Craftsman 917387412 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

4.0 HORSEPOWER

20" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387412

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and followall
Safety Rulesand Instructions
before operatingthis equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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

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

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly ................................................ 5

Operation ............................................. 6-9

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

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

LIMITED TWOYEAR 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.

Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

ThisWarranty does not coven

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

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

• Repairs necessary because of operatorabuse or negligence, includingbent crank-

shaftsand the failure to maintainthe equipment accordingto the instructionscontained
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 rightswhich

vary from state to state
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 Wa, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

Product Specifications .......................... 1t

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

Storage ............................................ 15-t6

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionson the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the

proper use of the machine before
starting.

• Do notput hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions,to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys,wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the

blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other

people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while
moving backwards.

• Do notoperate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories

approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

2

• Shutthe engine (motor) off and wait

untilthe blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• DOnot 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-propelled mecha-

nismor 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 warning of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operat-

ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a maior factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a elope, 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 c_usa 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
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICES

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and otherfuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or addfuel

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.

3

ALook for this symbol to pointout

importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONH{ BECOMEALERTH! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals knownto the
State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

A WARNING: In order to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

_. CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hotduring
operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birthdefects or other repro-

ductive harm.

These accessorieswere available whenthis lawnmowerwas produced.They are not
shipped with your mower.They are alsoavailaUe at mostSearsretailouUelsandservk_

centers. Most Sears storescan aJsoorderrepairpartsfor you, when youprovidethe model
numberof your lawn mower. Some of6"_eseaccessoriesmay not app4yto your lawn_er.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

STABIUZER

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

GAS CANS

Read these instructions and this manual
in itsentiretybefore you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT 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. Cut down two end comers of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all 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 thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise hand]as 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 "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator I

control bar

Mowing

position

Lower handle

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 ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

bar

Handle knob

Starter Gasoline filler cap
handle

Airfilter

Engineoilplug_ Primer

Muffler

Discharge
guard_

IMPORTANT: This lawn
mower is shipped WITHOUT Wheeladjuster

OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (oneachwheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe
American National Standards Instituteand the U,S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the
helddown to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinderfor use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine,
Starter handle - used for starting the
engine. 6

Theoperationof any lawn

mower can result in foreign

objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in

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

Trle engine speed was set at the factory
for optimumperformance. 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 CUTFING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for highcut, adjust cutting height
to suit your requirements. Medium

positionis 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 propedy 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,

LowerWheelsfor HighCut PlateTa_ i

RaiseWheelsfor LOWCut Lever

severe eye damage.

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 plata,

• Mower can now be used for side

discharging or optional grass catcher

can be attached.

• To return to mulchingoperation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown,

ACAUTION: Do not run yourlawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-

proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in
place.

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 end area

around oil fill 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 oil to 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

ADDGASOLINE

• Fillfueltank.Usefresh,clean,regular
unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof

87octane.Donotmix oil with gaso-

line. 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 end

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 carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructionsfor

additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.
_, CAUTION: 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

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present duringthe 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 startingan

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 itmay be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. 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.

Engine

8

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions,such as very
tallgrass, itmay be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effortand to keep from ovedoading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to

reduce groundspeed and/or runthe

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

cuttingconditions,the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.

• For side discharge lawn mowers,

cutting in a counter-clockwise direction,
starting at the outside of the area to be
cut, spreads grass clippingsmore
evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippingsoff of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the

first cutsin a clockwise direction.

• 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.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance 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 wilt 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.

• Avoid cuttingyour 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 affemoon. 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 by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• 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 out path.

• Change your cuttingpattern 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.

9

..O0 'RS.RV,OE sE.v,cEDATES

Check for Loose Fasteners V If

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

If Equipped) I,/ _ _,/

M Clean Lawn Mower _ t/

Power-Propelled Mowers)

Clean Under Drive Cover
Check drive belt/ ulleys

RE Power-propelle_Mowers) t_

Chec_JSharpen/Replace Blade _'3

Lubrication Chart _

Clean Battety/nechar e

E]ectdc Start Mowe_ I I_/ k/4

E Check Enqfne Oil Level

N Chan,qe Engine Oil _1.2

G Clean Air Filter b/' :_

Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug I_
E Reptace Air Filter Paper Carh'idge If2

1 . change rp,o_ often when operaling under a heavy load or ,_ high am_ent tempetalures,

2 - Service ,Torj o_en when OpenaUngk, dldy or _Js_/condJlk_ns.

3 - Re°lace btadel=mo_ often when mowing Insandy soil.

4. C/_rge 48 hours_1end of 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 value 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

Adjustments section of this manual
should be checked at least once each

season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,

clean or replace air filter element and
check blade for wear. A new spark
plug and clean/new air filter element

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART').

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins door hinge

(_) Spray lubricant

(_ See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

10

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheeleduster

eachwhee)

bracket

Discharge

guard hinge pin

(_ Rear

IMPORTANT: Do notoil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricantswill attract dust and dirt that
willshorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings, If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.

spring

ine oil

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER:

DATEOF PURCHASE:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.25 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)
OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety ruleswhen perform-

ingany maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep IJresfree of gasoline,_1, orinsect
control chemicals which _ harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts,sharp
objects and other hazards that may cause

tiredamage.

BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be

keptsharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from

turningwhen removing blade bolt.

NOTE; Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade boltby turningcounter-
clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard-
ware (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 condi-

tion to work properly. Replace adapter if

damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the

engine crankshaft. Be sure key in
adapter and crankshaft keyway are
aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes inthe blade
with the raisedlugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward

the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.
TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but if you do, be sure the
blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower
or engine.

• 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 untilthe blade
is balanced.

Crankshaft

Key-_. keyway

Blade
bolt shaft

11 washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accessory)

• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, butmust be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. Ifcatcher
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-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating

temperature.

c _ ._ ._o o 1o 2o _ ,_

l T._MPERA_R E _CiE F_mGIpATED BEFORE N'_'T CtL C_IGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
coldweather, these multi-viscosityoils
wilt result in increased oil 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 every 25 hours of

operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil ptug
securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.

2. Be sure lawn mower is on level

surface.

NOTE: Oil will drain morefreely when

warm.Catch oil in a suitable container.

3. Remove bottom oil drain plug.

4. After oilhas drained completely,

replace oil drain plug and tighten
securely.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.

Drain plug

12