Craftsman T1700 Lawn Tractor Manual

The Craftsman T1700 is a 42-inch riding lawn tractor featuring a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO clutch, 6-speed gear drive, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), mulching capability, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. Designed for residential use on up to 2-acre lawns. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls and Operation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Specifications 7. Cutting Deck Adjustment 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO clutch, adjustable high-back seat, cup holder, headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single-speed forward/reverse
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Deck Type	Stamped steel, mulching capable
PTO Clutch	Electric engagement
Turning Radius	18 inches
Seat	Adjustable high-back with armrests
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before starting.
Never allow children or pets near the mower during operation.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

WARNING! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck during operation. Never operate without discharge chute or grass deflector in place.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align splines and secure with provided bolt.
Attach seat: Position on mounting plate and secure with bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Install cutting deck: Lower deck lift, align with pins, and secure with retaining clips.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 12 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (48 oz) and unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Use two people when lifting or positioning heavy components like the cutting deck.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting engine.

Control Panel: Ignition key, PTO switch, throttle/choke, hour meter, headlight switch.

Operation Steps:

Park on level surface, set parking brake, ensure PTO is disengaged.
Adjust cutting height lever to desired position.
Turn ignition key to START; release when engine starts.
Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before engaging PTO.
Move speed control lever gradually forward to begin mowing.
To stop, disengage PTO, move speed lever to neutral, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Tip: Mow at slower speeds in tall or wet grass for best cut quality.

Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use: Check tire pressure, inspect for loose bolts, check oil level.
Every 8 Hours: Clean cutting deck underside, check blade condition.
Every 25 Hours: Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter.
Every 50 Hours: Replace spark plug, lubricate deck spindles and pivot points.
Every 100 Hours: Replace air filter, check drive belt tension, inspect battery terminals.
Season End: Winterize engine, stabilize fuel, clean and store properly.

Note: Always refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance procedures.

Engine Specifications

Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton
Model: 31P777
Type: 4-cycle, single cylinder, OHV
Displacement: 500cc
Horsepower: 17.5 HP at 3600 RPM
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30 detergent, above 32°F)
Oil Change Interval: First 5 hours, then every 25 hours
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (gap 0.030 inch)
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Air Filter: Dual-element (foam and paper)

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut. Check monthly or when changing cutting height.

Park on level surface, set parking brake, disengage PTO.
Set cutting height lever to middle position (2.5 inches).
Measure distance from blade tips to ground at all four corners of deck.
Adjust front hanger links to level front-to-back (1/4 inch lower in front recommended).
Adjust rear lift links to level side-to-side.
Recheck measurements after adjustments.

Blade Sharpening: Remove blades every 25 hours or when cut quality declines. Sharpen to maintain original cutting angle. Balance blades before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends equipment life.

Clean entire tractor, especially cutting deck underside.
Change engine oil and replace filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery negative terminal; store battery in cool, dry place.
Store in dry location, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in carburetor without stabilizer. Gasoline deteriorates and can damage fuel system.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, empty fuel tank	Charge battery; check spark plug; add fuel.
Poor cut quality	Dull blades, deck not level, too fast in tall grass	Sharpen blades; level deck; reduce speed.
Vibration during operation	Damaged blade, loose blade bolt, debris in deck	Inspect and replace blade if damaged; tighten bolt; clean deck.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty carburetor	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean carburetor.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, worn drive belt	Check fluid level; inspect and replace belt if worn.

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

Warranty Information

Craftsman T1700 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty claims, contact authorized service center with model number (917.289xxx) and serial number (located on frame behind right front tire).