Craftsman 917 250810 Manual

The Craftsman 917 250810 is a riding lawn mower with a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, and mulching capability. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and understand all instructions before operating.

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

Safety Instructions

Read all safety rules and instructions carefully before operating the mower. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Rollover	Operate on slopes less than 15 degrees; avoid sudden turns.
Blade Contact	Keep hands and feet away from deck; engine off for inspection.
Fire/Explosion	No smoking near fuel; refuel outdoors, engine cool.
Carbon Monoxide	Operate outdoors only; never in enclosed spaces.
Children	Keep bystanders away; never carry passengers.

WARNING! Always wear eye protection, sturdy shoes, and long pants while operating.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts and verify against packing list. Assembly requires basic tools (wrenches, screwdriver).

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Position on frame and secure with provided bolts.
Connect battery: Positive (red) first, then negative (black).
Install cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure pins.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10-12 PSI.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque. Keep hands clear of moving parts during assembly.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Key Controls: Ignition switch, Throttle/Choke, Blade Engage lever, Parking Brake, Gear Shift lever (1-6 + Reverse), Height Adjustment lever.

Pre-start: Sit in seat, set parking brake, disengage blades.
Starting: Turn key to START; release when engine starts.
Driving: Release parking brake, select gear, slowly press pedal.
Mowing: Engage blade lever; adjust speed for conditions.
Stopping: Disengage blades, set parking brake, turn key OFF.

Tip: Always mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid mowing wet grass.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917.250810
Engine: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV, single cylinder
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Starting System: Electric key start (12V battery included)
Deck Material: Fabricated steel
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Weight: Approx. 450 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation. Refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fluid levels, for loose parts.
Every 8 hours	Clean deck underside, check blade condition.
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours).
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter; grease spindle zerks.
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug; check drive belt tension.
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades; check battery charge.

Engine Care

The Briggs & Stratton engine requires regular oil changes, air filter service, and proper fuel management.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube or drain plug. Refill with SAE 30 (48 oz). Check level with dipstick.
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-cleaner (if equipped), replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches. Replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

WARNING! Engine is hot during and after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Cutting Deck Maintenance

Proper deck care ensures a clean cut and prevents rust.

Blade Sharpening: Remove deck or block blade. Sharpen at original angle (balance is critical).
Belt Inspection: Check for cracks/wear. Adjust tension if belt slips.
Deck Cleaning: Scrape off grass clippings after each use. Hose clean (avoid bearings).
Spindle Lubrication: Grease zerks until grease purges from seals.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before working under deck.

Storage

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Clean entire mower, especially deck underside.
Change engine oil and run for a few minutes.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place.
Store in a clean, dry location, preferably covered.

Tip: Inflate tires to max pressure to prevent flat spots during storage.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, empty fuel tank, clogged fuel line	Charge/replace battery; check spark plug; add fuel; clean fuel line.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to FAST; clean deck.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose blade/spindle, damaged belt	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts; inspect belt.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean carburetor.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose/dirty connections	Test alternator output; clean/tighten battery cables.

For Service: Contact authorized Craftsman service center or call 1-888-331-4569.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 917 250810 includes a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, commercial use. Keep original receipt. For warranty claims, contact Sears Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.