Craftsman 917387120 Owner’s Manual

_o__A/RS

MODEL NUMBER 917.387120

oAssembly oOperation

oCustomer

Responsibilities Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

jEZ3

oAdjustments

oRepair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow

all Safety Rules and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

156712 REV.2 01,31.97 VBL

[I "

Printed in U,S.A.

SAFETY RULES

_k Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

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. SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNiT iS

EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE 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,

• 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,

• Do not operate mower ifit 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 turnswhen the engineis 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 fuei tank before starting engine. Do not fill 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:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cuL 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 not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at ail times.

• Always stop the engine 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 objecL

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 yourmower if it vibrates abnormally_ Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; step the engine, safety check for the cause ofvibrationand repair as required_

• Do not runthe 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

Ioseyourfooting Donotmowexcessivelysteepslopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen 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 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 tire

manufacturer of your'mower.

• A!ways 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 ignitionsource such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

portant safety precautions. It means

_!) ook for this symbol to point out im-

I _lb CAUTION: Always disconnect spark !

CAUTION!I! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY tS INVOLVED.

i iii IIII'IIIII'IIHIIIIIIIIILIIHII I ................

plug wire and place wire where it can* not contact spark plug in order to pre- |

vent accidental starting when setting ! up, transporting, adjusting or making

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repairs. I

L 'IIHIII

& WARNING A

Th.e engine exhaust from this product con- tams chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

,,. i, ,,,1111111111

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/Departmento 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 will enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly_ Always observe the "SAFETY RULES"°

MODEL NUMBER 917o387120

SERIAL

NUMBER

PRODUCT SPECDFnCATIIONS

HORSEPOWER: 4°0

DISPLACEMENT: 1£5 CU..IN. GASOLINE CAPACITY 1o5QUARTS

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 RJt9LM (GAP: B30")

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008

EXHAUST: .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: _0t25 1N,

DATEOFPURCHASE

THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

BLADEBOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS,

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product.. Contact your nearest Sears store for detaiiso

CUSTOMER RESPONSaBgLITIES

o 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.

LIMnTED 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:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain

the equipment according to the instructionscontained 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

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LE OF CONTENTS

.............. i i ,l i, i u............ HUHU'UI' I ........

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 11-13

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6

OPERATION .................................................................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11

Accessories .................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor'. ............................. 14

Engine Speed ........................ 14

Handle Height ........................ 14

Height of Cut ............................ 9

Air Filter:

Replacement ......................... 13

Engine:

Air Filter ................................... 13

Oil Change ................................. 13

Oil Level .................................. 13

Oil Type ................................. 13

Starting ................................... I0

Stopping ................................. 10

Storage .................................. 15

Service .................................... 13

Assembly ........................................ 6

Blade:

Fuel:

Capacity ................................... 3

Storage .................................... 15

Type ......................................... 9

Sharpening ............................ 12

Replacement ......................... 12

Controls:

Handle Adjustment:

Assembly ................................. 6

Cutting Height .......................... 14

Engine Zone Control ................ 9

Engine Speed Control ............. 8

Operator Presence

Control Bar ,,:;.......................... 8

Customer Responsibilities,., 3. 11-13

Lubrication:

Engine ..................... :............... 13

Lawn Mower .......................... 11

Air Filter ......................... ,:...... 13

Blade Care/Replacement ...... 12

Engine ................................... 13

Lubrication ............................. 13

Spark Plug ............................. 13

Cutting Levels ................................ 9

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 .................................... 24

Operation:

Engine Control ......................... 9

Grass Catcher'. ........................ 9

Mower ...................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar .............................. 9

Options:

Accessories ............................. 5

Repair Parts:

Engine .............................. 18-20

Lawn Mower'. ...................... 16-17

Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 11-13

Safety Rules ................................... 2

Service and Adjustments ............. 14

Carburetor .............................. 14

Engine Speed ......................... 14

Handle .................................... 14

Spark Plug .................................... 13

Specifications ..... i.o.:...... :.::................3

Speed Control:

Engine .................................... 14

Starting the Engine .......................... 10

Stopping the Engine ...................... 10

Storage ......................................... 15

Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 21

Warranty ......................................... 3

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LAWN

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These accessories were available when this lawn mowerwas 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.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

i,rr,r...........................

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAnNTENANCE

MUFFLERS

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,=,= ,====11=

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS

,,,=! =,, ,

SPARK PLUGS

HH=H

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

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Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

befereyou attemptto assemble or operate your newlawn TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

mower. Your new fawnmower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS

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 assembte 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,

Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handte and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle,

Rofl lawn mower' out of carton and check carton thor- oughly for additional loose parts.

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES. o Raise handles until lower handle section locks into

place in mowing position.

o 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' handleo

= Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your

mowing comforL Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Ser- vice and Adjustment section of this manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLBAR

UPPER

LIFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

MOWING POSITION

FIG. 1

OPERATION

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 adjustments, Save this

manual for future reference,

.... I'IH"nI'I'U''Ill ................................................ ' "'_ "

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand

their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE

OR WARNING ON OFF

ENGINEZONEI

STARTER HANDLE

HANDLE KNOB

GRASS CATCHER

FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

'OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLBAR

GASOLINEFILLER CAP

,PRIMER

AIR FILTER

ENGINE OIL PLUG

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

WHEEL ADJUSTER (ON EACH WHEEL)

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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.So Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade turnswhen the engine is running_

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OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held PRIMER - pumps additional fue! from the carburetor tothe

down tothe handle tostart the engine° Re_ease to stop the cylinderfor use when starting a cold engine° engine, STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine°

+ 15 hidden pages

Craftsman 917387120 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual