Craftsman 917387851 Owner’s Manual
S_EA/ S
MODEL
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
917.387851 OWNER'S MANUAL
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
159843 02.07.97 VBL
Printed in U,S.A
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH.
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 de-
scribed 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
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. 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.
• Atways 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 orwhen the engine ishot
Allow the engine to coot for several minutes before fiifing the
gas tank Clean off any spilled gasoline before starling the
engine,
" A)ways 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 pads 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 repairing 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 outtined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower
• Do not change the governor settings or everspeed the
engine,, Engine damage or personal injury may result
• Do not operate your mower ifit vibrates abnormally, Exces*
sire 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 danger-
ous.
• Never cutgrassby pullingthe mower towards you Mow
across the face of siopes, never up and down oryou might
Ioseyourfooting Donotmowexcessivelysteepslopes, Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good tooting
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in piace,
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting boils often to be
sure they are tightened properly
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
• 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 deterioration 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 lfame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc
ul,,lllNiiii i NIIIII ii r
portant safety precautions. It means
Look for this symbol to point out im-
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
i,,111,11 iiiii iii1,11111_rlll i iiiiiii,
J ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ulll,lllll
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
iiiiiii =,lullu .......................
i[,111, i1,1 T
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains ctiemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
11
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower.. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance
Shoutd you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, welt-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual The instructions wi!l
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly A}ways observe the "SAFETY RULES'L
MODEL
NUMBER 9I 7387851
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPEClRCATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5,.5
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU, IN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1-5QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM
(GAP: 030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: ,008
EXHAUST: 008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: ,0t25 IN.,
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35_40F-r, LBS
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product- Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSRBILnTRES
- Read and observe the safety rules
° Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower
o Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sectio'ns of this owner's manual
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 workmanship..
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 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 lN 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, ROEBUCK AND CO.., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 11-13
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11
iNDEX
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................................. 14
STORAGE ................................................................... 15
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................... 2t
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 16-17
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 18-20
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 22
A
Accessories ................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ............................... 14
Engine Speed ........................... 14
Handle Height ........................ 14
Height of Cut ................................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ..................... ............ 13
Service .........................................13
Assembly ..............................................6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ........................... 12
Replacement ......................... 12
C
Controls:
Engine Zone Control ............... 9
Engine Speed Control ............. 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar ........................................8
Customer Responsibilities... 3, 1lr13
Air Filter .............. :"................... 13
Blade Care/Replacement ...... 12
Engine .......................... :........ 13
Lubrication ..................................13
Spark Plug ................................ 13
Cutting Levels .......................................9
E
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 13
Oil Change ............................. 13
Oil Level .................................. 13
Oil Type .................................. 13
Starting .................................... 10
Stopping .................................... 10
Storage ................................ 15
F
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage ..........................................15
Type ........................... [.............. 9
H
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ..............................................6
Cutting Height .......................... 14
L
Lubrication:
Engine ....... .................................... _13
Lawn Mower ................................11
M
Maintenance Agreement .................. 3
Maintenance Schedule ................... 11
Mowing Tips .................................. 10
O
Oil:
Engine .........................................13
Storage ............................. 15
Operation:
Engine Control ........................ 9
Grass Catcher .................... 9
Mower ......................................... 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................ 9
Options:
Accessories ................................ 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ............................... 18-20
Lawn Mower ...................... 16-17
Responsibilities, Customer. 3, 11o13
S
Safety Rules .........................................2
Service and Adjustments ............. 14
Carburetor ............................... 14
Engine Speed ............................14
Handle ..........................................14
Spark Plug ..........................................13
Specifications ................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine .......................... 14
Starting the Engine ..................... 10
Stopping the Engine .............. 10
Storage .......................................... l 5
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 2l
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
i i, , ii ...................................... .., i,,,i..... i.... ,,,,LI, i, _====
These accessories were available when this {awn mower was produced_ They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers, Most Sears stores can also order repair parts foryou, when you provide the modet numberof yourlawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
............... i. ill ,i i _ ......
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
-- • qll ,i i1,1.
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
i ....................... i
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
U
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
I,H, , i
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
i=.ll
ENGINE OIL
5
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower., Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembted
for shipping purposes.. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc, necessary to complete 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
• Remove loose parts included with mower
• 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.
o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for' additional loose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES..
= Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
o Raise upper' handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
• Your Iawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort_ Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
SeIvice and Adjustment section of this manual
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig, 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mutcher plug in a safe place.
o You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec_
tor
• To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower.
MULCHER PLUG
FIG, 2
i
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place° Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open,
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPERHANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
i ............................. ,i,,,,,i
ASSEMBLY
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
o Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of
grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag.
NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubular frame°
o When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag
as shown in inset,
, Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until
both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-
ing_
o Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown in inset.
, Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes, if bag gets wet, let it dry before
using
o Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.
• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
dgrasscatcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
oct hinge bracket.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame..
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
TUBULAR
FRAME
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
BRACKET
LOWER
(Frames must
be ful|y seated)
//
//
FIG. 3B
FIG. 3C
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
HEM
SEWN HEM
FIG. 3A
./
TABS
FORMED'__
FIG. 4
FLIP LID
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