Craftsman 917387242 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

rRRFTSMAN"

6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" EZ MULCH

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387242

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Warranty :
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 12
Assembly 4 Storage 13

Operation 5 Troubleshooting 14

Maintenance Schedule 8 Repair Parts 32
Maintenance 8 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 on y 90 days from the date of purchase.
Th,s Warranty dOes not cover:

• Expendable itbms 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 retuming the Craftsman power mower to the nearest

Sears Service CenterlDepartment 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

2 Product Specifications 9

Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the dsk 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 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 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.

• Dressproperly. 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 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 mowerwithout

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 stodng 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.

ACAUTION: 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

Theseaccessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also

available at most Sears retail outlets and service _:enters. 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

' '

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in • Remove all packing materials except

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 MOWER

of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware TO UNFOLD HANDLE
you assemble 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.

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.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

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.

• Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper

handle.

4

• Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service
and Adjustment section of this manual.

Operator presence control 1:)ar

' i '"

Upper handle ft up

_L _

_-_--=-- Mowing

.._;;!;:.. position

Liftup \_Vj_

Lower
handle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

location of various controls and ._djustments. 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 control bar

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

filler cap

Mulcher door

Primer

Ig

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 Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be
held down to the handle to startthe engine.
Release to stopthe engine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.
Mulcher- allowsconversionto discharge or

bagging operation.

Primer- pumps additionalfuel from the
carburetortothe cylinderfor use when starting

a cold engine.

5

Theoperationof any lawn mower can resultin

foreign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can

resultin severe eye damage. Always wear

safety glasses or eye shields while operating
yourlawn mower or performingany adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
visionsafety mask over spectacles or standard

safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: Federal regulations require an

engine controlto be installedon this lawn
mower in order to minimize the riskofblade

contact injury.Do not under any circumstances
attemptto defeat the function of the operator

control. The blade turns when the engine is
running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operatorpresence control bar which

requiresthe operator to be pos_oned
behind the lawn mower handle to startand

operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for highcut.

• Adjustcuttingheight to suityour require-

merits. Medium positionisbast for most
lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or

down to suityour requirements. Be sure all
wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properlypositioned when
plate tab insertsinto hole in lever. A/so, 9-
positionadjusters (if so equipped) allow lever

to be positionedbetween the plate tabs.

Lowerwheels for

high cut

Platetab

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

closed position.

Deflector

ACAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in closed

position, discharge deflector in place, or

approved grass catcher in place.

BEFORE STAFmNG ENGINE OIL
Yourlawn mower is shipped withoutoilin the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill isclean.

• Remove engine oilcap and till to the full line
on the dpstic_

• Use2Oozs.of oil. For type and grade of oil

to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
sectionof this manual.

• Pouroil slowly. Do not ever fill.

• Check oillevel before each usa. Add oilif

needed. Fillto fulllineon dipstick.

• To read properlevel, tightenengine oilcap

each time.

• Reinstallengine oilcap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hoursof

operation oreach season. You may need
to change the oil more often underdusty,

dirtyconditions.

Engine oil

_ .. "_-------- Mulcher Door

\_ _--_J----_ Mounting

Bracket

Gasolinefiller
cap

Raise wheels for low

cut

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.

GAS

• Fill fuel 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 indicatesthat alcohol
blended fuels (called gasehol or using ethanol

or methanol)can attractmoisture which leads

6

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 end let it
rununtil 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

fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
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.

NOTE: 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. It

may also be necessary to reduce

ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most
cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the fast position.

• 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 off
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 gerformance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See "Cleaning" inMAINTENANCE
section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will reout the

grass clippingsmany times and reduce

them in size so that as they fall ontothe
lawn they willdisperse intothe grass and

not be noticed. Also,the mulched grass will
biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor
the lawn. Always mulchwith your highast

engine (blade) Speed as thiswill providethe
best recuttingactk)n of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet. Wet
grass tends toform dumps and interferes

with the mulchingaction. The best time to

mow your lawn isthe early afternoon. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly

cutarea 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 la.wn is overgrown it will be necessary

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing

effortand to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your width of cutby overlapping

previouslycutpath and mow slowly.

• 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 cut_ng 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. :t)_..l_t_.=_- _ Max 1/3

ll' li! 'lfAl lillL .L': ,

7