Craftsman 917.98633 Operator's Manual

03131Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void

10CHECK TIRE PRESSUREThe tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cu

11OPERATIONThese symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.DANGER, KEEP HANDSA

12KNOW YOUR TRACTORREAD THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTORCompare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself

13The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass

14TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are prop er ly ad just ed when they are slight ly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in

1502828ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position(Normal Operating)TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH- MENTSTow only the attachments that

16ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not m

17MOWING TIPS• DO NOT use tire chains when the mower hous ing is attached to tractor.• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance.

18LUBRICATION CHART➀General Purpose Grease➁Refer to Maintenance “ENGINE” Section.01965➁ Engine➀Front Wheel Bearing zerk➀ Spindle Zerk➀ Spindle Zerk➀ F

19BATTERYYour tractor has a battery charging sys tem which is suf fi cient for normal use. How ev er, periodic charging of the bat tery with an au-to

2TABLE OF CONTENTSWARRANTYWarranty ... 2Safety Rules ... 3Product

20V-BELTSCheck V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if neces-sary. The belts are not ad just able. Re place bel

21ENGINE OIL FILTERReplace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.MUFFLER

22CLEANING• Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter.• Clean debris from steering plate. Debris can restrict clutch/brake pe

23SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTSWARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SER VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:1. Depress brake pedal fully and set parking

24EFHJMABCD3. ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside of tractor chassis and secure with reta

25AABBBA02950Loosen jam nut "A" firstTighten adjust nut "B" to raise mowerLoosen adjust nut "B" to lower mowerTO LEVEL M

26TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELTPark the tractor on level surface. En gage parking brake. For as sis tance, there is a belt installation guide decal o

2702239Adjustment BoltNeutral Lock GateMotion Control LeverTRANSAXLE MOTION CON TROL LE-VER NEUTRAL AD JUST MENT The motion control lever has been pr

28TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BAT- TERY WARNING: Lead-acid batteries gen er- ate ex plo sive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking ma te ri als awa

29TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL AS- SEM BLY 1. Raise hood.2. Unsnap headlight wire connector.3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt tow

3I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instruc-tions on the machine and in the manual before starting.• Do not put hands or feet n

30STORAGEENGINEFUEL SYSTEMIMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel ho

31TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See ap pro pri ate section in manual un less di rect ed to Sears service center.PROBLEMCAUSE CORRECTIONWill not start1 Out of

32TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See ap pro pri ate section in manual un less di rect ed to Sears service center.PROBLEMCAUSE CORRECTIONLoss of power1 Cutting

33TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See ap pro pri ate section in manual un less di rect ed to Sears service center.PROBLEMCAUSE CORRECTIONMower blades will not

34TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See ap pro pri ate section in manual un less di rect ed to Sears service center.PROBLEMCAUSE CORRECTIONLoss of drive1Freewhee

3515 DEGREES MAX.FOLD ALONG DOTTED LINETHIS IS A 15 DEGREE SLOPEONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL,NOT ACROSS HILLSUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE

09.03.13 BD Printed in the U.S.A.

4II. SLOPE OPERATIONSlopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operatio

5• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a por

6CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES• Read and observe the safety rules.• Follow a regular schedule in main tain ing, caring for and using your tractor.• Fol

7UNASSEMBLED PARTSKey(s)Slope SheetBatteryKeysSeat(1) Seat(2) Hex Bolts (2) Nut Keps Oil Drain Extension(1) Large Flat Washer(1) Bolt Steering WheelSt

8ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATIONYour new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To en

94. Push down on seat to engage pads in slots and pull seat towards rear of tractor.5. Raise seat and tighten bolt securely.6. Remove tape and disc