Craftsman 917330721 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

GRASS CATCHER

FOR ROTARY LAWN MOWERS

Model No

917.330721

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and

the proper use of the machine before
starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other

people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories

approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to comgtete sto_

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-prOpelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble,

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when

operating mower,
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall acc'tdents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of siopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

IlL CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is net alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline

and other fuels• They are flammable
and vapors are explosive•

-Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke•

-Never refuel the machine indoors•

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a dosed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and

keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting. For electric

mowers, make sure power source is
unplugged.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade

attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition•

• Never tamper with safety devices•

Check their proper operation regularly•

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing•

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

• before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running•

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown• Frequently
check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.

_.Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONHI BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A WARNING: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark

plug.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive

harm.

_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

_1,CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

KNOWYOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR
OPERATING YOUR GRASS CATCHER. Compare the illustrations with your Grass

Catcher to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly. Study the

operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to ensure proper functioning
of your Grass Catcher and to prevent injury to yourself and others• Save this manual

for future reference•

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown
into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear

safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision

safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

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