Craftsman 917.255581 Manual Repair

The Craftsman 917.255581 is a lawn tractor requiring regular maintenance and repair for optimal performance. This manual covers essential repair procedures, troubleshooting, parts identification, and safety guidelines. Below are key sections for safety precautions, common repairs, parts replacement, troubleshooting, and maintenance schedules.

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Precaution	Description
Disconnect spark plug	Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any repairs
Work on level surface	Ensure tractor is on a flat, stable surface before starting repairs
Use proper tools	Use recommended tools for specific repair tasks
Wear protective gear	Wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy footwear
Allow engine to cool	Let engine cool completely before touching engine components
Secure tractor	Engage parking brake and chock wheels when working underneath
Proper lifting	Use appropriate lifting equipment for heavy components
Ventilation	Work in well-ventilated area when dealing with fuel or batteries
Follow torque specs	Use torque wrench for critical fasteners
Check for leaks	Inspect for fluid leaks before and after repairs

Parts Identification

Key components of the Craftsman 917.255581 lawn tractor.

1. Engine: Briggs & Stratton or Kohler engine (check model plate).
2. Transmission: Hydrostatic or gear drive transmission system.
3. Deck: 42-inch or 46-inch cutting deck with multiple blades.
4. Electrical System: Battery, starter, alternator, wiring harness.
5. Controls: Steering wheel, brake pedal, clutch/brake pedal, throttle control.

WARNING! Always refer to your specific model number for exact parts identification. Parts may vary by production year.

Common Repairs

Most frequent repairs needed for the Craftsman 917.255581.

1. Blade replacement: Remove deck, replace worn or damaged blades.
2. Belt replacement: Replace drive belts showing signs of wear or cracking.
3. Spark plug replacement: Replace annually or after 100 hours of operation.
4. Oil change: Change engine oil every 50 hours or seasonally.
5. Air filter cleaning/replacement: Clean or replace air filter regularly.
6. Battery replacement: Replace battery every 3-4 years or as needed.
7. Tire repair: Fix punctures or replace damaged tires.
8. Carburetor cleaning: Clean carburetor if engine runs rough or won't start.

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery and spark plug before beginning repairs.

Troubleshooting Guide

• Engine won't start: Check battery, spark plug, fuel, safety switches.
• Poor cutting performance: Check blade sharpness, deck level, belt tension.
• Loss of power: Check air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, carburetor.
• Transmission issues: Check fluid level, drive belt, linkage adjustment.
• Electrical problems: Check battery connections, fuses, wiring harness.
• Vibration: Check for unbalanced blades, loose components.
• Overheating: Check cooling fins, oil level, air flow around engine.
• Steering problems: Check tie rods, steering gear, front axle.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Before each use: Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and for visible damage.

Every 8 hours: Check engine oil level, clean debris from deck and engine.

Every 25 hours: Lubricate fittings, check battery terminals, inspect belts.

Every 50 hours: Change engine oil, check spark plug, clean air filter.

Every 100 hours: Replace spark plug, check valve clearance, change transmission fluid.

Seasonally: Sharpen blades, check tire condition, inspect deck for wear.

Storage: Add fuel stabilizer, disconnect battery, clean thoroughly.

Engine Repair

Briggs & Stratton/Kohler engine maintenance and repair procedures.

1. Oil change: Drain old oil, replace filter, refill with recommended oil.
2. Spark plug: Remove old plug, gap new plug properly, install and torque.
3. Air filter: Remove housing, clean or replace filter element.
4. Carburetor: Remove carburetor, clean jets and passages, reassemble.
5. Fuel system: Replace fuel filter, check fuel lines for cracks.
6. Cooling system: Clean cooling fins, ensure proper air flow.
7. Compression test: Perform if engine lacks power or won't start.
8. Valve adjustment: Adjust valves to specified clearance.

WARNING! Engine components can be hot. Allow to cool before touching.

Transmission Repair

Hydrostatic transmission maintenance and troubleshooting.

1. Check fluid level: Locate dipstick or fill plug, check level when warm.
2. Change fluid: Drain old fluid, replace filter, refill with recommended fluid.
3. Belt adjustment: Check drive belt tension, adjust or replace as needed.
4. Linkage adjustment: Adjust control linkage for proper speed control.
5. Neutral adjustment: Adjust neutral position if tractor creeps when stopped.
6. Pump/motor service: Professional service recommended for internal repairs.

Tip: Always use manufacturer-recommended transmission fluid.

Electrical System

Diagnosis and repair of electrical components.

1. Battery: Test voltage (should be 12.6V+), clean terminals, check connections.
2. Starter: Test solenoid, check wiring, replace if not engaging properly.
3. Alternator: Test output voltage, check wiring connections.
4. Safety switches: Test seat switch, brake switch, clutch switch, PTO switch.
5. Wiring harness: Inspect for damaged wires, loose connections, corrosion.
6. Fuses: Check and replace blown fuses with correct amperage rating.
7. Lights: Test headlights, replace bulbs if necessary.
8. Key switch: Test continuity, replace if faulty.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before working on electrical system.

Blade Replacement

Proper procedure for replacing mower blades.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire and battery.
2. Raise deck to highest position or remove deck from tractor.
3. Block blade to prevent rotation, remove blade bolt (usually reverse thread).
4. Remove old blade, clean spindle area.
5. Install new blade with correct orientation (cutting edge toward ground).
6. Tighten blade bolt to specified torque (usually 70-90 ft-lbs).
7. Check blade balance using blade balancer.
8. Reinstall deck, reconnect battery and spark plug.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling blades.

Belt Replacement

Drive and deck belt replacement procedures.

Drive Belt Replacement:

1. Disconnect spark plug and battery.
2. Remove deck for access to drive belt.
3. Release tension on idler pulley, remove old belt.
4. Route new belt according to diagram (usually under deck).
5. Ensure proper engagement on pulleys.
6. Adjust tension as specified.

Deck Belt Replacement:

1. Remove deck from tractor.
2. Release tension, remove old belt from pulleys.
3. Install new belt following routing diagram.
4. Adjust belt tension properly.
5. Reinstall deck, check operation.

Tip: Take photos of belt routing before removal for reference.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	917.255581
Engine Type	Briggs & Stratton or Kohler (varies)
Engine HP	17.5-19.5 HP (check engine plate)
Cutting Width	42-inch or 46-inch deck
Transmission	Hydrostatic or Gear Drive
Fuel Capacity	2-3 gallons
Oil Capacity	1.5-2 quarts (check dipstick)
Battery	12V, 280-350 CCA
Tire Size Front	15x6.00-6
Tire Size Rear	20x10.00-8
Weight	Approximately 450-500 lbs

Note: Specifications may vary. Always check your specific model for exact details.

Parts Support: 1-800-659-5917; www.craftsman.com