Craftsman 917387254 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

rRilFTXMIIN °

4.0 HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387254

• Safety

• Assembly

• 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 9

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 11
Assembly 4 Storage 13

Operation 5 Troubleshooting 14
Maintenance Schedule 8 Repair Parts 30
Maintenance 8 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For one year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• 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 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 ithas been

dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before

using your IPower.

• 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:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects willbe 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

hoLAllowtheenginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean

offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe

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 ofyour 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 grevel_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 itaway 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 pulrmgthe 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 pmpedy.

• 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 detedora-
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

These accessories were available when this lawn mowerwas produced. They are also
available at most Sears retailoutlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order

repair parts for you, when you providethe model numberofyour lawn mower. Some of these
accessoriesmay not applyto yourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

cUpPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

_ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

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 excep-
tion of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware 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.

M_CH_KITS

/ FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABIUZER

GAS CANS

• 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.

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

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper
handle.

4

• Your lawn mower handle can be

Operator presencecontrolbar

adjusted for your mowing comfort.
Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service

Upperhandle,

and Adjustment section of this manual.

Liftup

Mowing
position

Lowerhandle

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 adiustments. 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 ENGgNE FAST SLOW CHOK E FUEL O_L DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARlY4NG ON OFF AlyO FEET AWAY

Engine zone control....

cable

Starter handle

Dperatorpresence controlbar

Handle kno'

Grass catcher,

_ap

Air filter

Primer

Lawn mowerhousing

Engine oil plug

Wheel ajduster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAH-TY' REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safety standards of the American

National Standards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission. The blade
turns when the engine is running.

uperator presence cu,_t, ul Par - must De Primer - pumps additional fuel fromthe
held down to the handle tostartthe engine, carburetor to the cylinderfor use when starting

Release tostop the engine, a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

5

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 adjustments or
repairs. We recommend a wide vision

safety 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

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Flip lid must 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 run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to

operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.

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

bracket

Formed
tabs

requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower,

TO ADJUST CUTTING 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 EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release

operator presence control bar to stop
engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

• 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 adjustoes (if so equipped) E
allow lever to be_rmdbetween,the : :, _EFORIE ST_ NGINE

plate :tabs., _.... _OIL :

Lowerwheels for

Raise wheels fot4ow : , "the engine;

Yourlawn mower is,shipped without oil in

• Be sure mower is level and area around

higttcut ' cutr_j_

oil fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil plug and fill to the full

<_ Lever

Plate tab

line on the dipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade
of oil to use, see =ENGINE" in Mainte-
nance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

Grass

frame

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

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

• Reinstall engine oil plug 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.

GAS

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. (Use of 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.

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 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.

Gasolinefiller
cap

Engine oil

TO START ENGINE

• To starta cold engine, pushprimer five (5)
times beforetryingtostart. Use a firm push.

This step isnotusuallynecessary when

starting an engine which has already runfor
a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pullstarter handle quickly.

Do not allowstarterrope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.

NOTE: In coolerweather itmay be necessary

to repeat primingsteps. Inwarmer weather
over primingmay cause floodingand engine

willnotstart, ffyou do floodengine, wait a few

minutes before attemptingto start and do not
repeat primingsteps.

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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed (push-

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

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• 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.