Craftsman 917.387240 User Manual

Owner's Manual

&0 HORSEPOWER 22" EZ MULCH SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387240

, Safety , Assembly 0 Operation

' Maintenance

EspaSol

, Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 10

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 12 Assembly 4 Storage 13 Operation 5 Troubleshooting 15

Maintenance Schedule 9 RepairParts 30

Maintenance 9 Parts Ordering BackCover

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:

o Expendable items which become worn dudng 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 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

propedy_ Learn how to quickly stop

mower=

o Do not allow children to use your

mower. Never allow adults to use

mower without proper instructions.

= Keep tile area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and pets.

o Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described 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.

o Do not use accessory attachments that

are not recommended by the manufac- turer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

- The blade turns when the engine is running

PREPARATION: o 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.

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 only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

Checkfueltankbeforestartingengine.

Donotfill gastankindoors,whenthe

engineisrunningorwhentheengineis

hot. Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthegastank. Cleanoffanyspilledgasolinebefore startingtheengine.

Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments

beforestartingyourmower.Never attemptto dothiswhiletheengineis

running. Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial light

)PERATION"

Keepyoureyesandmindonyour mowerandtheareabeingcut. Donot

letotherinterestsdistractyou.

Donotmowwetorslipperygrass, Neverrunwhileoperatingyourmower.

Alwaysbesureofyourfooting- keepa firmholdonthehandlesandwalk.

Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder rotatingparts. Keepclearofthe

dischargeopeningatalltimes. Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou

leaveorarenotusing yourmower,or beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads, andanygravel-coveredareas.

Neverdirectdischargeofmaterial towardbystandersnorallowanyone

nearthemowerwhileyouareoperating it.

Beforecleaning,inspecting,orrepairing yourmower,stoptheengineandmake

absolutelysurethebladeandallmoving partshavestopped_Thendisconnect thesparkplugwireandkeepitaway

fromthesparkplugtopreventacciden- talstarting°

Donotcontinuetorunyourmowerifyou

hita foreignobject. Followtheproce- dureoutlinedabove,thenrepairany damagebeforerestartingandoperating youmower

Donotchangethegovernorsettingsor

overspeedtheengine.Enginedamage

orpersonalinjurymayresulL

Donotoperateyourmowerifitvibrates

abnormally,Excessivevibrationisan

indicationofdamage;stoptheengine,

safelycheckforthecauseofvibration

andrepairasrequired.

Donotruntheengineindoors,Exhaust

fumesaredangerous.

o Nevercutgrassbypullingthemower

towardsyou..Mowacrossthefaceof slopes,neverupanddownoryou

mightloseyourfooting.Donotmow excessivelysteepslopes.Usecaution

whenoperatingthemoweronuneven terrainorwhenchangingdirections- maintaingoodfooting

• Neveroperateyourmowerwithout properguards,plates,grasscatcheror

othersafetydevicesinplace

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o 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

condition

o Keep all safety devices in place and

working

o 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 contact

spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when 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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhen thislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyare

alsoavailableat mostSearsretailoutlets andservicecenters.MostSearsstores

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

canalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,when youprovidethemodelnumberofyour

lawnmower.Someof theseaccessories maynotapplytoyourlawnmower:

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR D_ECHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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 hard- ware you assemble must be tightened

securely. Use the correct tools as neces- sary 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

handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

° Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCRARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

GAS CANS

ENGINE OIL

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle 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 handle 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 for your mowing comfort_ Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service

and Adjustments section of this manual

Operator Presence Control Bar

Upper' Handle

_'_,_., i !

Lift U_

Lower

Handle

Mowing

Position

lOW YOUR LAWNMOWER

ADTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

NN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself 1 the location of various controls and adjustments Save this manual for future _rence.

.=sesymbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

ducL Learn and understand their meaning.

OR WARNING ON OFF

Engine Zone

Control

Starter Handle

Engine OilCap

With Dipstick

Icher Door

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE

Operator Presence

Control Bar

Upper Handle

Gasoline Fill Cap

FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

Handle Knob

Air Filter

Pdmer

Engine Speed

Control

Wheel Adjuster

(On Each Wheel)

!ETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

]rs rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

erican National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

q. The blade turns when the engine is running.

ERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held down to the handle to start

engine. Release to stop the engine.

ILCHER DOOR - allows conversion to discharge or bagging operation.

IMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting Did engine. _,RTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine. GINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - located on the side of the engine which allows

i to select either fast or slow engine speed.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance° Speed is not

adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CAUTION: Federal regulations require an

engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of

blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the

function of the operator control The blade turns when the engine is running. o 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.

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT o Raise wheels for tow cut and lower

wheels for high cut.

° Adjust cutting height to suit your

requirements. Medium position is best

for most lawns.

° To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel Move wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. 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.

Lower Wheels Plate Tab For High Cut

Raise Wheels For Low Cut

Lever

CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn mower without mulcher door in locked

position, discharge deflector in place, or approved grass catcher in place.

NOTE: Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for mulching operation. To

convert to discharging operation, you must install the discharge deflector attachment

included with your mower. TO INSTALL DISCHARGING DEFLECTOR

o Unlock mulching door by lifting door

latch as shown.

o Lift door upward on it's hinge until the

deflector frame can be hooked over the door mounting bracket as shown.

o Release the door to rest against

deflector frame.

= To return to mulching operation, reverse

the above steps and be sure door is in locked position.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in

the engine. = Be sure mower is level and area around

oil fill is clean.

o Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill

to the full line on the dipstick.

. Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade

of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual

o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill. o Check oil level before each use. Add oil

if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

o Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may

need to change the oil more often under

dusty, dirty conditions.

_AS

Fillfueltank Usefresh,clean,regular unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof87 octane.(Useof leadedgasolinewill

increasecarbonandleadoxidedeposits andreducevalvelife). Donotmixoil

withgasoline.Purchasefuelin quanti- tiesthatcanbeusedwithin30daysto assurefuelfreshness.

MPORTANT:WHENOPERATINGIN "EMPERATURESBELOW32°F(0°C),use

resh,cleanwintergradegasolinetohelp nsuregoodcoldweatherstarting.

_/ARNING:Experienceindicatesthat

dcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor isingethanolor methanol)canattract

noisturewhichleadstoseparationand ormationof acidsduringstorage,Acidic Jascandamagethefuelsystemofan ',nginewhileinstorage.Toavoidengine

)roblems,thefuelsystemshouldbe

,_mptied before storage of 30 days or onger, Drain the gas tank, start the

;ngine and let it run until the fuel lines and "arburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next _eason. See Storage Instructions for

_dditional information Never use engine )r carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

ank or permanent damage may occur.

_,AUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler leck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled )il or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

}asoline near an open flame.Gasoline

Filler Cap

Engine Oil

Cap w/

Dipstick

"O START ENGINE

To start a cold engine, push primer five

(5) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine

which has already run for a few minutes. 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, release operator

presence control bar.

tOTE: In cooler weather it may be

necessary to repeat priming steps, In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. 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

tall grass, it may 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 by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly,

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting

in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut,

spreads grass clippings more evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep

clippings off of walkways, flower beds,

etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

o Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass., To

prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using,

o Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff, This will help engine air flow and extend

engine life.

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. o 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 biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed

as this wilt provide the best recutting action of the blades.

o 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

afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be

exposed to the direct sun,

,, Forbestresults,adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will 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.

o Certain types of grass and grass

conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clipping& When doing a

second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar to the first cut path.

o 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 lawno

Max. 1/3

STOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FiLL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE _ERVICE DATES

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners 6/ 6/ Clean/inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) 6/ f_ j 6/ Clean Lawn Mower f,/ f/"

Clean Under Drive Cover (Power-Propelled Mowers) 6,/

,'heck drive belt/pulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers) f_ Check/Sharpen/Replace Bfade 6/

Lubrication Char[ 6/ 6/

Clean Battery/Recharge

Eiectdc Star[ Mowers t 6/ 6/4

Check Engine Oil Level 6/

Change Engine Oil 6/1,2

Clean Air Filter 6/

Inspect Muffler 6/

Clean or Replace Spark Plug 6/

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 6/2

I - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temporalures

g. Service moraotlenwhen operating tnditty ordusty conditions

3. Replace blades moreollan whenmowing in._,andy soil

4 ,, Charge 48 hot_rs aI end of sBr_on

NERAL RECOMMENDATIONS LUBRICATION DIAGRAM

warranty on this lawn mower does not

er items that have been subjected to

(_) Wheel

Adjuster

,rater abuse or negligence. To receive

value from the warranty, operator must

ntain mower as instructed in this

luaL ne adjustments will need to be made

iodically to properly maintain your unit. adjustments in the Service and Adjust°

qts section of this manual should be .cked at least once each season.

)nce a year, replace the spark plug, lean or replace air filter element and

(_) Brake Spring

Bracket

heck blade for wear. A new spark plug

nd clean/new air filter element assures

roper air-fuel mixture and helps your ngine run better and last longer.

(_) Engine Oil Hinge

(_) Mulcher Door

:ollow the maintenance schedule in this _anual

FORE EACH USE

(_) Spray Lubricant (_) Refer to Maintenance "Engine" Section.

,heck engine oil level ,heck for loose fasteners.

BRICATION

._punit well lubricated.

IMPORTANT Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self lubricating bearings, if you feel

they must be lubricated, use only a dry,

powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly_

PRODUCT SPEC FaCAT ONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.387240 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE

HORSEPOWER: 6.0 DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN. GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:

1,5 QUARTS

UNI EADED REGI]I AR

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):

OIL CAPACITY:

_PARK PLUG(GAP: .030")

VALVECLEARANCE:

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: ,0125 IN,

3LADE 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 TO REMOVE BLADE

Always observe safety rules when = Disconnect spark plug wire from spark performing any maintenance, plug and place wire where it cannot

TIRES

o Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber_

o 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 or damaged blades° Crankshaft

Blade Adapter _eyway

Blade Key-----._ ;__ /)_

B ,tB,ade

• "-222 arrkshaft

Lockwasher Trailing Edge Blade Adapter

o Turn lawn mower on its side° Make sure

o Use a wood block between blade and

o Protect your hands with gloves and/or

o Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

o Remove blade and attaching hardware

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter.

The key must be in good condition to work property_ Replace adapter' if damaged_

TO REPLACE BLADE o Position the blade adapter on the engine

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

20 OZS. CHAMPION J19LM

INTAKE: 004 - 008 EXHAUST: .004 - .008

come in contact with spark plug.

air filter and carburetor are up.

mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt,

wrap blade with heavy cloth.

clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end wrench,

(bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer),

crankshaft Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned,

Positionbladeonthebladeadapter aligningthetwo(2)holesin the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine,

Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer 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.

#IPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

eated, IOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

bade - but if you do, be sure the blade is alanced

O SHARPEN BLADE

:are should be taken to keep the blade alanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

ventual damage to lawn mower or ngine.

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 into a beam or wall, Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in

a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end until the blade is balanced,

IRASS 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 manufac-

turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number

when ordering.

!NGINE

UBRICATION

Ise only high quality detergent oil rated 4th API service classification SF, SG, or

;H Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

ccording to your expected operating

_mperature.

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

operation or at least once a year if the 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. Tighten 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

o Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on _.

clean surface.

o 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.

o 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,

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 o Remove the air filter by turning counter-

clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover. o Clean the inside of the cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumulation.

• Insert new filter into cover o Put air filter cover and filter into collar

aligning the tab with the slot.

• Push in on cover and turn clockwise to tighten,

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