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Craftsman 917.20408 - User Manual

Craftsman 917.20408
72 pages
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GARDEN TRACTOR
24.0 HP,
*
54" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.20408
• Español, p. 37
Operator's Manual
For answers to your questions
about this product, call:
1-888-331-4569
Craftsman Customer Help Line
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this manual.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
* The power rating as declared by the engine manufacturer is the
average gross power output at the specified RPM of a typical
production engine for the engine model measured using SAE
Standards for engine gross power. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer for details.
* La potencia nominal declarada por el fabricante del motor es la
salida media de potencia bruta a las RPM especificadas de un
motor de serie típico para el modelo de motor, medida según
las normas SAE sobre potencia bruta de motor. Para más
información, consulte al fabricante del motor.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.craftsman.com
115793426 Rev. 2

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • R
    rtranAug 17, 2025
    Why is my Craftsman 917.20408 Lawn Mower cutting unevenly?
    • T
      Todd GloverAug 17, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower provides a poor cut with uneven cutting, the blade might be worn, bent, or loose, so replace it. Ensure the mower deck is level. Clean any buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under the mower. If the blade mandrel is bent or the mower deck vent is clogged, contact a qualified service center or clean around mandrels to open vent holes.
  • A
    Amanda BlackAug 21, 2025
    How to fix a Craftsman 917.20408 that clicks but won't start?
    • K
      Kyle ParkerAug 21, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower's engine clicks but won't start, it could be due to a weak or dead battery, so recharge or replace the battery. Another reason could be corroded battery terminals, which you should clean. Also, check all wiring for any looseness or damage. Finally, the solenoid or starter might be faulty, so inspect and replace them if necessary.
  • L
    Laurie PerezAug 25, 2025
    What to do if Craftsman Lawn Mower blades will not rotate?
    • J
      James SanchezAug 26, 2025
      If the mower blades on your Craftsman Lawn Mower won't rotate, check for any obstruction in the clutch mechanism and remove it. If the mower drive belt is worn or damaged, replace it. A frozen idler pulley can also cause this issue, so replace the idler pulley. For a frozen blade mandrel, contact a qualified service center.
  • W
    William RodriguezAug 28, 2025
    Why Craftsman 917.20408 Lawn Mower battery will not charge?
    • S
      Sheila PearsonAug 28, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower battery won't charge, it could be due to bad battery cells, so replace the battery. Check and clean all cable connections to ensure they are secure. If your mower is equipped with a regulator, a faulty regulator could be the problem, so replace it. Similarly, a faulty alternator could be the cause, so replace the alternator.
  • S
    Sarah GibbsSep 1, 2025
    What to do if my Craftsman Lawn Mower has poor grass discharge?
    • C
      Christina JonesSep 1, 2025
      For poor grass discharge with your Craftsman Lawn Mower, first, ensure the engine speed is set to “FAST.” If you're moving too quickly, shift to a slower speed. Avoid mowing wet grass, and make sure the mower deck is level and the tire air pressure is correct. Check the blade; replace or sharpen it if it's worn, bent, or loose. Clean any buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under the mower. See if the mower drive belt is worn and needs replacing. Also, ensure the blades are properly installed with the sharp edge down and are the correct type for your mower. Lastly, clear any clogged mower deck vent holes around the mandrels.
  • P
    patricia05Sep 5, 2025
    Why is my Craftsman 917.20408 vibrating so much?
    • M
      Melvin RodriguezSep 5, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower exhibits excessive vibration, the blade might be worn, bent, or loose, so replace it. A bent blade mandrel could also be the cause; tighten the blade bolt. If you notice any loose or damaged parts, contact a qualified service center to have them tightened or replaced.
  • S
    shelleymcmahonSep 9, 2025
    Craftsman 917.20408 headlights not working, what to check?
    • C
      Courtney RobinsonSep 9, 2025
      If the headlight(s) on your Craftsman Lawn Mower aren't working, first, check that the light switch is turned “ON.” If not, turn the light switch “ON”. If the bulb(s) or lamp(s) are burned out, replace them. A faulty light switch could also be the issue, so check and replace it if needed. Inspect the wiring and connections for any looseness or damage. Finally, check if the fuse is blown and replace it if necessary.
  • W
    Wendy PorterNov 13, 2025
    Why is my Craftsman 917.20408 losing power?
    • G
      Gene DavisNov 13, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower experiences a loss of power, there are several potential causes. You might be cutting too much grass or moving too fast, so try raising the cutting height and reducing your speed. Make sure the throttle isn't in the “CHOKE” position; if it is, adjust the throttle control. Check for any buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under the mower and clean the underside of the mower housing. Also, inspect the air filter, oil level, and spark plug—clean or replace them as needed. Other possible causes include a dirty fuel filter, stale or dirty fuel, water in the fuel, a loose spark plug wire, dirty engine air screen/fins, or a dirty/clogged muffler. Check all wiring for any looseness or damage. If none of these steps resolve the issue, the engine valves may be out of adj...

Summary

Warranty

Craftsman Limited Warranty

Covers two years for non-expendable parts against defects in material or workmanship.

Safety Rules

Children Safety

Warning and guidelines regarding children's safety around the equipment.

General Operation Safety

Instructions for safe operation, including clearing the area and keeping clear of moving parts.

Slope Operation Safety

Precautions and guidelines for operating the tractor on slopes to prevent tip-overs.

Safe Gasoline Handling

Instructions for safely handling and storing gasoline to prevent fires and explosions.

General Service Safety

General safety practices during service and maintenance of the tractor.

Assembly and Pre-Operation

Connecting the Battery

Step-by-step guide for correctly connecting the tractor's battery.

Installing Mower Drive Belt

Detailed steps for routing and installing the mower drive belt onto the pulleys.

Operation

Know Your Tractor Controls

Familiarizes the operator with the location and function of all tractor controls and levers.

Adjusting Mower Cutting Height

Steps to select and adjust the desired cutting height for the mower deck.

Operating on Hills

Critical safety advice and techniques for operating the tractor on slopes.

Reverse Operation System (ROS)

Explanation of the ROS and how to use it safely for reverse mowing.

Before Starting Engine

Adding Gasoline

Instructions for safely adding fresh, clean gasoline to the fuel tank.

Starting Procedures

Starting the Engine

Detailed procedures for starting the engine in normal and cold weather conditions.

Transmission Purge and Mowing Tips

Purge Transmission

Procedure to remove trapped air from the transmission before first use or after service.

Maintenance

Before Each Use Checks

Essential safety and operational checks to perform before every use.

Blade Care and Removal

Guidelines for maintaining mower blade sharpness and procedures for blade removal.

Engine Maintenance

Engine Lubrication

Guidance on selecting and using the correct engine oil for lubrication.

Changing Engine Oil

Step-by-step instructions for draining and refilling the engine oil.

Deck Washout Port Usage

How to use the deck washout port for cleaning the mower deck after use.

Service and Adjustments

Leveling the Mower Deck

Instructions for adjusting the mower deck for proper side-to-side and front-to-back levelness.

Replacing Mower Blade Drive Belt

Instructions for removing and installing the mower drive belt.

Replacing Motion Drive Belt

Procedures for removing and installing the tractor's motion drive belt.

Starting Engine with Weak Battery

Safety precautions and procedure for jump-starting the tractor.

Troubleshooting Chart

Engine Start Issues

Troubleshooting steps for when the engine fails to start or is hard to start.

Slope Operation Guide

Craftsman 917.20408 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Cutting Width21 inches
Deck MaterialSteel
Cutting Height Positions6
Speed SettingsVariable
Oil Capacity20 oz
EngineBriggs & Stratton
Start TypeRecoil
Warranty2 years limited
Engine TypeGas
Drive TypeRear-wheel drive
Cutting Height1.25 to 3.75 inches

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