Craftsman 917387500 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
JCRAFTSMAN'J
6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" ECONOMY
SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387500
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa6ol
• 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
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 14
Storage ............................................... 15
Troubleshooting ................................. 16
Repair Pads ........................................ 35
Parts Ordedng ..................... Back Cover
LIMITEDTWOYEARWARRANTYON CRAFTSMAN POWERMOWER
Fortwoyearsfrom date of purchase,whenthisCraftsmanLawnMowerismaintained,
lubdcated,and tuned up accordingto the operatingand maintenanceinstnJctionsin
theowner'smanual,Sears willrepairfree of chargeany defectin materialorwork-
manship.
If thisCraftsmanLawn Moweris usedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thiswarranty
applies for only90 daysfrom thedate of purchase.
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:
• Expendableitemswhich becomeworndudngnormaluse,such as rotarymower
blades,bladeadapters,belts,air cleaners and sparkplug.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse or negligence,includingbent
crankshaftsandthe failure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingto the instructions
containedin theowner'smanual.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears Service CentedDepartment in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other dghts
which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
sedous injury or death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on 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
rotating pads. 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 weadng 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 not operate 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
acceasodes. Only use accessories
2 approved by the manufacturer.
• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,orroads.
• 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 clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormelly, 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
operating mower.
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor relatad 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-ors, 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 presenca 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 child
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backward,,
look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine,
• Use extra care when approaching b
comers, shrubs, tress, or other obje(
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasdine
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 refueli.ng, 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 close(
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs
the engine (motor) running. Disconn
the spark plug wire, and keep the wi
away from the plug to prevent accid_
tel starting,
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blac
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regula
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves,
other debris build-up. Clean oil or ft
spillage. Allow machine to cool bet(
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if yq
strike an object. Repair, if necessa_
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adiustments whUe the engine (motor
running,
• Grass catcher components are subj(
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequen!
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cu
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, a
use extra caution when servicing th_
• Do not change the engine govemor
setting or overspeed the engine.
3
ALookfor thissymbolto pointout
importantsafetyprecautions.It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETYIS INVOLVED.
_1_WARNING: In orderto prevent
accidentalstartingwhen settingup,
transporting,adjustingor makingrepairs,
alwaysdisconnectsparkplugwire and
placewire whereit cannotcontactspark
plug.
AWARNING: Engineexhaust,someof its
constituents,andcertainvehiclecompo-
nentscontainor emitchemicalsknownto
the State of Californiatocausecancer
and birthdefectsor otherreproductive
harm.
AWARNING: Batteryposts,terminalsand
relatedaccessoriescontainlead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the
Stateof Californiatocause cancerand
birthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
TheseSccassorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyare not
shippedwithyourmower.TheyerealsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers.Mo6tSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel
nurni0erofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
$TABILBER
FOR
REAR DISCHARG_
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
' MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
BLA_aE ADAPTERS WHEELS
GAS CANS
n
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
I. 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 notto 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 _Uftu _
Upper handle _-J# _,_,_'Y/,_
_. "_::_-_/_ Mowing
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 yoursell
with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future
reference.
These symbols may appearon yourlawn moweror in literaturesuppliedwiththe
product, Learn and understandtheir meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL OAk_ER, KEEP HAND5
OR WARNt f_l ON OFF ANO FEET AWAY
Operator presencecontrolbar
zonecontrolcable
Engine oil Cell:)with dipstick
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is (oneach wheel)
'Wheael adjuster
shipped without oil or gasoline in the
engine.
I i ml
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Amedcan National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Comm
sion. The blade turnswhen the,engine is running,
|1 i
Operator preaenoe 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
engine.
6
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in
foreign 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.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_kCAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk
of blade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
rums 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 CUTTING 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
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
discharge or optional grass catcher can
be attached.
• To retum 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.
Housing
opening
Hooks
Mulchplate Hinge
Tab rod
LowerWheels forHigh Cutr'-_L__L_-A_
Raise Wheels for LowCut
ovor
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
ADDOIL
Yourlawnmowerisshippedwithoutoilin
theengine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oilto 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 fill to the
full line on 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 oil cap, 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.
ADD GASOLINE
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 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 and
formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
enginewhile 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 carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
_1_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.
Gasoline oil cap
(Discard
debds plug
inside)
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due toprotectivecoatingson the
engine,a smallamountofsmokemay be
presentdudngthe initialuse ofthe
productand shouldbe considered
normal.
t. To starta cold engine,pushprimer
three (3) timesbeforetryingtostart.
Usea firmpush.Thisstep is not
usuallynecessarywhen startingan
enginewhichhasalreadyrunfor a
few minutes.
2. Hold operatorpresencecontrolbar
downto the handleandpullstarter
handlequickly.Do notallow starter
ropetosnap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stopengine, release operator
presencecontrolbar.
NOTE: Incoolerweatherit may be
necessarytorepeatprimingsteps.In
warmerweatherover primingmay cause
floodingandenginewillnotstart.If you
do floodengine,wait a few minutes
beforeattemptingto startand do not
repeatprimingsteps.
8
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 ovedoading 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
flint cuts in a clockwise direction.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
"become filled with dirt and dust with
use end 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 MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manua
• The special mulching blade will reel
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they f
onto the lawn they will disperse into
grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quic
to provide nutdents for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest eng
(blade) speed as this will provide th,
best recurring action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is w_
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action, "
best time to mow your lawn is the e_
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dried and the newly cut area will no1
exposed to the direct sun.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mo'
cutting height so that the lawn mowq
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrov
will be necessary to raise the height
cut to reduce pushing effort and to kq
from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of mulched grass. F¢
extremely heavy mulching, reduce y
width of cut by overlapping previous
cut path and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area
mulched a second time to completel
hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or peq3end;
lar to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattem from w(
to week. Mow north to south one we
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.
MAX 1_
9
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