Craftsman 917257551 Body Manual

The Craftsman 917257551 is a riding lawn mower with a 42-inch cutting deck, powered by a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, featuring a 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, and a durable steel frame. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Attachments 7. Operating the Mower 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, Electric Start, Steel Frame, Mulching/Bagging capability.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric start with 12V battery
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches
Mulching/Bagging	Optional mulching kit or bagging system

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Ensure all hardware is present.

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided bolt.
Install seat: Place seat on bracket and secure with bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure with pins and belts.
Install wheels: Ensure all tires are properly inflated.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Tighten all bolts securely.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete the following steps.

Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30, fill to dipstick mark.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 12 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Adjust cutting height: Set to desired level using deck adjustment lever.
Test operation: Start engine in a clear, open area.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts during setup.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917257551
Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Starting: Electric with key
Weight: 450 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Settings

Operator controls located on dashboard and steering column.

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO (blade engagement) switch, Choke, Throttle, Headlight switch.

Steering Column: Gear shift lever (1-6), Parking brake lever, Cutting height adjustment lever.

Foot Controls: Brake pedal, Clutch pedal (for gear changes).

Settings: Cutting height adjustable via lever; throttle controls engine speed; choke for cold starts.

Connecting Attachments

Compatible with mulching kit and bagging system.

Turn off engine and remove key.
For bagger: Attach chute to deck outlet, connect bags to frame.
For mulcher: Install mulching plug and mulching blades.
Ensure all attachments are securely fastened before operation.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before installing attachments.

Operating the Mower

Follow these steps for safe and efficient mowing.

Pre-operation check: Inspect for loose parts, check oil and fuel levels.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage choke (if cold), turn key.
Engage blades: Move PTO switch to ON position.
Driving: Release parking brake, press clutch, select gear, release clutch slowly.
Mowing: Overlap passes slightly for even cut.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, engage parking brake, turn key to OFF.

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. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 5 seconds of disengagement. Parking Brake: Locks rear wheels when engaged.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

After each use: Clean deck, check for debris.
Every 25 hours: Change engine oil, check air filter.
Every 50 hours: Sharpen blades, check tire pressure.
Every 100 hours: Replace spark plug, check battery.
Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, store in dry place.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Engine meets emission standards. ANSI/OPEI B71.1: Complies with safety standards for riding mowers. Copyright © 2025 Craftsman; trademarks of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, battery	Check fuel level; ensure choke is on; check spark plug; charge battery.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, deck clogged	Sharpen blades; clean deck underside; adjust cutting height.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, unbalanced deck	Tighten blade bolts; check deck for damage.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel and refill with fresh.
Battery not charging	Loose connections, faulty alternator	Check battery terminals; test alternator output.

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

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