Craftsman 917388013 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388013
Safety
Assembly
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 ........................................ 2-4
Assembly ................................................ 5
Operation ............................................. 6-9
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10
Maintenance .................................... 10-13
Product Specifications .......................... 11
Service and Adjustments ...................... 14
Storage ............................................ 15-16
Troubles hooting .............................. 16-17
Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39
Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover
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 work-
manship. 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 coven
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
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.
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 parts. 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 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 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 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 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. 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-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.
II1. 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. SERVICE
Use extra care in handling gasoline 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 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 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 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 point out important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!I BECOMEALERTII! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
AWARNING; Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of Califomia to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
A CAUTION: in order to prevent
Wash hi er 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.
_, CAU'r h Muffler and other engine
parts be_._...e extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe bums on contact, stay away from these areas.
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.
These accessorieswere availablewhen thislawnmower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableatmostSoarsretailoutletsandservice
centers. MostSoars storescan alsoorder repairpartsfor you,when you providethe model
numberofyourlawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may notapplytoyour lawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
/_ GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
LAWN MOWERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
4
Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. IMPORTANT: Thislawnmower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled atthefactorywiththe exception ofthosepartsleftunassembled 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 fiat.
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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to 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 "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator [
control bar
Lift u
Mowing
position
Lower handle
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert mower
to bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual.
5
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
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 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
Operator presence control bar
,gine zone control cable
Starter
Grass catche
Engine oilcap with
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
Gasoline filler cap
Airfilter
Primer
Muffler
Housing
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
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 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.
Starter handle - used for starting the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold 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.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: 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 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 cu'n'ING 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 clown 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. Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate Tab
TO CONVERT MOWER Yourlawn mowerwas shippedready to be
usedas a mulcher. Toconverttobagging:
REAR BAGGING
Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.
To convert to mulching operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.
ACAUTION: 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.
Pivot " Rear
Catcher frame hoo? ''J
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
catcher
handle
Grass catcher
frame
handle
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
Bag handle
I
Lever
7
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. I. 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
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
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 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: 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
Engine
oil cap
TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push pdmer 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.
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 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.
8
MOWINGTIPS
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.
When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
If a trail of clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.
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 will 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 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 eady attemoon. 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 mu}ching, 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 cut path.
Change your cutting pattern 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.
MAX 1/3
9
M,,,T ,ANC SC,EDULE
FILL IN DATES _ :_ _:_ ,_
REGULARSERVICE ICE DATES
Checkfor Loose Fasteners if If
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher (If Equipped) If _
oa Clean LawnMower !
Clean Under Drive Cover
Check drive belt/pulleys
W (Power-Propelled Mowers) _/'
(Power-PropelledMowers) I_
R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade t/3
I LubricationChart ik/ I_
Clean Battery/Recharge IEIeclric StartMowers) _ If4
iE Check Engine Oil Level
Change Engine Oil I_1.= Clean Air Filter _ 2
NI Inspect Muffler
Clean or Replace Spark Plug
E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCanddge I/2
I - Change more olten when operating undo"a heavy load or in h_ghambient temperatures. 2 - Sentica more often when operating in dirty or dusty condiUons.
3- Replace blades more often when mowing insandy sodl. 4 - Chmge 48 hours at 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 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
(_) Wheel adjuster
each wheel)
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous
lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-
ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
(!) Brake
spring
bracket
Engine oil
(_) Rear
PRODUCT
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE: 'GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)
OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
I
!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.
SPECIFICATIONS
LAWNMOWER
Alwaysobservesafety ruleswhen perform-
ingany maintenance. TIRES
Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicalswhich can harm rubber.
Avoid stumps,stones, deep ruts,sharp
objectsand otherhazardsthat may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be
kept sharp. 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
turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
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 in the blade
with the raised lugs 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 horizonlal position. If either
end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade
is balanced.
Blade adapter _ Crankshaft
Key -...._ "_ "_ keyway
B,a0e'° kwas
11 washer Trailin edge Blade adapter
GRASS CATCHER
The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.
Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer 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.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil, drain fuel tank by running
engine until fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.
3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown
and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to
remove any oil trapped inside of
engine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.
5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual.)
6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATL_O BEFORE NEXT OIL CHA_IG E
0
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will 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 plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
Container
12
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