Craftsman 917383280 Owner’s Manual
MODEL NUMBER 917.383280 OWNER'SMANUAL
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®Assembly
Operation
, Customer
Responsibilities
Service
®Adjustments
®Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARK PLUGWIREANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACT SPARK
REPAIRS.
DNPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLSTO MINIMIZE THERISK OFINJUR¥o YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPEDWITH SUCH
CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF TttE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES°
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=
o Do not allow children to use your mower_ Never aUow adults
to use mower without proper instructions_
° Keep the area of operation clear of a!l persons, especially
small children and pets.
o Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual
o
Do not operate mower if it has 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 to be mowed and clear it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects°
These objects witl be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury°
o 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 onty solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
° Check fuei tank before starting engine. Do not flU gas tank
indoors,when the engine is running or when 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:
, Keepyour eyes and mind onyour mower andthe area being
cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
• Donot mow wet or slippery grass. Never run whileoperating
your mower. Always be sure ofyourfooting- keepafirm hold
on the handles and walk,
Do not puthands 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 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 cjovemor 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 checkforthe 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 ofslopes, never up and down or you might
lose your fcroting. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions - maintain good footing.
o Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
° Cheek the blade andthe engine mounting bottsoften to be
sure they are tightened properly.
= Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be suremower isinsafe working condi-
tiono
° Keep all safety devices in place and working°
= To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, Ieaves
orrexcessive grease and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.
o Always keep a sharp blade on your mower_
o 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 ignitionsource
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etco
I ,T.EANS-A.ENTJON!!!BECO.EA.ERT!!!YOUR ,.VO.VED.!
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Craftsman Lawn Mower. tt has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible de-
pendability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-
ter/Department. Sears has competent, well trained tech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit..
Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly.. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"°
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 3_5
DISPLACEMENT: 9.06 cu..ino
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1_5quarts
(Unleaded)
OIL (20 oz..Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
5W30 (Below 32=F)
MODEL
NUMBER 917,383280
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND 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
SPARK PLUG (GAP °030 in..):
(0°76 ram)
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: o006 ino
Exhaust: °008 in..
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in..
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-Ibso
Champion
RJ19LM or
Sears z_ 33312
or STD 361456
or STD 360950
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
, ,P, , iii ,,,,i ............................. iii ,, ,i,,1111, i ,i ,11,,
LAMEED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For one year 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:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plugo
o 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 WH{LE
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/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, IL 60684
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES .................................................... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .............................. 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............. 3, 11-13
WARRANTY .......................................................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES .......................... 5
ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 6
OPERATION .......................................................... 7
nNDEX
A
Accessories............................................5
Adjustments:
Carburetor.................................. 14
Handle Height ............................14
Height of Cut ................................9
Air Filter:
Service ........................................ 13
Assembly:
Handle .......................................... 6
Grass Catcher ..............................6
B
Blade:
Sharpening................................. 12
Replacement .............................. 12
C
Controls:
Operator Presence Control Bar..7
Speed Control .............................. 7
Customer Responsibilities .....3,11-13
Air Filter ...................................... 13
Blade Care/Replacement .......... 12
Engine .... ....._............................ 13
Lubrication ................................ 11
Spark Plug ................................. 13
E
Engine:
Oil Change ................................. 13
Oil Level .......................................9
Oil Type ........................................ 9
Starting....................................... 10
Storage .......................................15
Fuel:
Type ..............................................9
Storage.......................................15
Handle:
Adjustment.................................14
Assembly .....................................6
Lubrication:
Engine ........................................11
Brake Spring Bracket................11
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin _11
Wheel Adjuster ..........................11
Maintenance Agreement ....................:3
Mowing Tips ......................................10
Mowing Mulching Tips.....................10
Oil:
Engine ........................................13
Storage.... .......,,_..._._,,,.,.,.. ! 5
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower...............8
Control Bar...................................7
Engine Speed Control.................8
Operator Presence Control Bar.........7
Options:
Attachments.................................5
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .............................. 11
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ......................... 14
STORAGE ........................................................... 15
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................... 21
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ................ 16-17
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ............................ 18-20
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ........ BACK COVER
L
M
O
F
Repair Parts
Lawn Mower .......................... 16-17
Engine ................................... 18-20
H
ResponsibUities, Customer .,..3, 11..13
Safety Rules........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 14
Engine Speed ............................ 14
Handle ........................................ 14
Spark Plug......................................... 13
Specifications ..................................... 3
Starting the Engine ..........................10
Stopping the Engine ........................ 10
Storage .............................................. 15
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 21
P
R
S
T
W
Warranty ............................................. 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 7
4
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced_ They are also available at most Sears retail outlets,
catalog and service centersr 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_
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG
,,H, , ,
MUFFLER
AIR FILTER
®
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTUONAL
GAS CAN ENGINE OIL
CHARGER
......................... i,
DUST SHIELD
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
STABILIZER
BATTERY
...i....i .... i,i
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
FABRIC BAG
BLADE BLADE
]1 . .H=
OPTBONAL
CATCHER FOR
SRDEDUSCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
.1.1.1111 i.. ii.llln .. i
WHEELS
ADAPTER
.11.1.1_1 .,
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
i i1.1.. . ii...it _,..i,
LAWN MOWER
COVER
Your lawn mower has been assembled at the factory
except for the grass catcher bag and the grass catcher
frame°
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with mower.
o Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat,
o Removeall packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle,
o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPERHANDLE
UFT UP
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
FIG. 1
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
= 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,
° 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 ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(See Fig. 2)
o Put grass catcher' frame into grass bag with stiff part of
bag on the bottom.
o 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.
CATCHERFRAME
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FRAMEOPENING
FIG. 2
,i ii,,i,rl_.lll ................... ,_ ............ ,..... i1,11 i1,1 ii IIIII'H II IIIIIIMI II
OPERATBON
. i ii,,,i,,,i ............... I,,111.l_,lllr ' I1"1' '1,11111 I "'"_ I I
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER° Compare the
illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of variouscontrols and adjustments, Savethis manual
for future reference.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
HANDLEKNOB
ENGINE OIL CAP WITH
DIPSTICK
GRASS CATCHER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
PRIMER
AIR RLTER
_\ LAWN MOWER HOUSING
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
FIG. 3
Ji i,l,,,lllll ,i i • ii ii ii , i,ii i,ii .......................................... J ii
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U,S, Consumer Product Safety Commission° The blade turns when the engine is running,
................. i iiii
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine, Release to stop the
engine.
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine°
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either "HIGH" ('_) or
"LOW" (,4_) engine speed_
n imllll i I_,HN,''INN HHHN'l N N,N,,I,I'HI Imll I I I
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
N"l....... IIII I'll
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
clipping deflector or grass catcher in
latch in locked position or approved
place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed
or propped open.
ii ,u, ii i i IN'ml''
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (See Fig. 4)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)
located on the side of the engine "HIGH" (,r_) position is
for starting the engine, normal cutting, and better grass
bagging° "LOW" (_) position is for light cutting, trim-
ming and fuel economy_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
m u i, NIl'NHHm" HH'l'l ' I
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
Ul, ,Ni mm HI i I
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
PRIMER
FIG. 4
.x I z
risk of blade contact injury. Do not un-
lawn mower in order to minimize the
der any circumstances attempt to de-
feat the function of the operator control.
The blade turns when the engine is
running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handte to start and
operate the tawn mower
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Figs. 5 & 6)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher To install attachments for bagging ordischarging:
o Open rear door, remove mulcher plate_
= You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor/.
o To return to mulching operation reverse the above
steps, BE SURE MULCHER PLATE IS INSTALLED
BEFORE USING FOR MULCHING OPERATION,
TO INSTALL GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)
• Lift the rear'door on the lawn mower housing and place
the grass catcher frame onto the formed up tabs onthe
rear door hinge bracket_
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower when
the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame
REAR DOOR
FIG. 5
MULCHER PLATE
FIG. 6
HINGE
BRACKET 11
FORMEDUP TA_
GRASSCATCHER FRAME
FIG. 7
8
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