Craftsman 917387411 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
4.0 HORSEPOWER
20" SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387411
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• EspaSol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and followall
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www,sears.com/craffsman
Warranty ...............................................2
Safety Rules .........................................2
Assembly..............................................5
Operation..............................................6
Maintenance Schedule........................ 10
Maintenance.........................................10
LIMITEDTWOYEARWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANPOWERMOWER
Fortwo yearsfrom dateofpurchase,whenthisCraftsmanLawnMoweris maintained,
lubdcsted,and tunedup accordingto the operatingand maintenanceinstructionsinthe
owner'smanual,Searswillrepairfree ofchargeany defectin matedalorworkmanship.
IfthisCraftsmanLawnMoweris usedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thiswarranty
appliesfor only90 days from thedateofpurchase.
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:.
• Expendableitemswhichbecomewom dudngnormaluse, suchas rotarymower
blades,bladeadapters, Pelts,air cleanersand sparkping.
• Repairsnecessary becauseofoperatorabuseor negligence,includingbentcrank-
shaftsandthe failure tomaintainthe equipmentaccordingtothe instructionscontained
in the owner'smanual.
Warrantyserviceisavailableby returningtheCraftsmanpowermowertothe nearest
SearsServiceCectar/Departmantinthe UnitedStates.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhile
thisproductisinuseinthe UnitedStates.
ThisWarrantygivesyouspecific legal dghts,andyoumay alsohave otherrightswhich
varyfrom statetostate
Sears,RoebuckandCo,, D/817Wa, HoffmanEstates,Illinois60179
ProductSpecifications..........................11
Serviceand Adjustments...................... 14
Storage .........................,....................... 15
Troubleshooting...................................16
Repair Parts..........................................34
PartsOrdering......................BackCover
IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand feet and
throwingobjects. Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscouldresultin
sedousinjuryor death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand,and followall
instructionson the machineand in the
manual(s)pefore starting.Bethor-
oughlyfamiliar withthe controlsand the
properuse of themachinebefore
starting.
• Do notput handsor feet nearor under
rotatingparts. Keep clearof the
dischargeopeningat all times.
• Only allow responsibioindividuals,who
are familiar withthe instructions,to
operatethe machine.
• Clearthe area of objectssuchas rocks,
toys,wire,bones,sticks,etc., which
couldbe pickedup and thrownby the
blade.
• Be surethe area isclearof other
people before mowing.Stop machineif
anyone entersthe area.
• Do notoperate themowerwhen
barefootor wearingopensandals.
Alwayswearsubstantialfoot wear.
• Do not pullmowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Always look
downand behindbefore andwhile
movingbackwards.
• Do notoperatethe mowerwithout
properguards,plates,grasscatcheror
othersafetyprotectivedevicesin place.
• See manufacturer'sinstructionsfor
properoperationand installationof
acoessodes.Only use accessodes
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stopthe blade(s)when crossinggravel
drives,walks, or roads.
• Stopthe engine(motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,beforecleaning
the moweror uncloggingthechute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never
run,
• Disengage the self-prepelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a waming of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.
Ih SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICES
• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow engine
to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine (motor) running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them,
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
_ILook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTtt! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A 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.
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
a, WARNING: Battery posts, terminals an_
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the.
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
These accessories were availablewhen thislawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower, They are also availableat mostSears retailoutletsand service
centers. Most Sears storescan alsoorderrepair partsfor you, when you providethe model
number ofyour lawnmower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay not applyto your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
STABILIZER
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
GAS CANE
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructions and 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 as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
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
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Gut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove el! packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoreugly for additional
loose pads.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing
position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
3. 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 Adjustments
section of this manual.
Operator presence
controlbar _
///u. 77
Upper handle _ -,-_// //" /,y
i__< Mowing
-- _ Lowerhandle
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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 ENGkNE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER,KEEP HANDS
ORWARNING ON OFF ANOFEEt"AWAy
Engine zone control cable
presence control bar
Handl
Engine oil plug
Primer
,.Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
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 Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar - must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the
A engine.
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in
foreign objects thrown into
the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage.
A_ways 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 contro! 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
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 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 adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
PlateTab
Lower Wheels for HighCut / _,
= .ever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
TO CONVERTTO DISCHARGING
MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side
discharging or optional grass catcher
can be attached.
• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-
proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in
place.
Dischargeguard
Mulcherplate
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fi|l is clean.
2. Remove engine oil plug and fill to the
top slot in filler hole. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oilto settle down into engine
for accurate reading.
3. Reinstall engine oil plug and tighten.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to the top slot in filler
hole.
• 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
ADD GASOLINE
• Fillfueltank. Usefresh,clean,regular
unleadedgasolinewith a minimumof
87 octane. Do notmix oil withgaso-
line. Purchasefuelin quantitiesthat
can beused within30 daysto assure
fuel freshness.
_WARNING: Experienceindicatesthat
alcoholblendedfuels (called gasoholor
usingethanolor methanol)can attract
moisturewhichleads to separationand
formationofacidsduringstorage. Acidic
gas candamagethe fuelsystemof an
engine whilein storage. To avoid engine
problems,thefuel systemshouldbe
emptiedbeforestorageof 30 days or
longer. Drainthe gastank,startthe
engineand let it rununtilthefuel lines
andcarburetorare empty. Use freshfuel
nextseason. See StorageInstructionsfor
additionalinformation.Never use engine
or carburetor cleanerproductsinthefuel
tank or permanentdamage mayoccur.
A CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill, Wipe off any
spilled oilor fuel. Do not store, spillor
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasolinefiller
Engineoil cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. 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.
2. 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
• 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.
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