Craftsman 917387430 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTXMAN°

6.0 HORSEPOWER 22" ECONOMY

SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.387430

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

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

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

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

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

Operation .............................................. 5

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 9

Maintenance ......................................... 9

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 workman-

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only g0 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 .......................... 10

Service and Adjustments ...................... 13

Storage ................................................. 14

Troubleshooting ................................... 15

Repair Parts .......................................... 34

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 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. De 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 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.

• 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 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 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 repair- ing 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 deterio-

ration 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.

_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY _S INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: 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.

These accessories 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

__ GRASS CATCHERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

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. 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 neces- sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-

sary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

Remove loose parts included with

mower.

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

WHEELS

• Cut down two end corners 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.

HOWTOSETUPYOURLAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle 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.

ENGINE OIL

• 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 control

Upper handle ,_/Liftupj _)

Lift up %.,

! /7 NMowing

_,',_-_ "_:.'.;"-\'iL_,) !,/,/ position

_-_ _ Lower

handle

KNOWYOUR 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 adiustments. 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

Engine zone control cable,,,

Throttle con

Starter

Gasoline

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine. (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.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

presence control bar

knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Housing

Wheel adjuster

Operator presence control bar - must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the held down to the handle to start the engine, carburetor to the cylinder for use when

Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Throttle control- used for starting engine and Starter handle - used for startingthe engine. allows you to select either fast or slow.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in fore_n 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.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle located on the side of the upper

handle. Fast position is for starting,

normal cutting, trimming and better grass bagging. Slow position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

Lower wheels for high

cut

Raise wheels for low cut NOTE: Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for mulching operation. To

convert to discharging operation, you must install the discharge deflector attachment included with your mower.

TO CONVERT TO 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

discharge or optional grass catcher can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply

reinstall mulcher plate as shown.

_,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without discharge guard, approved grass catcher or mulcher plate

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL A, 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 cLrn'ING HEIGHT

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

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is 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.

in place. !Hooks

openi H°usti_

Hinge

rod

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 and fillto the full

line on the dipstick.

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

• Engine holds 20ozs. of oil. Fortypeand grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. De 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 time.

• 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.

ADD GASOUNE NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside the tank.

• 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.

A, WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (catted gasohot 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 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.

_I=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.

Engine oil cap

Gasoline filler cap

(Discard

debris plug

inside)

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.

• Move throttle control lever to fast position.

• 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.

• For side discharge lawn mowers,

cutting in a counter-clockwise direction,

starting at the outside of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of

walkways, flower beds, etc., make the

first cuts in 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 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 d_erse 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 recurring action of the

blades.

• 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, ad)ust 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 condi- tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path. Change your cutting pattem 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.

,th,_'-_r_._'i,-,'.'----'-4 Max. 1/3

.A,NTENANOESC.EDOLE "

AS YOU COMPLETE /_"l_'/'_O_!=l_\"_l= n

Check for Loose Fasteners _ tl_ Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) _ V/_

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelled Mowers) 1_

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys li//

RE {Power-Propetled Mowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _1_3

Lubrication Chart b/'

Clean Battery/Recharge

Electric Start Mowers I I_ I/4

E Check Engine Oil Level N Change Engine Oil ll/_.2

G Clean Air Filter (i/ 2

I Inspect Muffler !_'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug i/

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 1_2

I - Change more t_len wht,nopera_m9undera heaw load ovin high ant_ent ternpera_t_t'es. 2 - Service more often when operalingindirtyor dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more oftenwhen mowingIn sandysoil.

4 - Charge 48 hoursal end 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 will 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, clean or 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 helpsyour 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 adjuster (_)Mulcher door

oil

(_)Handle bracket mounting pin

_Spray lubricante

_Refer to MAINTINANCE "ENGINE"

SECTION.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants willattract

dust and dirt that will shorten the lifeof the self lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must

be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

+ 19 hidden pages

Craftsman 917387430 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual