Safety Rules and Precautions
Always read the manual carefully before operating the Craftsman 917 mower․ Wear protective gear like gloves and eyewear․ Keep children and pets away while mowing․ Ensure the mower is on a level surface and turn off the engine before performing maintenance․ Regularly check blades and belts for wear to prevent accidents․
1․1 General Safety Practices
Always read and follow the safety rules in the Craftsman 917 mower manual before operation․ Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear․ Ensure the mower is on a level surface and engage the parking brake when not in use․ Turn off the engine and allow it to cool before performing maintenance or repairs․ Regularly inspect blades and belts for wear or damage to prevent accidents․ Keep children, pets, and bystanders at a safe distance while mowing․ Never operate the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs․ Familiarize yourself with controls and ensure all guards and shields are in place․ Follow proper starting and stopping procedures to maintain safe operation․
1․2 Safety Rules for Walk-Behind Mowers
For walk-behind mowers, always maintain a firm grip on the handlebars and walk, never run․ Avoid mowing in reverse unless necessary and look behind you before doing so․ Keep the mower deck clear of debris and ensure all shields are securely attached․ Never leave the mower unattended while it’s running․ Be cautious on slopes, mowing up and down rather than across to prevent tipping․ Keep children and pets away from the operating area․ Wear long pants and avoid loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts․ Always turn off the engine and allow the blades to stop before leaving the mower or performing maintenance․
1․3 Emergency Procedures
In case of an emergency, immediately turn off the engine and remove the key․ If the mower catches fire, use a fire extinguisher rated for combustible fires․ For injuries, provide first aid and seek medical help if necessary․ If the mower malfunctions, stop operation and contact Sears customer service․ Always store the mower in a well-ventilated, dry area away from flammable materials․ Keep emergency contact numbers handy․ Regularly inspect the mower for damage or wear to prevent accidents․ Ensure all safety guards are in place before use․ Follow proper shutdown procedures to avoid sudden starts․ Keep children and pets at a safe distance during operation․
Product Overview
The Craftsman 917 mower is a reliable, efficient lawn tractor designed for residential use․ It features an electric start, 42-inch cutting deck, and automatic transmission for ease of operation․
2․1 Key Features of the Craftsman 917 Mower
The Craftsman 917 mower stands out with its robust 20․0 HP electric start engine and automatic lawn tractor design․ It features a 42-inch cutting deck, ensuring efficient mowing over large areas․ The mower is equipped with a convenient 6-speed transaxle, allowing for smooth speed adjustments․ Additionally, it includes a mulching capability and a grass catcher attachment, providing versatile options for lawn maintenance․ The electric start function eliminates the need for manual pulling, making it user-friendly․ With its durable construction and innovative features, the Craftsman 917 is designed to deliver consistent performance and simplify lawn care tasks for homeowners․
2․2 Technical Specifications
The Craftsman 917 mower features a powerful 20․0 HP electric start engine, designed for reliable performance․ It has a 42-inch cutting deck, ideal for efficient mowing of larger areas․ The mower is equipped with an automatic transmission, allowing for smooth operation․ The fuel tank capacity is 1․5 gallons, ensuring extended mowing sessions․ It also includes a 6-speed transaxle for easy speed control․ The mower supports mulching and bagging options, enhancing versatility․ With a maximum speed of 5․5 MPH, it balances efficiency and precision․ These specifications make the Craftsman 917 a durable and high-performing choice for maintaining residential lawns effectively․
Assembly and Installation
Unpack and inventory all parts carefully․ Attach handles and check for proper alignment․ Follow step-by-step instructions for assembling the mower deck and ensuring all bolts are secure․
3․1 Unpacking and Inventory
Begin by carefully unpacking the mower and all accessories from the shipping box․ Inspect for any visible damage during transit․ Verify the completeness of the package by cross-referencing the included parts list in the manual․ Ensure all components, such as the handlebars, mower deck, and hardware, are accounted for․ If any items are missing or damaged, contact Sears immediately․ Once unpacked, organize the parts and tools for easy access during assembly․ Read the safety guidelines before proceeding to ensure a smooth and secure setup process․ Familiarize yourself with the parts diagram to understand their purpose and placement․ Only proceed once all items are confirmed present and undamaged․
3․2 Assembly Instructions
Follow the step-by-step guide in the manual to assemble your Craftsman 917 mower․ Begin by attaching the handlebars using the provided hardware, ensuring they are securely tightened․ Next, install the mower deck, aligning it properly with the tractor․ Refer to the parts diagram for correct placement․ Attach the grass catcher or bagger if included․ Check all bolts and screws for tightness․ Finally, perform a thorough inspection to ensure all components are properly assembled and functioning․ If unsure about any step, consult the manual or contact Sears customer support for assistance․ Proper assembly is crucial for safe and efficient operation․
Operating the Mower
Start the engine according to the manual, adjust the mowing height, and engage the blades․ Maintain a steady pace, turning carefully to avoid tipping․ Ensure the area is clear of obstacles and operate only in well-ventilated spaces․ Always refer to the manual for specific operating instructions․
4․1 Starting the Engine
To start the engine of your Craftsman 917 mower, ensure the parking brake is engaged and the mower is on a level surface․ Turn the key to the “start” position and allow the engine to warm up briefly․ If the engine is cold, use the choke to assist starting․ Once the engine is running, gradually release the choke․ Always refer to the manual for specific starting procedures, as instructions may vary slightly depending on the model․ Proper starting ensures smooth operation and extends the life of the engine․ Follow these steps carefully to avoid any issues during startup․
4․2 Basic Mowing Techniques
For effective mowing with your Craftsman 917, start by removing debris and obstacles from the lawn․ Mow in a pattern, such as overlapping passes, to ensure even cutting․ Maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden turns to prevent scalping the grass․ Keep the mower blade at the recommended height to promote healthy grass growth․ For taller grass, raise the deck and gradually lower it in stages․ Always mow with the mower deck engaged and use the bagger or mulch kit as needed․ Regularly check and sharpen the blade for optimal performance․ Follow these techniques to achieve a clean, professional-looking lawn․
4․3 Advanced Features and Settings
The Craftsman 917 mower offers advanced features for enhanced performance․ Adjust the mowing height using the ergonomic lever to suit different grass types․ Engage the cruise control for consistent speed on large areas․ Utilize the mulch kit to leave grass clippings as fertilizer or attach the bagger for clean collection․ For tougher terrain, switch to the high-traction mode․ The automatic transmission allows seamless speed adjustments without stopping․ Explore the variable blade settings to optimize cutting efficiency․ Regularly update these settings based on lawn conditions for the best results․ These features ensure versatility and precision, making lawn care more efficient and effective․
Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance․ Change the oil, sharpen blades, and inspect belts․ Consult the manual for part replacements and specific guidelines․ Prepare for winter storage properly․
5․1 Regular Maintenance Schedule
A regular maintenance schedule is crucial for the longevity and performance of your Craftsman 917 mower․ Oil changes should be performed every 50 hours of operation or at the start of each mowing season․ Sharpen the mower blades monthly to ensure a clean cut and prevent damage to the grass․ Inspect and replace the air filter every 25 hours to maintain proper engine airflow․ Check the tire pressure weekly and adjust as needed; Lubricate moving parts, such as the wheels and pivot points, every 100 hours to keep them running smoothly․ Additionally, inspect the belts for cracks or wear and replace them if necessary․ Always refer to the manual for specific guidelines and recommendations․
5․2 Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues with the Craftsman 917 mower include the engine not starting, uneven cutting, or vibrations during operation․ If the engine fails to start, check the oil level, battery connections, and fuel supply․ For uneven cutting, ensure the mower deck is level and blades are sharp․ Vibrations may indicate loose blades or unbalanced wheels․ Regularly inspect the air filter and spark plug for cleanliness and wear․ If the mower overheats, allow it to cool before restarting․ Refer to the manual for specific diagnostic steps and solutions․ Addressing these issues promptly ensures optimal performance and extends the mower’s lifespan․
5․3 Winter Preparation
Drain the fuel tank to prevent stale gas from damaging the engine․ Change the oil to ensure the mower runs smoothly next season․ Clean or sharpen the blades to maintain cutting efficiency․ Store the mower in a dry, protected area to prevent rust․ Check tire pressure and apply rust-inhibiting oil to metal parts․ Prepare the mower according to the manual for optimal performance and longevity․
Repair Parts and Accessories
Identify parts using the model number in the manual․ Order genuine repair parts from Sears PartsDirect․ Use recommended accessories to enhance mower performance and longevity․
6․1 Identifying and Ordering Repair Parts
To identify repair parts for your Craftsman 917 mower, refer to the parts diagram in the manual․ Note the model number and specific part codes․ Visit Sears PartsDirect or the official Craftsman website to order genuine parts․ Ensure compatibility by matching the model number with the parts catalog․ For assistance, contact Sears customer service at 1-800-659-5917․ Always use authentic parts to maintain warranty validity and ensure optimal performance․ Proper identification and ordering of parts prevent delays in repairs and keep your mower functioning efficiently․
6․2 Parts Diagram and Catalog
The parts diagram and catalog for the Craftsman 917 mower are essential for identifying components․ Located in the manual, the diagram provides a visual breakdown of the mower’s parts, labeled with specific codes․ Visit the Sears PartsDirect website to access the digital catalog, where you can search by model number or part name․ Use the interactive tool to zoom in on detailed sections․ The catalog includes descriptions, quantities, and compatibility information․ Referencing the diagram ensures accurate identification and ordering of repair parts, preventing mismatches and facilitating quick repairs․ Always cross-check the model number to confirm part compatibility․
6․3 Recommended Accessories
Enhance your Craftsman 917 mower’s functionality with recommended accessories․ A grass catcher attachment is ideal for collecting clippings efficiently․ For mulching, a mulch kit helps maintain lawn health․ A rear bagger and snow blower attachments expand versatility․ Regularly update blades and belts for optimal performance․ Check the manual or Sears website for compatibility․ These accessories ensure your mower stays efficient and adaptable, improving lawn care results․ Always follow installation instructions to maintain warranty and safety standards․
Warranty and Support
The Craftsman 917 mower is backed by a 2-year warranty․ Sears will repair or replace defective parts free of charge if maintained as per manual instructions․ Contact Sears at 1-860-659-5917 for support or visit their website for online resources and troubleshooting guides․
7․1 Warranty Information
The Craftsman 917 mower is covered by a comprehensive 2-year limited warranty․ This warranty ensures that any defects in materials or workmanship are repaired or replaced free of charge․ The warranty period begins from the date of purchase and requires proper maintenance as outlined in the owner’s manual․ Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and blade inspections, must be performed to uphold warranty coverage․ For details, refer to the warranty section in the manual or contact Sears customer service at 1-860-659-5917․ Proper documentation, including purchase receipts, may be required for warranty claims․
7․2 Contacting Sears Customer Service
For assistance with your Craftsman 917 mower, contact Sears customer service at 1-860-659-5917․ Representatives are available to address questions, provide troubleshooting support, and assist with warranty claims․ Visit the official Sears website or refer to the manual for additional contact options․ Ensure you have your model number and purchase details ready for efficient service․ Sears offers comprehensive support to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction with your Craftsman 917 mower․
7․3 Online Resources and Manuals
Access comprehensive online resources and manuals for the Craftsman 917 mower through the Sears Parts Direct website․ Download free PDF manuals, including owners’ guides and parts diagrams, to assist with safety, assembly, operation, and maintenance․ Visit Sears Parts Direct and search for model 917 to find specific documentation․ These resources provide detailed troubleshooting tips, warranty information, and repair instructions; Ensure you have the correct model number, such as 917;270660 or 917․370920, for accurate results; Online manuals are available 24/7, offering convenient access to essential information for optimal mower performance and maintenance․
