Craftsman 917387282 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

rRRFTSMRNo

6.0 HORSEPOWER

ii0 REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MoWL_IF

Model No.

917.387282

• 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 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LIMITEDTWO 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 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require operator pres-

ence 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 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 turns 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.

2

• 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

runwhile 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 ifit 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 pullingthe 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 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.

_I_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
Califomia to cause cancer, birth defects,

or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessories were available when this

lawn mower was produced. They are also
available at most Sears retail outlets and

service centers. Most Sears stores can also

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

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.

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in
itsentirety 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 of your lawn

mower, all parts and hari]ware you as-

semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.

MULCHER KrrS

_'_} GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

SlOE DISCHARGE

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

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

parts.

4

HOWTOSET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TOUNFOLDHANDLE

IMPORTANT:Unfoldhandlescarefullyso
asnottopinchordamagecontrolcables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower

handles 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

Adjustment section of this manual.

Operator presence
controlbar

Lift up

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower.

Mulcherplug_@

ACAUTION: 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.

Lower
handle

Mowing
position

5

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL.AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compam the illustrationswithyour lawn mower tofamiliarize yourself with the

locationof various controlsand adjustments. Save this manualfor 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 _DS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presencecontrolbar

Starte zone control cable

Handle knob

Grass catcher_

Airfilter

Mulcher plug

Engineoilcap

withdipstick

Lawn mower housing

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

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

National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade

tums 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.

Pdmer - pumps additional fuel from the

Starter Handle - used for startingthe engine.

Mulcher Plug - locatedat the discharge

opening must be removed when converting to
bagging or dischargingoperation.

carburetor to the cylinderfor use when starting

a cold engine.

6

The operationof any lawn mower can resultin
foreign objectsthrown intothe eyes, which can

resultin severe eye damage. Always wear
safetyglasses or eye shields while operating
yourlawn mower or performing any adjust-

ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
visionsafety mask over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CON'rROL

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 CUTrlNG HEIGHT

• Raisewheels for low cut and lowerwheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cuttingheightto suityour require-

ments. Medium positionisbest for most
lawns.

• To change cuttingheight, squeeze a_uster

levertoward wheel. Move wheel up or down

to suityour requirements. Be sure all wheels

are in the same setting.

NOTE; Adjuster is properlypositionedwhen

platetab inserts into holein lover.Also, 9-
position adjusters (ifso equipped) allowlever

to be positionedbetween the plate tabs.

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid.Rip lid mustbe closed
while operalJng lawn mower.

• Liftthe rear door on the mower housingand
place the grass catchar framo ontothe
formed tabs on the rear door hingebracket.

• The grass catcher is secured tothe lawn

mower housingwhen the rear door is

lowered ontothe grass catcher frame.

_,CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
withoutdipping deflectoror approved grass

catcher in place. Never attemptto operate

lawn mower withthe rear door removed or

propped open.

Hinge
bracket

tabs

TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar tostop engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do notdrag the bag when emptying;

itwill cause unnecessarywear.

Grasscatcher

LowerWheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

_ Lever

7

BEFORESTARTING ENGINE

OIL
Your lawn mower is shippedwithout oilinthe

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area aroundoil

fillis clean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fill to the full line

on thedipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of 6il
to use, see =ENGINE" in Maintenance

sec_on ofthis manual.

• Pouroilslowly. Do not over fill

• Check onlevel before each use. Add oilif
needed. Fillto full lineon dipstick.

• To read proper level, tightenengine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstallengine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operationor each season. You may need
tochange the oilmore often under dusty,

dirtyconditions.

GAS

• Fillfuel 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 indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids dudng 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
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 carbure-

tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.

Engineoilcap e filler

cap

TO START ENGINE

• To starta coldengine, push primer five (5)
times before tryingto start. Use a firm push,

This step is notusuallynecessary when

startingan engine which has already run for
a few minutes.

• Holdoperator presence controlbar down to

the handle and pull starter handle qu_ly.

Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.

NOTE: Incooler weather if may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. Inwarmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not start.Ifyou 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 (push-
ing speed) and/or run the lawn mower

over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the dght

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small

ovedap 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, regulady 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.

8