Craftsman 917382781 Owner’s Manual
SEARS
"1995"
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.382781
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
Service
OWNER'S MANUAL
Adjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
149061 01.04.95
Printed in U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
_ CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWlREANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK
.EPAIRS IMPORTANT
SAFETYSTANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLSTO MINIMIZETHERISKOFINJURY. YOUR UNIT ISEQUIPPED WITH
SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES.
TRAINING:
..... i
• 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 to use 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
m
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.
Be aware that the biade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
,, Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
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 fue_ 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 off 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 let 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 net 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, orb°fore 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.
o Do not continue to run your mower if you 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 it vibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause ofvibration 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 or you 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 all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and o11.
• Check grass catcher often for detedoration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement 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 sou rce
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
I
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I
H .. ....................
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, wel!-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.382781
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 4.5
DISPLACEMENT: t 1.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008
EXHAUST: .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN_
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• 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 workmanship.
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:
* Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cieaners and spark plug.
° Repairsnecessarybecause_f_peratorabuse_rneg_igence_inc_udingbentcranksha_sandthefai_uret_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 UNITED 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, ILLINOIS 60179
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i i
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 11-13
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 11
iNDEX
A
Accessories .................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 14
Engine Speed ........................ 14
Handle Height ........................ 14
Height of Cut ............................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... 13
Service ................................... 13
Assembly ........................................ 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................ 12
Replacement .......................... 12
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control ................ 9
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 8
Customer Responsibilities ... 3, 11-13
Air Filter ................................. 13
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 12
Engine .................................... 13
Lubrication ............................. 13
Spark Plug ............................. 13
Cutting Levels ................................. 9
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 13
Oil Change ............................. 13
Oil Level ................................. 13
Oil Type ................................. 13
Starting .................................. 10
Stopping ................................. 10
Storage .................................. 15
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage .................................. 15
Type ......................................... 9
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 6
Cutting Height ........................ 14
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 13
Lawn Mower .......................... 11
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................. 11
Mowing Tips ................................. 10
Oil:
Engine .................................... 13
Storage .................................. 15
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 14
STORAGE ................................................................... 15
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 21
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 16-17
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 18-20
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 22
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Engine Control ......................... 9
Grass Catcher .......................... 9
Mower ...................................... 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 9
Options:
Accessories ............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ............................... 18-20
Lawn Mower ..................... 16-17
Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 11-13
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .............. 14
Carburetor .............................. 14
Engine Speed ........................ 14
Handle ................................... 14
Spark Plug .................................... 13
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine .................................... 14
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..................... 10
Storage ......................................... 15
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 21
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
4
, II,,N, ' i i i'1111
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORUES
i , M,I ,i,ii iiii
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 you r lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER AIR FILTER
®
IH
if lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
GAS CAN
CHARGER
DUST SHIELD
l,
P
L
ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
i, ii iiii
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
ii .......
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
i,, H ,,,,11
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
5
iiiiii i ii iiiii............................................. ii
ASSEMBLY
iii i1,1 iiiii
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. Your new lawn 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, al! 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 thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
° Raise upper handle section intoplace on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
° Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store
mutcher plate in a safe place.
• You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.
• To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plate
into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
SLOTS
MULCHERPLATE
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
TABS
FIG. 2
i i i u ii .............
ASSEMBLY
il,i i II , ,i iii ................................
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 40 )
• To assemble tubular frame to grass bag, work sewn
hem of bag out through the front opening of bag to
expose the hem.
o Thread tubular frame into hem and gather material at
top of frame as shown.
• Push frame inside bag through the opening until only
the ends of frame are exposed out of the front.
NOTE: Do not close the flip lid at this time.
• Assemble lower frame totubular frame as shown. Be
sure frames are fully seated together as shown ininset.
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let itdry before
using.
• Closethe flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.
° Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge bracket.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame.
, nn i,,,
CAUTION: Donot runyourlawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
11
FLIP LID
CATCHER FRAME
FIG. 3C
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Frames must
be fully seated)
FIG. 4A
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Pushinside
bag)
LOWER
FRAME
SEWN
HEM
(Full out
through front
of opening)
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Thread into
sewn hem)
FIG. 3A
FIG. 3B
SEWN
HEM
\
FIG. 4B
HINGE
BRACKET
GRASS CATCHER FRAME
FORMED
TABS
7 FIG. 4C
Loading...