Craftsman 917 255980 Owner's Manual

The Craftsman 917 255980 is a riding lawn mower featuring a powerful engine, hydrostatic drive system, 42-inch cutting deck, electric start, adjustable cutting height, and durable construction for reliable lawn maintenance. 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. Mowing Operation 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Hydrostatic transmission, 42-inch cutting deck, Electric start system, Seat, Steering wheel, Brake pedal, Cutting height adjustment lever.

Feature	Description
Engine	Powerful gasoline engine for reliable performance
Hydrostatic Drive	Smooth, variable speed control without shifting gears
42-inch Cutting Deck	Wide cutting path for efficient mowing
Electric Start	Key-operated ignition for easy starting
Adjustable Seat	Comfortable seating with adjustable position
Cutting Height Lever	Quick adjustment for grass height (1.5-4 inches)
Fuel Tank	Large capacity for extended operation
Parking Brake	Secure parking on slopes and inclines
Deck Engagement Lever	PTO lever to engage/disengage cutting blades
Headlights	For visibility in low-light conditions

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on level ground.

Install steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Attach seat: Mount seat onto frame using bolts and washers.
Install cutting deck: Lower deck under chassis and attach with pins and belts.
Connect battery: Attach cables to battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative).
Add fluids: Fill engine with oil and fuel tank with fresh gasoline.

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

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

Check oil level: Ensure engine oil is at proper level.
Inspect fuel: Fill tank with fresh, clean gasoline.
Adjust seat: Position for comfortable reach to all controls.
Set cutting height: Use lever to select desired height.
Start engine: Insert key, set parking brake, and turn to start.
Test controls: Practice forward/reverse motion and braking in safe area.

CAUTION! Always operate on level ground. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917 255980
Engine Type: Single-cylinder, 4-cycle gasoline
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches
Transmission: Hydrostatic drive
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Starting System: Electric key start
Drive System: Rear-wheel drive
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs
Warranty: Limited 2-year residential warranty

Controls and Settings

Operator station includes all controls for safe operation.

Dashboard: Ignition switch, Headlight switch, Hour meter, Choke control.

Steering/Drive: Steering wheel, Forward/reverse pedal, Brake pedal, Parking brake lever.

Cutting Controls: Deck engagement lever, Cutting height adjustment lever, Blade clutch.

Safety Features: Seat safety switch (engine stops if operator leaves seat), Blade brake clutch.

Attaching Accessories

Compatible with optional accessories: Bagging system, Mulching kit, Tow-behind cart.

Turn off engine and remove key before attaching accessories.
Follow accessory-specific instructions for proper installation.
Ensure all connections are secure before operation.
Test accessory function in safe area before regular use.

Tip: Always use Craftsman-approved accessories for optimal performance and safety.

Mowing Operation

Proper mowing techniques for best results.

Pre-mow inspection: Clear area of debris, check tire pressure.
Start engine: Set parking brake, engage blade clutch, release brake to begin.
Mowing pattern: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Slope operation: Mow up and down slopes, not across. Avoid steep inclines.
Bagging/mulching: Install appropriate kit for desired grass disposal method.
Shut down: Disengage blades, set parking brake, turn off engine, remove key.

WARNING! Never mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Always wear protective eyewear and footwear.

Safety Features

Built-in safety systems: Seat switch stops engine when operator leaves seat, Blade brake clutch stops blades within 3 seconds of disengagement, Parking brake secures mower on inclines.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures long service life.

Daily: Check tire pressure, inspect for debris under deck, clean exterior.

Monthly: Check battery terminals, inspect belts for wear, lubricate moving parts.

Seasonal: Change engine oil, replace air filter, sharpen blades, check spark plug.

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

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Meets emission standards for lawn and garden equipment. CARB Compliant: Certified 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	Empty fuel tank, dead battery, safety switch engaged	Add fuel, charge/replace battery, ensure operator is seated properly.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen/replace blades, adjust throttle to high, clean underside of deck.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Replace air filter, drain old fuel, clean/replace spark plug.
Hydrostatic drive issues	Low fluid, air in system	Check transmission fluid level, bleed air from system per manual.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose components	Balance or replace blade, tighten all bolts and connections.

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

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