Craftsman 917387151 Owner’s Manual

SEARS Owner'sManual
£RRFTXMRN°
5.5 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No
917.387151
Safety
Operation
Maintenance
Espa_ol
Repair Parts
For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am--7 pm, Mon---Sat; Sun, 10 am--7 pm
1-800-235-5878
CAUTION: Read and follow all
Safety Rulesand Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13 Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
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 matedal 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.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con- tained 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
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 described in this manual.
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 manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.
The blade tums 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 propedy. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or weadng 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 or when the engine is
2
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 not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all 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 if you hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage 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. Excessive 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 dangerous.
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 exces- sively 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 mount- ing 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
condition.
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 deteriora- tion 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 source such as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contactspark plug inorder to prevent accidental startingwhen setting
up, transporting,adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
3
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
LAVvlq MOWER PERFORMANCE
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.
FORREhR DI:_:HARGE LAWN MOWERS
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAV_NMOWERS
I _IDEDISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER MAINrENANCE
E4UFELERS
BELTS BLADES
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 pres-
ence 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.
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, all parts and hardware you as-
BLN)E ADPP11ERS 'rM"IEELS
1,4JLCHERKITS
FOR
GRASSCA,TCHERS
IJkWNMOWB_S
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
semble 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 comers of carton
and lay end panel down fiat.
Remove allpacking materials except padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator presence control barto upper handle.
Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughlyfor additional
loose parts.
4
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
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.
Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handles 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
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
To retum to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulcher plug
Operator presence control bar
Upper handl,
Liftup
Lower handle
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved dipping deflector or grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
Mowing
position
5
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence controlbar
controlcable
Handle
Grass catcher
Air filter
Mulche
Engine
with dipstick
Lawn mower housing
Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)
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 enaine is runnine.
n i II hi
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.
Engine Speed Control - located on the side of the engine which allows you to select either fast or slow engine speed.
Mulcher Plug - located at the discharge opening must be removed when converting to bagging or discharging operation.
Sarter Handle - used for starting the engine.
6
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 adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over the spectacles or
standard safety glasses. HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEED CONTROL
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the side of the engine. Fast position is for sta_ng the engine, normal
cutting, and better grass bagging. Slow position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel
economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine controlto be installedon this lawnmowerin orderto minimizethe risk
of bladecontactinjury.Do notunderany
circumstances attempt to defeat the fun_on of the operator control. The blade
tums when the engineis running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.
Engine speed control lever
Lower Wheels for High Cut
Lever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut TO A'n'ACH GRASS CATCHER
Close the flip lid. Flip lidmust 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.
CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt tooperate the lawn mower withthe rear door removed or
preppedopen.
Hinge bracket
Formed
tabs
Grass catcher
tl _ _ Primer
TO ADJUST CUTFING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most lawns.
To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9- position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
To remove grass catcher, release operator presence control bar to stop engine.
Liftup rear door and remove the grass catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
it will cause unnecessary wear.
7
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE OIL
Your lawnmower is shippedwithout oil inthe
engine.
Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.
Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fillto the full line on the dips_ck.
Use20ozs. of oil. Fortypeandgradeofoil
to use, see =ENGINE"in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual.
Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
Check oil level before each use. Add oilif needed. Fillto full lineon dipstick.
To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.
Reinstallengine oil cap and tighten.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation oreach season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.
GAS
Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage Instructionsfor additional information. Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before tnjing to start. Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.
Push engine speed control lever to fast position.
Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
To stop engine,1 release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not starL If you do flood engine, wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
Under certain conditions, such as very fall grass, itmay be necessary to raise the
height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rear ofthe lawn
mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster setting higher than the front for better discharge of grass.
For better grass bagging and most cutting
conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.
When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, dumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time.
If a trail of grass clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.
Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will
help engine air flow and extend engine life.
Pores in cloth grass catchers can become tilled with dirt and dust with use and
catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catchers off with water and let dry before using.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT." For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and trash.
Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" in CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES section of this manual.
The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biedegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recurring action of the blades.
Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early aftemoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.
For best results,adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass blades.
Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.
Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
9
AS YOU COMPLETE
.EOU 'RSERV,CE y ,/BERV'CE DATES
Check for Loose Fasteners IV#' ll/
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) If _ i__
oi Clean Lawn Mower
Clean Under Drive Cover
Power-Propelled Mowers) il/
W Check drive belUpulleys
(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_
R ChecWSharperVReplace Blade _=/:1
Lubrication Chart !l/ if
Clean eattery/Rechar e
Electric Start Mowe_ IV/ I,/4
E Check Engine Oil Level It/
GN Change Engine Oil I/1.2
Clean Air Filter
I lnspect Muffler _i_
Clean or Replace Spark Plug I/'i/2
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy lOad or In high ambient temperatures, 2 - Service more often when operating in dirly _ dusty conditions,
3 - Rep_ce blades m(_e often when mowing insandy so_.
4 - C_ 48 heu{i at end of season.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain
mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made
periedically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustTnents in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.
Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter element and check blade for wear. A
new spark plug and clearVnaw air liter element assures proper ai-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.
Fallow the maintenance schedule in this manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
Check engine oil level
Check for loose fasteners. LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See 'I_UBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel adjusters
Brake spring
/
(_) Rear
door (_ Handle bracket hinge mounting pin
(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT
(_ SAE30 MOTOROIL. REFERTO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION.
IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricantswill attract
dust and dirtthat will shorten the life of the self lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a d_J,powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.
10
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.387151 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OiL CAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19L
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008
EXHAUST: .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION _IR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
LAWN MOWER Remove blade and attaching hardware
Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
TIRES
Keep tires f'me of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept
sharp. Replace bent ordamaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade boll
Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth.
Remove blade boltby turning counter- clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open--end
wrench.
(bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and keyway in crankshaft are aligned.
Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with
the raised lugs on the adapter.
Be sure the trailing edge is up toward the
engine.
Install the blade bolt with the lockwasher
and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade
bolt, turning clockwise.
The recommended tightening torque is 35-
40 fL Ibs.
IMPORTANT." Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
11
NOTE" We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or engine,
The blade can be sharpened with a file or
on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to
sharpen while on the mower.
To check blade balance, drive a nail intoa
beam or wall. Leave about one inch ofthe straight nail exposed. Place center hole of
blade over the head of the nail. If blade is
balanced, itshould remain in a horizontal
position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the
blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace
only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
Blade Crank shaft
adaptor
NOTE: Although multi--viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi---viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of opera- tion or at least once a year ifthe lawn mower
is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. 13ghten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until
fuel tank is empty.
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.
Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.
Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.
Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
and on side of engine.
Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER
FILL.
Replace engine oil cap.
Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
Bolt Crank
Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft
washer Trailing adaptor
edge
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
.20" .IO, O' 30.
TEMPERA_JRE RANGE ANTICipATE D BEFORE NEXT OfL CHANGE
plug.
Container
AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every year, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty
conditions. Do not wash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
Remove the air filter cover by turning counterclockwise to the stop and pull
away from collar.
Remove filter from inside of cover.
Clean the inside of the cover and the
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