Craftsman 917.387258 User Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'[

4.0 HORSEPOWER 20" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387258

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety RuSesand Instrucuo,os before operating this equilot_r_ rlE

Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates,_'lL-'BO'lff_

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 4

Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10

Maintenance ......................................... 10

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 workman-

ship.

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

crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained 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 .......................... 11

Service and Adjustments ...................... 14

Storage ................................................. 16

Troubleshooting ................................... 17

Repair Parts .......................................... 36

Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover

Safety standards require operator

presence 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. TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully

Become fam ar w th the contro s and" know how to operate your m6wer

properly. Learn how !0 quickly stop mower. -

• Do not allow chi!dren.to.use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without .. proper instructions. -

• Keep the area of operation clear of all i persons, especially _rhall"(_fi_idren and :

pets ..................

• Use mower anufacturer

intended and .0.s.described in this" ma_hual.

onry

a's"the

• 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.

• Checkfueltank 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 dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, reads, 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 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions_ It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

_,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.

Theseaccessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service

centers. 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

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

i SIDE DISCHARGE

I LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructionsand this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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 inthe pads bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correcttools as

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVELAWNMOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts includedwith 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

pads.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted foryour mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual,

Operator presence control

Upper handle

bar _k pz_

Liftup iftu /' y

_, position

i Mowing

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 Iqcation of various controls and adiustments. Save this manual for futur_ reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literaturesuppliedwith the product.Leam and understand there meaning.

CAUTFON ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WANNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone

control cable

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass

Engine oil plug

Operator presence control bar

filler cap

Air filter

Primer

Lawn mower housing

Ljduster

(on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American

National Standards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine. Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

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.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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 CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium positionis 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 A'n'ACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the lifttop lid. Lift top 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. ACAUTION: 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.

Hinge

Rear door

Grass catcher frame

Formed

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.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Plate Tab

Lever

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped withoutoil in

the engine.

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

• Remove engine oil plug and fill to the

top of slot in filler hole.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and

grade of oilto use, see "ENGINE in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed.

• 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.

ADD GASOLINE

• 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.

AWARNING: 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.

ACAUTION: 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.

Gasoline filler cap

Engine oil plug

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) 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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps 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 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.

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