Craftsman Model 917.288517 Manual

The Craftsman Model 917.288517 is a 24.5 HP 46" Riding Lawn Tractor featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO clutch, 6-speed forward and 1 reverse gear, dual-lever cutting height adjustment, and a heavy-duty 46-inch stamped steel deck. This manual covers safety instructions, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications for proper use and longevity of your equipment.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Care 7. Mower Deck Adjustment 8. Tire & Wheel Care 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 24.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, Hydrostatic transmission, 46-inch stamped steel mower deck, Electric PTO clutch, Dual-lever cutting height adjustment, 6 forward speeds, 1 reverse, 2.5-gallon fuel tank, Headlights, Comfortable high-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	24.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, Twin Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Transmission	Hydrostatic, Foot Pedal Control
Cutting Width	46 inches
Deck Type	Stamped Steel, 3-Blade
PTO Clutch	Electric Engagement
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches, Dual-Lever Adjustment
Fuel Capacity	2.5 Gallons
Seat	High-Back, Adjustable
Tires	Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8
Headlights	Integrated for Low-Light Operation

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Attach seat: Mount to frame using bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Install mower deck: Lower lift lever, slide deck under tractor, attach linkage and belt.
Check tire pressure: Front 14 PSI, Rear 10 PSI.
Add oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

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

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Ignition switch: Turn key to start; ensure PTO is disengaged.
Brake pedal: Press to stop; engage parking brake when parked.
Hydrostatic drive pedal: Forward = press front; Reverse = press rear.
PTO switch: Engage/disengage mower blades.
Cutting height levers: Adjust both sides equally for level cut.
Throttle control: Set to FAST for mowing, SLOW for idling.
Choke: Use for cold starts.

CAUTION! Operate on level ground only. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: 917.288517
Engine: 24.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, Twin Cylinder, OHV
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Cutting Width: 46 inches
Cutting Heights: 1.5" to 4" (12 positions)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 2.0 quarts (with filter)
Tire Size Front: 15x6.00-6
Tire Size Rear: 20x10.00-8
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs
Warranty: 2-Year Limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel level, and for loose hardware.
Every 8 Hours	Check mower deck for debris; clean underside.
Every 25 Hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours).
Every 50 Hours	Replace air filter; check spark plug.
Every 100 Hours	Replace oil filter; check drive belt tension.
Seasonally	Sharpen blades; grease fittings; check battery.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for reliable operation.

Oil change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with SAE 30 (2 quarts).
Air filter: Replace paper element; clean pre-cleaner if equipped.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel system: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; add fuel stabilizer for storage.
Cooling fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

WARNING! Engine is hot after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Mower Deck Adjustment

Level deck ensures even cutting.

Park on level surface; set cutting height to middle position.
Measure blade tip height on both sides; adjust lift links to level.
Check front-to-rear pitch: Front should be 1/8" to 1/4" lower than rear.
Tighten all adjustment nuts securely after leveling.
Check belt tension: Should deflect 1/2" under moderate pressure.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before adjusting deck or blades.

Tire & Wheel Care

Proper tire pressure ensures stability and traction.

Front tires: 14 PSI
Rear tires: 10 PSI
Check for damage or wear regularly.
Lug nuts should be torqued to 30-40 ft-lbs.
For slopes, reduce speed and avoid sudden turns.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for extended storage (over 30 days).

Clean entire tractor, especially mower deck underside.
Change oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place.
Store in dry, covered area; block up tires to prevent flat spots.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Store in approved container away from heat sources.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety rules before operation.

Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Stop engine and wait for blades to stop before crossing drives or walks.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades.
Use extreme caution when backing up.
Do not operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury or death. Always follow safety procedures.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, empty fuel tank, clogged fuel filter	Charge/replace battery; check spark plug; add fuel; replace fuel filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean carburetor.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades, low tire pressure	Level deck; sharpen blades; inflate tires to correct pressure.
Loss of power	Clogged mower deck, slipping drive belt	Clean deck underside; adjust or replace drive belt.
Vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose blade, damaged spindle	Sharpen/balance blade; tighten blade bolt; inspect spindle.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, worn belt, linkage adjustment	Check fluid level; inspect drive belt; adjust linkage.

Service: For technical support, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.