Owner's ManuaH
®
4.5 HOR EPOWER
20" REAR ARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387260
Safety
O
Assembly
O
Operation
e
Maintenance
G
EspaSol
o
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 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage t4
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32
Maintenance 10 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 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 plugo
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°
ThisWarranty 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.
o 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.
o 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 turns when the engine is
nmning.
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.
o Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
o Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
o Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
2
hot° Allow the engine to coot 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:
o 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.
o Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts° Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
o Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
o 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 awa_ffi_bm the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
o Check the blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
o Keep al! 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°
o Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
o 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 repair&
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 mower was produced, They are also
availabte at most Sears retail outlets and sewice 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 DER.ECTO.
FOR. REAR D!SC,H, ARG E LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
............. _,,,,,,,,_ ................... ,,,
BELTS
MUFFLERS
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 factor,] with
the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete [he
assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your
lawn mower, atl parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct toots as necessary to ensure proper
tightness,
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
= Remove loose parts included with mower°
o Cut down two end comers of carton and lay
end panel down flato
o Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handie
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
= Roll lav_n mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose parts_
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Un fold handles carefutfy so as
not to pinch or damage control cables,
° Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
o 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 Adjustment
section of this manual,
Operator resence control bar
YMowioo
/_ position
Lower handle
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher_ To convert to bagging or
discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
o You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
o To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulcher plug
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 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
OR WARNING ON OFF
Starter handle \.
Handle
Grass
SLOW CHOKE FUEL OiL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
ine zone control cable
Gasoline filler cap
Primer
Air filter
Housing
Mulcher plug
Wheel 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,So Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade
_turn s when the engine isrunn]ng. ............... ............................................................... ..............................................................
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
Starter Handle - used for starting the
engine.
Mulcher Plug - located at the discharge
opening must be removed when convert-
ing to bagging or discharging operation.
starting a cold 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 the spectacles or
standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN iVlOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factor.,/for
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.
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
nJnning_
= 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_ING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
- Adjust cutting height to suit your reguire-
ments_ Medium position is best for rhost
lawns.
. To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
tever 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.
Lower wheels for Plate tab
high cut
Lever
Raise wheels for low cut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame side
hooks onto the handle bracket hooks°
• 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.
Rear door
Hinge
bracket Grass catcher
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
= Lift up on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
o Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
° Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear°
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 oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
= Pour oil slowiy. 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 t_me.
° 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_
7
GAS
o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 8"7
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline,
Purchase fuel in quantities 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
tonger. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until 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.
Gasoline filler
cap
Engine oil cap
w/dipstick
TO START ENGINE
o 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.
o Hotd operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back°
o 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.
° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rear of the
lawn mower housing one (1) wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front for
better discharge of grass,
° 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.
o If a trail of grass clippings is left on the
right side of a rear discharge lawn
mower, mow in a clockwise direction
with a small overlap to collect the
clippings on the next pass_
o Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chafL
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
° 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 catchers off
with water and let dry before using.
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.
• 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,
8
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.
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.
o 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 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 lawn,
Max 1/3
9
AS "YOU COMPLETE 0__--_/*_ _,._,_ _/,.',__ O_
REGULAR SERVICE
Check for Loose Fasteners _
_ _._ _'4_ _ SERVICE DATES
cleanSinspeCt e_a'ss Catcher
(If Equipped)
a Clean Lawn Mower ....
_f_ Clean Under Drive Cover ,(Power-P[oPelled Mowers)
Check drive bett/pufleys
E (Power-Propelled Mowers)
R ChectdSharperffReplace Blade
Lubrication Chart
Clean BatterytRecharge ..........
(Electric Start Mowers) _ i/'4
V';v' .............. IV' ............
e,'
_J#3
E. i.eo"&V;i ............................... .......................................................................................................................
N c, n o E,,g °e0, , i i l i
G Ctean Air Hirer .................. . , ,_ ............ _ ............................................................
I Inspect Muffler
N Clean or Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 6/2
1 - Change more often when operating under _ heavy load or In high embien! temperatu, res
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions,
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy soil
4 - Charge 4B hours at end el season
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence,. To receive full
vaiue from the warranty, operator must
maintain mower as instructed in this manual
Some adjustments wilt need to be made
periodically to properly 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,
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 (See "LUBRICATION
CHART")°
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel (_) Engine oil
adjuster
(_ Brake spring
bracket
(_) Rear
1_ Handle bracket
mounting pin
(_ Spray lubricant
('_ SAE 30 MOTOR OIL, Refer to
engine- CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
10
door
hinge
=RODUCT SPECIIFUCATIONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.387260
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 4_5
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: °030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: °004 _ .008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
o The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housingoRecord both serial number and date of purchase in space
= provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety nJles when performing
any maintenance°
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.
TO REMOVE BLADE
o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in
contact with spark plug.
= Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up.
o Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolto
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth.
o Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end
wrench°
o Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).
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
o Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and
keyway in crankshaft are aligned.
o Position blade on the blade adapter aligning
the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised
lugs on the adapter.
o Be sure the trailing edge is up toward the
engine,
o Install the blade bolt with the lock washer
and hardened washer into blade adapter
and crankshaft.
o Use block of wood between blade and lawn
mower housing and tighten the blade bolt,
turning clockwise°
° The recommended tightening torque is 354
40 fL Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
11
Blade
adaptor _
Key
Blade
Blade
bolt Blade
Hardened Trailing
washer Lock edge
washer
Crankshaft
Crank-
shaft
adaptor
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade -. but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.
o 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 manufacturer 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
)erature.
3'EMPERA'_RE RANGE ANTIC|PA'I'E'D BEFORE I,IEXT O|L CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased
oi! 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 ever,/25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need to
change the oil more often under dusty, dirty
conditions.
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 oil
trapped inside of engine.
o Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and
on side of engine.
o Fill engine with oil, Fill only to the "FULL"
line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL.
o Replace engine oil cap.
. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug,
CoT
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run propedy 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 cover by turning
counterclockwise to the stop and pull away
from collar°
- Remove filter from inside of cover.
, Clean the inside of the cover and the cotlar
to remove any dirt accumulation.
= Insert new filter into cover.
- Put air filter cover and tilter into collar
aligning the tab with the slot.
o Push in on cover and turn clockwise to
tighten.
12