Craftsman 917387241 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RnFTSB4nH

6.0 HORSEP0W_ r
22" EZ MULCH-'
SIDE DISCHARG_I_

ROTARY LAWi_I-_ O_ER

Model No.

917.387241

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• 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

Sa}"_'TI u-"l'_-....... 2

As_,mJ;_L ..... -------. 4

Operation ....... 5

Ma_duLe .... 9

- Maintenance ........... 9

LI__'_I_ -WAHRANTi''ON-C_J_,FTSMAN POWER MOWER

F t of urchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubd_te'd, and tuned__ ot_tl_eoperating 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 wom 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

Product Specifications 10
Service and Adjustments 12

Storage 13

Troubleshooting 15

Repair Parts 30
Parts Ordering Back Cover

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower

properly. Leam 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 properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing 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

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 acciden-

tal starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object. Follow the proce-

dure 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
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
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 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.

3

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhen
thislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyare

alsoavailableat mostSearsretailoutlets
andservicecenters.MostSearsstores

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

REARDBC_MRaE SlOEOISCHARGE

LAWN_ LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

canalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,when
youprovidethemodelnumberofyour

lawnmower.Someoftheseaccessories
maynotapplytoyourlawnmower.

GAS CAN8

Read these instructions and this manual in HOW TO SET tip _ LAWN
its entirety before you attempt to assemble MOWER

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 comers 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

l_rts.

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as notto 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.

• 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 Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator PresenceControl Bar

Upper "_

Lower _ Mowing
Handle _ _ Position

KNOWYOUR 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.

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 FEETAWAY

Operator Presence
ControlBar

EngineZone
Control

Upper Handle

Starter Handle

Handle Knob

Gasoline FillCap

Engine Oil Cap

AirFilter

With Dipstick

MulcherDool

WheelAdjuster

(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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held down to the handle to start
the engine. Release to stop the engine.

MULCHER DOOR - allows conversion to discharge or bagging operation.

PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting

a cold engine.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

5

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan

resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe

eyes, which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety glasses or

eye shields while operating your lawn
mower or performing any adjustments or
repairs. We recommend a wide vision
safety mask over spectacles or standard

safety glasses.

HOW TO 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.

• 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 CUTI'ING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low 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.

LowerWheeis PlateTab

For High Cut

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

induded with your mower.
TO INSTALL DISCHARGING DEFLECTOR

• Lift door upward on it's hinge until the
deflector frame can be hooked over the

door mounting bracket as shown.

• 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.

• 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 oilto use, see "ENGINE" in Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• 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.

• 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.

Raise Wheels For LowCut

Lever

6

GAS

• Fillfueltank. Usefresh,clean,regular
unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof87
octane.(Useof leaded gasoline will

increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-

ties that can be used within 30 days to

assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN

TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), use
fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help

insure good cold weather starting.

WARNING: Expedence 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 fue_ system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and

carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled

oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.

EngineOil
Cap w/
Dipstick

TO 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.

__ Gasoline

FillerCap

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary.to repeat pdming steps. In
warmer weather over pdming 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.

• 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 oft
with water and let dry before using.

• 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

MAINTENANCE 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 biodegrade quickly to provide
nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch

with your highest engine (blade) speed

as this will provide the best recutting

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

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

exposed to the direct sun.

7

• 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. 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.

• 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 perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cuffing pattem 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.

8

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

MAIN NANCESC.EOO'E

F.,,,.o. s

AS YOU COMPLETE ;_' _ _',_ _"

Check for Lecse Fasteners I_ k#'

Clean/in,' DectGrass Catcher

(If Equipl _1) V'

M clean LaweMower t_'

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Checkdr_ be./p_L_/s

RE(Power-Propelled Mowers) t/

Chack/Sharpan/Replace Blade _:=

LubdcaffoctChart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectrin Start Mowers1 I_ I/4

E Check EncjineOilLevel

N Change Engine Oil 11/1_

;G Clean Air Filter I_ =

I Inspect Muffler _'

N cleanorReplaceSparkPlug

v'

E RepleceAirF'dterPeperCartridge II/2

1 -Change more c410nwhen opemin9 und_ s heaw Iced or Jnhigh anV_n_ temperatunm.
2 - Servk:o more often when o1_ in okty ordusty conditk_s.

3 -Replece t)_les rnom m'lm when mowing in undy _1.
4 - CMrge 48 hours at end o_see.5_.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS LUBRICATION DIAGRAM

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
periodically to propedy maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
clean or replace air filter element and

check blade for wear. A new spark plug
and clean/new air filter element assures

proper air-fuel mixture and helps your

engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated.

(_) Wheel

_) EngineOil Hinge

(_) Spray Lubricant

(_ RefertoMaintenance"Engine"Section.

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.

9

ERVICE DATES

(_) BrakeSpring

Bracket

(_) MulcherDoor

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

:MODEL NUMBER 917.387241

ERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER:

DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:

6.0

11.5 CU. IN.

1.5 QUARTS
[INI F:ADFD RF:(_ULAR

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

OIL CAPACITY:

;PARK PLUG(GAP: .030")

VALVECLEARANCE:

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR 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 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

• Keep tires free 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

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure

• Use a wood block between blade and

• Protect you_'hands with gloves and/or

• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

Forbest results,mower blade mustbe
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades. Crankshaft

Keyway

Blade
Bolt

Lockwesher TrailingEdge Blade Adapter

Blade

HardenedWasher Crankshaft

• 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

properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the engine

10

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

20 OZS.

CHAMPION RJ19LM OR 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 oropen-end
wrench.

(bolt, lockwasher and hardened

washer).

crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and
crankshaft keyway 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 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 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

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

balanced.

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 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.

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 manufac-

turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number

when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SG, or

SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.

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.

• 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 oiltrapped 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 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 by turning counter-
clockwise to the stop and pull away from

collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

• Clean the inside of the cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumulation;

• Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar

aligning the tab with the slot.

• Push in on cover and turn clockwise to

11 tighten.