pedal, engage parking brake.
Shutdown: Turn key to OFF, remove key, wait for blades to stop.

WARNING! Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Keep bystanders away.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with blades engaged. Parking Brake: Prevents rolling when engaged. Blade Brake: Stops blades within seconds after disengagement. Safety Interlocks: Prevents starting unless conditions are safe.

Maintenance & Storage

Perform regular maintenance for optimal performance.

Daily: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, blade condition.

Monthly: Clean deck, sharpen blades, check battery.

Seasonal: Change oil, replace air filter, lubricate fittings.

Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, disconnect battery, store in dry location.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance. Store fuel in approved containers.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Meets emission standards for lawn and garden equipment. CARB Compliant: Approved for sale in California. Copyright © Craftsman; trademarks of Sears Brands, LLC. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/ fuel/ spark plug	Check battery charge; ensure fresh fuel; inspect spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades/ deck clogged	Sharpen or replace blades; clean underside of deck.
Uneven cutting	Tire pressure/ deck level	Adjust tire pressure; level cutting deck.
Loss of power	Air filter/ fuel filter	Clean or replace air filter; replace fuel filter.
Hydrostatic issues	Low fluid/ linkage	Check transmission fluid; adjust control linkage.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset electrical system.

Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com