Craftsman 917387442 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
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6.25 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387442
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10
Maintenance ....................................... 10
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 accordingto 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 90 daysfrom the date of purchase.
ThisWarranty 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, includingbent
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 productis in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other rights which
varyfrom state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois60179
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments ......... _.......... 14
Storage ............................................... 15
Troubleshooting ................................. 16
Repair Parts ........................................ 35
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe thefollowingsafety 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 not put 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 _ook
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructionsfor
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
2
• 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 unclogging the chute.
• 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-propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutchon mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediatery for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when
operating mower.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. Jfyou 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 childrenout 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. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handting gasotine
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. AIJow
engine to cool before refueling. De
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 acciden-
tal 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 inspectthe 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
_Look for this symbol to pointout
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!t! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
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.
_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and 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.
A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
Theseaccessorieswere availa_e when thislawn mower was produced. They are not
shippedwith your mower.Theyare alsoavailal_eatmostSears retailout_etsandservice
centers.MostSearsstorescan alsoorderrepairparts for you,when youprovidethe model
numberofyourlawn _r. Some of these accesseaesmaynot applytoyour lawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS STABILIZER
FOR FOR
REAR D_SCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS ENGINE OIL
4
Read these instnJctionsand this manual
in itsentirety 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, Cut down two end corners 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 outof carton and
check carton thorougly for additional
loose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWlER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage controlcables.
1. Raise handles until tower 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 _
Upperhandle_/ _Z /_'
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrationswith 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 literaturesupplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGtNE FAST SLOW CH(_,E FUEL OIL DANGER+ KEEP HANDS
OR WARNI_ ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Engine zone control cable
Starter handle
Handle knob
Engine oil cap with dipstick
Mulcher door
Gasoline filler cap
Housing
adjuster
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is (oneachwheel)
shippedwithout 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 Instituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commis-
sion. The blade turns 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.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.
Mulcher Door- allowsconversion to
discharge or bagging operation,
carburetorto the cylinderfor use when
starting a cold engine.
Theoperationofanylawn
mower can result in
foreign objects thrown into
the eyes, which can result
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
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimumperformance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine controlto 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 ofthe operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requiresthe operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut,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: Adjusteris properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positionedbetween the
plate tabs.
LowerWheelsfor High Curt__ ._
RaiseWheels for Low Cut
in severe eye damage.
PlateTab
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 INSTALL DISCHARGING
DEFLECTOR
1. Liftdoor upward on it's hinge untilthe
deflector frame can be hooked over
the door mounting bracket as shown.
2. Release the door to rest against
deflector frame.
• To return to mulching operation,
reverse the above steps and be sure
door is in locked position.
ACAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in locked
position, discharge deflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.
Mulcher door
__bra M°unting
cket
_Deflector
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 fill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and tillto the
full lineon the dipstick.Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tighten engine oilcap, then remove it to
read the dipstick.
3. Reinstall engine oil Cap and tighten.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• 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
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat
can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
_I_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisturewhich 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 daysor
longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel tines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
_. CAUTION: Fillto 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.
Engineoilcap _ Gasolinefiller
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initialuse of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tryingto 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 notallow 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 primingsteps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause
floodingand engine wilt 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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