Craftsman 917.98645 User Manual

Operator's Manual
GA TRACTO
26 HR* 54" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.98645
, EspaSol, p. 38
[_ his 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.
For answers to your questions
about this product, call:
1-888-331-4569
Craftsman Customer Help Line
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.craftsman.com
* 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 per el fabricante del motor es la
salida media de potencia bruta a las RPM especificadas de un
motor de serie tipico para el modelo de motor, medida segOn
las normas SAE sobre potencia bruta de moton Para mas
informaci6n, consulte al fabricante del motor.
586402227 Rev. 1

Craftsman 917.98645 Specifications

General

Model Number	917.98645
Category	Lawn Mower
Cutting Width	21 inches
Drive Type	Self-Propelled
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge Capability	Yes
Cutting Height	1.25 - 3.75 inches

Summary

Warranty Information

Craftsman Professional Full Warranty

Details the warranty coverage for parts and workmanship on the riding equipment.

Warranty Service

Safety Rules

General Operation Safety

Provides essential safety instructions for general tractor operation and hazard awareness.

Slope Operation Safety

Advises on safe operation procedures on slopes to prevent tip-overs and loss of control.

Child Safety Precautions

Assembly and Pre-Operation

Pre-Operation Checks and Setup

Operation and Symbols

Know Your Tractor - Controls and Features

Using Your Tractor

Setting the Parking Brake

Step-by-step guide on how to engage and properly use the parking brake.

Stopping the Tractor

Procedures for safely stopping the mower blades and the tractor's engine.

Ground Drive Operation

Tractor Movement and Adjustments

Moving Forward and Backward

Adjusting Mower Cutting Height

Instructions for setting the desired cutting height of the mower deck.

Adjusting Gauge Wheels

Mower Operation and Slope Safety

Operating the Mower

Instructions for engaging and operating the mower blades safely.

Using Reverse Operation System (ROS)

Operating on Hills

Crucial safety advice and procedures for operating the tractor on slopes.

Before Starting the Engine

Checking Engine Oil Level

Essential check to ensure proper engine lubrication before starting.

Adding Gasoline

Instructions on correctly fueling the tractor with appropriate gasoline.

Starting the Engine

Engine Starting Procedures

Step-by-step guide for starting the engine in various weather conditions.

Transmission and Mowing Tips

Purging the Transmission

Mowing Tips

Maintenance Schedule

General Maintenance Recommendations

Before Each Use Checks

Routine checks to perform before every operation for safety and performance.

Tractor Maintenance and Checks

Brake Operation Checks

Operator Presence & ROS System Checks

Battery Maintenance

Mower Blade Care and Replacement

Blade Care

Blade Replacement

Transaxle and Engine Maintenance

Transaxle Maintenance

Engine Lubrication

Details on selecting and using the correct engine oil based on temperature.

Changing Engine Oil

Step-by-step process for performing an engine oil change.

Engine Maintenance and Cleaning

Engine Oil Filter

Air Filter and Screen

Engine Cooling System

Service and Adjustments

Removing the Mower

Installing the Mower

Mower Leveling and Adjustment

Leveling the Mower

Front-to-Back Adjustment

Belt Replacement

Mower Blade Drive Belt Replacement

Motion Drive Belt Replacement

Component Replacement and Adjustments

Replacing the Battery

Tractor Storage Procedures

Tractor Storage Preparation

Battery Storage

Engine Storage Preparation

Steps for preparing the engine, including fuel and oil, for storage.

Troubleshooting: Starting Issues

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and corrections for an engine that fails to start.

Engine Hard to Start

Troubleshooting steps for an engine that is difficult to start.

Engine Will Not Turn Over

Diagnosing issues when the engine does not crank or turn.

Engine Clicks But Will Not Start

Identifying causes for the engine clicking but not running.

Troubleshooting: Performance Issues

Loss of Power

Identifying and correcting causes of reduced engine power.

Excessive Vibration

Engine Continues Running with Operator Absent

Diagnosing safety system failures that prevent engine shutdown.

Poor or Uneven Cut

Addressing issues leading to an uneven or poor quality cut.

Troubleshooting: Mower and Electrical

Mower Blades Will Not Rotate

Diagnosing reasons why the mower blades fail to spin.

Poor Grass Discharge

Troubleshooting issues related to grass clipping discharge.

Battery Will Not Charge

Diagnosing why the tractor battery is not charging.

Troubleshooting: Drive and System Issues

Loss of Drive

Troubleshooting causes for the tractor losing its ability to move.

Engine Backfires When Shutting Off

Engine Dies When Shifting Into Reverse

Diagnosing why the engine stops when shifting into reverse.

Slope Sighting Guide