Craftsman Model 917 Owner's Manual

The Craftsman Model 917 is a versatile riding lawn mower/tractor designed for residential use. It features a powerful engine, durable cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, ergonomic controls, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers 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. Technical Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Cutting Deck Adjustment 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Instructions

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

Hazard	Precaution
Rollover	Operate on slopes less than 15 degrees; avoid sudden turns.
Rotating Blades	Keep hands and feet away from deck; disengage blades when not cutting.
Fuel & Fire	Refuel outdoors with engine off; no smoking near fuel.
Children & Bystanders	Keep area clear; never carry passengers.
Electrical	Disconnect battery before servicing; avoid short circuits.

WARNING! Always wear eye protection, sturdy shoes, and hearing protection. Never operate on wet grass.

Features & Components

Key components: Engine, Cutting Deck, Transmission, Steering Wheel, Seat, Control Panel, Fuel Tank, Battery.

Engine: Briggs & Stratton or Kohler engine, electric start.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel deck with adjustable height.
Transmission: Hydrostatic drive for smooth speed control.
Controls: Blade engagement lever, parking brake, throttle, choke.
Seat: Padded high-back seat with suspension.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5-gallon tank.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Install seat: Mount with provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 weight, check dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Keep assembly area clean and well-lit.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting engine.

Control	Function
Ignition Key	Start/stop engine; has three positions (Off, Run, Start).
Blade Engagement	Lever to engage/disengage cutting blades.
Parking Brake	Set before starting; release to move.
Hydrostatic Pedal	Forward (press front), Reverse (press rear).
Throttle/Choke	Control engine speed; use choke for cold starts.
Height Adjustment	Lever to set cutting height (1.5 to 4 inches).

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage blades. 4. Move throttle to choke. 5. Turn key to START.

Technical Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917
Engine: 17.5 HP, OHV, single cylinder
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.5" to 4"
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30)
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 450 lbs (approximate)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends equipment life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, blade condition
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level; clean deck underside
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first 5 hours for break-in)
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter; grease fittings; check battery
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug; check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades; stabilize fuel

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for performance.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil; drain via plug; refill with SAE 30.
Air Filter: Replace paper element; clean foam pre-cleaner if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer for storage; clean sediment cup.
Cranking: If battery is weak, check terminals and charge.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Ensure deck is level for even cut.

Park on level surface; set cutting height to middle position.
Measure blade tip height at all four corners of deck.
Adjust lift links to level deck (front slightly lower than rear for best discharge).
Check blade alignment; tighten spindle bolts to 35 ft-lbs.
Sharpen blades at 30-degree angle; balance after sharpening.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before working under deck.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Change engine oil and run for 5 minutes to circulate.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine 10 minutes.
Disconnect battery; store in cool, dry place.
Store in covered, well-ventilated area; block up if on tires long-term.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Keep away from open flames.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, empty fuel tank	Charge/replace battery; check spark plug; add fuel.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen blades; set throttle to FAST; clean deck.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose pulley, damaged spindle	Balance/replace blade; tighten bolts; inspect spindle.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; replace fuel filter.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low transmission fluid, worn belt	Check fluid level; inspect/replace drive belt.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman Model 917 includes a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For service, contact an authorized Craftsman service center. Keep your receipt and model/serial numbers for warranty claims.

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

Serial Number Location: Under seat or on frame near rear axle.