The Craftsman 917.275820 is a riding lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, and a durable steel frame. This service manual provides comprehensive instructions for maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and safety procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
Critical safety guidelines to prevent injury and equipment damage during operation and service.
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Fuel Handling | Refuel outdoors only, engine off and cool. No smoking. |
| Blade Contact | Disconnect spark plug before inspecting or servicing blades. |
| Rollover Risk | Operate on slopes less than 15 degrees; avoid sudden turns. |
| Hot Surfaces | Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching. |
| Tipping | Use jack stands when lifting; never work under unsupported machine. |
| Battery | Disconnect negative terminal first; avoid sparks near battery. |
| Children & Pets | Keep clear of operating area. |
| Protective Gear | Wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy footwear. |
WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Always refer to this manual before performing any service.
Regular maintenance is essential for reliable operation. Follow this schedule based on operating hours.
| Service Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Before each use | Check tire pressure, fuel level, and for loose hardware. |
| Every 8 hours | Check engine oil level; clean deck of grass clippings. |
| Every 25 hours | Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours). Lubricate pivot points. |
| Every 50 hours | Replace air filter; check spark plug; inspect blades for wear/damage. |
| Every 100 hours | Replace spark plug; check drive belt tension; clean cooling fins. |
| Seasonally | Sharpen or replace blades; check battery charge; grease fittings. |
| Storage | Drain fuel or add stabilizer; remove battery for winter storage. |
Procedures for maintaining the Briggs & Stratton engine.
CAUTION! Engine must be cool before servicing. Always disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Instructions for deck removal, blade sharpening/replacement, and belt adjustment.
WARNING! Wear heavy gloves when handling blades. Ensure mower is securely supported.
Hydrostatic transmission maintenance and drive belt service.
Note: For major transmission issues, consult an authorized service center.
Battery, starter, and wiring maintenance.
Adjustment procedures for steering, brakes, and cutting height.
| Control | Adjustment Procedure |
|---|---|
| Steering | Center wheels. Loosen steering wheel nut. Align wheel straight. Retighten. |
| Parking Brake | Engage brake. Adjust cable at lever until rear wheels are locked. |
| Cutting Height Lever | Set lever to desired height. Measure blade clearance. Adjust linkage if heights are inconsistent. |
| Throttle/Choke Cable | Ensure full range of motion at carburetor. Adjust cable housing if slack. |
| Seat Safety Switch | Switch must be depressed when seated. Adjust bracket if engine dies when standing. |
Steps to prepare mower for extended storage.
Reference for common replacement parts (Part Numbers are illustrative).
Note: For exploded-view diagrams and complete parts list, refer to the separate illustrated parts manual or visit the official Craftsman website.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't crank | Dead battery, blown fuse, safety switch engaged | Charge/test battery; check 20A fuse; ensure brake depressed and seat occupied. |
| Engine cranks but won't start | No fuel, bad spark, choked incorrectly | Check fuel valve, fuel level; inspect spark plug for spark; adjust choke. |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck | Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to full; clean underside of deck. |
| Excessive vibration | Unbalanced blade, loose blade, damaged spindle | Balance or replace blade; tighten blade bolt; inspect spindle bearings. |
| Loss of drive power | Loose/damaged drive belt, low tire pressure | Inspect and tension/replace drive belt; inflate tires. |
| Mower pulls to one side | Uneven tire pressure, misaligned deck | Check and equalize tire pressure; level the cutting deck. |
| Battery drains quickly | Faulty alternator, parasitic draw | Test charging voltage; check for short circuits in wiring. |
For Technical Support: Contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Have your model number (917.275820) ready.