Craftsman lawn tractor model new battery drains quickly...

yes you can. It does carry a 12v battery. So go ahead and boost it.

I had one do that and it was something to do with the switch under the seat. that shuts the mower off if you get off of it.

Only 10 volts or so at the battery terminals sounds pretty low. You should be getting around 13 on a good fully charged battery. Try removing and recharging the battery with a trickle charger to see if the voltage will come up to the proper level. If not, then you may have to replace the battery.

Here is a link to the Owner's manual for your machine:

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/17090/CRAFTSMAN-Lawn-Tractor-L0909143?brand_name_search=917.288110


And here is a link to the exploded view parts diagram and parts list:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-917288110/0247/1509200?pathTaken=&prst=0&shdMod=917288110


And here is a link to the replacement battery for your machine:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-917288110/0247/1509200/P0909015/00001?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=917288110


Just use your mouse to click on the link, which is the underlined and highlighted text just above. This will open a new web browser page automatically for you and allow you to view the information and items at the website indicated.

Please comment back here to this page if you have any details to add, have any questions, have difficulty accessing the links, or just require further general assistance and I will respond as soon as I see it.

I hope that was helpful to you, good luck and take care.

Joe.

jump start it with a vehicle, it should crank and fire. Hope this helps Tim

SONDS LIKE A FULE PROBLEM IT MAY NEED THE CARB CLEAND MAY HAVE BAD GAS

There should be a pipe OR quick release valve coming out the right side at the bottom of the engine where it bolts to the frame. Most of the Craftsman riders I have worked on, had a long pipe with an elbow at the end of it and a plug in the bottom of the elbow for draining. Turn the wheels all the way to the left to allow enough room for a collection pan. It holds less than 2 quarts so the pan doesn't need to be too large

Either the battery is not being recharged when the engine is running or there is a current drain when stopped. If you are not knowledgeable about electrical tests you can check for current drain by disconnecting the battery negative cable when not running. If the battery stays charged then you need to find the current drain. To check for no charge when running, turn on the headlights with the key on but engine stopped. Start the engine and see if they become somewhat brighter. If brighter, the charging system works. If not, there is a problem in the charging system which needs to be confirmed with a voltmeter.

JUNK IT ITS A PIECE OF ****

Does the motor even turn over. Have you checked the carb. for gunk or gas trash.

This should not have caused a problem. Recharging on a trickle charger won't hurt, however, I suspect you could have a dead cell, in which case, it will not hold a charge no matter what. I would be looking into buying a new battery.
Hope this helps!
c