Craftsman Model 917.255810 Owner's Manual

The Craftsman Model 917.255810 is a riding lawn mower designed for residential use, featuring a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, and a 42-inch cutting deck. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Features & Components 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls & Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Cutting Deck Maintenance 9. Storage Instructions 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty Information

Safety Instructions

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

Hazard	Precaution
Rollover	Operate on slopes less than 15 degrees; avoid sudden turns.
Thrown Objects	Clear mowing area of debris; keep bystanders away.
Rotating Blades	Disconnect spark plug before inspecting or servicing blades.
Hot Surfaces	Allow engine to cool before refueling or performing maintenance.
Carbon Monoxide	Operate outdoors only; never in enclosed spaces.

WARNING! Always wear eye protection, sturdy footwear, and long pants while operating. Never carry passengers.

Features & Components

Key components include the cutting deck, engine, transmission, seat, steering wheel, and control panel.

Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel with 3 blades.
Engine: Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine with electric start.
Transmission: Hydrostatic drive for smooth speed control.
Controls: Ignition key, throttle, choke, blade engagement lever, parking brake.
Seat: Adjustable for operator comfort.
Fuel Tank: Capacity of approximately 2 gallons.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and assemble according to the included instructions. Basic assembly typically involves attaching the steering wheel, seat, and battery connection.

Inspect all parts for damage upon receipt.
Attach the steering wheel using provided hardware and wrench.
Install the seat by aligning with mounting holes and securing bolts.
Connect the battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative).
Check tire pressure (recommended 10-15 PSI).
Add engine oil and gasoline as specified in the engine manual.

CAUTION! Use proper tools and follow torque specifications. Two people may be required for lifting heavy components.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Control	Function
Ignition Key	Start/stop engine; has positions for OFF, RUN, START.
Blade Engagement Lever	Engages/disengages cutting blades.
Hydrostatic Drive Pedal	Press forward to move forward, reverse to move backward; neutral in center.
Parking Brake Lever	Engage before starting engine; disengage to drive.
Throttle Control	Adjusts engine speed (SLOW to FAST).
Choke Control	Use for cold starts; push in once engine warms.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit in seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Disengage blades. 4. Move throttle to FAST. 5. Turn key to START. Release once engine starts.

Specifications

Model: 917.255810
Engine: Briggs & Stratton, 17.5 HP, OHV, single cylinder
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (adjustable in 0.5-inch increments)
Transmission: Hydrostatic, single speed range
Fuel Capacity: 2 gallons (unleaded gasoline only)
Oil Capacity: 48 oz. (SAE 30 detergent oil, API service class SJ or higher)
Dimensions (LxWxH): Approx. 72 x 54 x 42 inches
Weight: Approx. 450 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial for safe operation and extended equipment life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, engine oil level, fuel level; inspect for loose parts or damage.
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals; clean debris from cutting deck and engine area.
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change after first 5 hours); check air filter; grease fittings.
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter; check spark plug; inspect drive belt for wear.
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter (if equipped); replace spark plug; check transmission fluid.
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blades; check tire condition; prepare for storage.

Engine Care

Refer to the separate engine manual for detailed instructions. Basic care includes oil changes, air filter service, and spark plug maintenance.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Stop engine. Place drain pan under drain plug. Remove plug and drain oil. Refill with recommended oil type and quantity.
Air Filter: Remove cover; clean foam pre-cleaner (if equipped) in soapy water. Replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Disconnect wire. Clean around plug. Remove with socket wrench. Check gap (0.030 inches). Replace if electrodes are worn.
Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage. Replace fuel filter annually.

WARNING! Engine and exhaust are hot after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Cutting Deck Maintenance

Proper deck maintenance ensures a clean cut and prevents premature wear.

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug wire. Tip deck for access. Remove blade bolt. Sharpen blade evenly to maintain balance. Reinstall tightly.
Deck Cleaning: After each use, hose off grass clippings from underside. Allow to dry to prevent rust.
Belt Inspection: Check drive and deck belts for cracks, fraying, or glazing. Replace if damaged.
Deck Leveling: Park on level surface. Measure blade tip height at all four corners. Adjust deck hangers to level.

Storage Instructions

Prepare mower for storage if it will not be used for more than 30 days.

Clean entire mower thoroughly.
Change engine oil and run engine briefly to circulate.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery negative terminal to prevent drain.
Store in a cool, dry place, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Do not store with gasoline in an enclosed area or near open flame.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, clogged fuel line, faulty spark plug	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check fuel line; inspect/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, water in fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel; add fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen/replace blades; inflate tires evenly; level deck.
Loss of power	Clogged mower deck, worn drive belt, low engine oil	Clean deck; inspect/replace belt; check oil level.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, worn belt, improper adjustment	Check fluid level; inspect drive belt; refer to service manual.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure you are seated, parking brake engaged, and blades disengaged.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Model 917.255810 is covered by a limited warranty. The warranty period and terms vary; refer to your original sales receipt and warranty certificate for details. Warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact an authorized Craftsman service center with your model and serial numbers.

Support: For technical assistance, parts, or manuals, visit www.craftsman.com or call 1-888-331-4569.