i_t__ __ -
SEAAR8
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.380520 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
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SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTALSTARTINGWHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE ANDPLACEWIREWHERE ITCANNOTCONTACT SPARK
REPA,RS IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THERISK OF INJURY° YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPEDWITH
SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES.
TRAINING:
" Read this operator's manual carefully Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly
Learn how to quickly stop mower..
° Do not allow children touse your mower Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions
* Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de*
scribed in this manual
Do not operate mower if ithas been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer Use of such attachments may be
hazardous_
The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area tobe mowed and clear itof
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower.
• Dress properly Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running orwhen the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean ol,f any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine
• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyes and mind on your- mower and the area being
cut.. Do not Iet other interests distract you
• Do not mow wet or slippery grass Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold
on the handles and walk..
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times..
• Always stop the blade whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop
the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all
moving parts have stopped Then disconnect the spark plug
wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting
• Do not continue to run your mower ifyou hit a foreign object
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine Engine damage or personal injury may result
• Do not operate your mower if itvibrates abnormally_ Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous
Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down oryou might
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions - maintain good footing.
Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly
• Check atl bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
• Keep alt safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags Use only repfacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower
• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc
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==H ii i=l=l=l= H=H,HI,I,,H=H=,I=
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!t! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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I
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possibte dependability and
performance..
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual The instructions wilt
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"..
MODEL
NUMBER 917.380520
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BEFOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE..
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
4ORSEPOWER: 5 0
DISPLACEMENT: 11 5CU IN
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19q.M
(GAP: 030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008"
EXHAUST: 008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
_,iR GAP: 0125 IN,
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT LBS
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details..
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILEmES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual..
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any
defect in material or workmanshiF
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug
- Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNlTED STATES
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state°
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, tLLINOIS 60179
SAFETYRULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ........................ 3,9-11
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................. 6
INDEX
A
Accessories ..........................................5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ....................................12
Engine Speed .......................... 12
Handle Height ............................12
Height of Cut ................................7
Air Filter:
Replacement ..............................11
Service ...........................................11
Assembly .....................................................5
B
Blade:
Sharpening ................................... 9
Replacement .............................!0
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control .................. 6
Engine Speed Control .................6
Operator Presence
ControJ Bar. ....................................6
Customer Responsibilities ....................9
Air Filter ........................................11
Blade Care/Replacement ........10
Engine ...........................................11
Lubrication ................................. 11
Spark Plug ....................................11
Cutting Levels .................................... 7
Engine:
Ai_ Filter ..................................... t 1
Oi! Change ..................................11
Oil Level ......................................11
Oil Type .............................................11
Starting ...........................................8
Stopping .......................................8
Storage ..................................... 13
Fuel:
Capacity ...................................... 3
Storage ........................................t3
Type ........................................... 7
Handle Adjustment;
Assembly ..................................... 5
Cutting Height ............................12
Lubrication:
Engine ...................................... 9
Lawn Mower .............................. 9
Maintenance Agreement ................. 3
Maintenance Schedule .................... 9
Mowing Tips ..................................... 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................ 9
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 12
STORAGE .................................................................... 13
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ........................ 14"15
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ................................ ,_-..16"18
PARTS ORDERINGtSERVlCE ................ BACK COVER
E
F
H
L
M
Operation:
Engine Control ........................... 7
Grass Catcher ...........................10
Mower .............................................7
Operator Presence
Control Bar ...................................7
Options:
Accessories ...................................5
R
Repair' Parts:
Engine ....................................16-18
Lawn Mower ....................... 14-15
Responsibilities, Customer ......3,9-11
S
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ............... 12
Carburetor'. .................................12
Discharge Guard ..........................12
Engine Speed .......................... 12
Handle .........................................12
Spark Plug ..........................................11
Specifications .................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ....................................... 12
Starting the Engine ............................ 8
Stopping the Engine ...........................8
Storage ................................................13
O
Oil:
Engine ..................................... 11
Storage ..................................... t3
4
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 19
W
Warranty ........................................... 3
LAWN OWER ACCESSORmES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced+ They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers.. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower
ENGBNE
SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER
i i
AIR FILTER GAS CAN
ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
©
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
ASS LY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower, Your new Iawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with mower+
• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
o Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle..
,, Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton
thorougly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES
MULCHER KIT
LAWN MOWER
COVER
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
°
Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position..
o
Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
o Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted !or your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle in the
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Service and Adjustment section of this manual.
FIG. 1
OPERATION
l= iH= Hill= =,H,=====
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER.. Compare the
illustrations with your' lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustrnents. Save this
manual for future reference.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLBAR
ENGINE ZONE
CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
,GASOLINE FILLER CAP
ENGINE OIL CAP
WITH DIPSTICK
DISCHARGE GUARD
WHEEL ADJUSTER "_
(ON EACH WHEEL) " HOUSING
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
PRIMER
i i i HI=IHHH
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U,,S..Consumer Product Safety Commission._ The blade turns when the engine is running.
................. 11 11 i1 =====,H
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR- must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the
engine,.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either fast ('_) or slow
(,_=_)engine speed.
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.
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