Craftsman 917.388020 User Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMRWI

6.0 HORSEPOWER

21 " REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.388020

• 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 Product Specifications.......................... 11

Safety Rules ........................................... 2 Service and Adjustments ...................... 13

Assembly ................................................ 4 Storage ................................................. 15

Operation ................................................ 6 Troubleshooting ................................... 16

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts .......................................... 34

Maintenance ......................................... 10 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 workman-
ship.

If this Craftsmen Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does notcover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normaluse, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent

crankshaftsand the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty serviceis 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 cuttingmachine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injuryor death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructionsonthe machine and in the
manual(s) before starting.Be thor-

oughlyfamiliar withthe controlsand the
proper use of the machine before
starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. Keep clear of the
dischargeopening at all times.

• Only allow responsibleindividuals,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
barefootor wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do net pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while
movir_g,backwards.

• DO not operate the mower with 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.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives,wa[ks,or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

• Shut the engine (motor)off and wait

unfitthe blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good adificial
light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influenceof alcoholor drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Alwaysbe sure ofyour footing: keep a

firm holdon the handle and walk;.never

run,

• Oisengage the se_f-propeUedmecha-
nismor drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine
(motor).

• tf 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
_llasses with side shields when operat-

ing mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor relatedto slip
and fall accidents which can resultin

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. Exerciseextreme 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,ditchesor

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

isnot alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attractedto the

machine and the mowing activity.Never
assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep childrenout of the tdmming area

and under the watchfulcare ofanother
responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and white walking backwards,
look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

• Use extra care when approachingblind

corners,shrubs,trees, or otherobjects
that may obscure vision.

IV.SERVICE

• Use extra care in handlinggasoline
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

engineto cool before refueling.Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machineindoors.

-Never storethe machine or fuel

containerinside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustmentsor 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
attaohement bolts, tight and keep

equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine tree of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oilor fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

• Stop and inspectthe equipment it you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.

• Never attemptto make wheel height

adjustmentswhile the engine (motor) is
running.

• Grass (;atcher 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

maeutacturar's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicingthem.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

3

_Look for this symbolto point out
impodant safety precautions.It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: In order to prevent

accidental starling when setting up,
transporting,adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire end
placewire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

_LWARNING: Engineexhaust, some of its
constituents,and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicalsknown to
the State of Californiato cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

_WARNING: Battery posts, terminalsand
related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State ofCalifornia to cause cancer and

birthdefects or other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.

These accessorieswereavailab4ewhenthislawnmowerwas produced,They are not

shippedwith your mower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSears retailoutletsandservice
centers.MostSearsstorescan alsoorderrepairpartsfor you,whenyou providethemodel

number of yourlawnmower.Someofthese accessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

GAS CANS

Read these instructionsand thismanual in
itsentiretybefore youattemptto assemble

or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This tawn mower is shipped

withoutoil or gasolinein the engine.

Yournew lawn mower has been assembled

at thefactory withthe exceptionofthose

partsleft unassembledfor shipping

purposes. To ensuresafe and proper
operationof yourlawn mower,all partsand

hardwareyou assemble must be tightened
securely. Usethe correcttoolsas neces-

saryto ensure propertightness.All parts

suchas nuts,washers,bolts,etc., neces-

saryto completethe assembly have been
placedin the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove looseparts includedwith

mower.

• Cut down two end cornersof cartonand
lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence controlbar to upperhandle.

• Roll lawnmower out of cartonand check
cartonthoroughlyfor additionalloose

parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandle carefullyso

as not to pinchor damage controlcables.

• Raise lower handle section to operating

positionand squeeze the bottomends
of lower handle towardseach other

untilthe pin in handle can be inserted
intoone ofthe three heightadjustment

holes.

• Remove protectivepadding, raise

upper handle sectioninto place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

• Remove any packing material from

around cantrei bar.

• Your handles may be adjusted for your

mowingcomfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustmentssectionof this manual.

Handle 3-position

ii bracket

Handle

pin __ adjustment

presence
control bar

handle

Liftup

LoweSt position
handle

Mowing

TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shippedready to

be used as a mulchenToconvertto
bagging, see "To convert mower"in the

OPERATION sectionof this manual.

5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Comparethe illustrationswithyour lawn mower to familiarizeyourselfwith the
locationof variouscontrolsand adjustments.Savethis manualfor 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 WARNfNG ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control
bar

Starter handle t zone control cable

Handle

Grass catche

Engine oilcap

with dipstick

Lawn mower housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
withoutoil or gasoline in the engine. • Wheeladjuster

• (oneachwheel)

MEETSCPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Searsrotarywalk-behindpowerlawnmowersconform to thesafetystandardsoftheAmencan

NationalStandardsInstituteandtheU,S. ConsumerProductSafetyCommission,The blade

turnswhenthe engineisrunning.

Operator PresenceControl Bar- must be Primer- pumps additionalfuelfromthe
helddownto the handleto starttheengine, carburetortothecylinderforusewhen

Releasetostopthe engine, startinga coldengine.

StarterHandle - usedforstartingtheengine.

6

The operationof any lawn
mower can resultin foreign
objectsthrown into the eyes,

whichcan result in severe

safety glasses or eye shields while
operatingyour lawn mower or performing

any adjustments or repairs. We recom-
mend a wide visionsafety mask over
spectaclesor standard safety glasse.s.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEEDCONTROL
Theenginespeedwas setat thefactoryfor

optimumperformance.Speed isnotadjust-
able.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_,CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire

an engine controlto be installed on this _ _
lawn mower in order to minimizethe risk _. _ _

of bladecontact injury.Do not under any Pivotpins -_ _ _
circumstancesattempt todefeat the
function of the operatorcontrol.The blade

turnswhen the engine is running.

• Your lawn moweris equippedwithan
operatorpresencecontrolbar which

requirestheoperatorto be positioned
behindthe lawnmowerhandleto startand

operatethe lawn mower.

TO ADJUSTCUTFINGHEIGHT

• Raisewheelsfor lowcutand lower wheels
forhighcut.

• Adjustcuttingheight to suityourrequire-

ments.Mediumpositionisbast for most

• Tochangecuttingheight,squeezeadjuster

lawns. /

lavertowardwheel,Movewheel upor
downto suityourrequirements.BesureaH
wheelsare in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy positioned
when plate tab insertsinto hole in lever.

Also, 9-positionadjusters (if so equipped) handle
allow leverto be positioned between the

plate tabs.

eye damage. Alwayswear

TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawn mowerwas shippedreadytobe

usedas a mulcher. Toconverttobagging:

REARBAGGING

• Liftreardoorofthe lawnmowerandplace

thegrasscatcherframe hooksontothe
doorpivotpins.

• Toconvertto mulchingoperation,remove

grasscatcherandclosereardoor.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher usingthe frame

handle.

• Remove grass catcher withclippings
from under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippingsfrom bag usingboth
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not dragthe bag when

emptying; itwill cause unnecessarywear.

catcher

handle

LowerWheelsforHighCu \ j_l

Plate Tab

-@

RaiseWheelsforLowCut

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Yourlawnmower isshippedwithoutoilinthe
engine.

• Be sure mower is leve] and area

around oil fill isclean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oilto settledown into
engine for accurate dipstickreading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type
and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE"
in Maintenance section of this manual

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill

• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Filltofull 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 hoursof

operationor 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 gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within30 days to assure fuel

freshness.

_.WARNING: Experience indicatesthat
alcohol blended fuels (called gasehol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisturewhich leads to separation and

formationof acids duringstorage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system shoutd be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gastank, start the
engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines

and carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel
nextseason. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine

or carburetorcleaner productsin the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

ACAUTION: Fill to bottomof gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor use
gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatingson the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present duringthe initialuse of the

product and should be considered
normal.

• To start a coldengine, push primer

three (3) times before fryingto start. Use

a firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine
whichhas already runfor a few

minutes.

• Hold operator presence controlbar

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 coolerweather it may be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine willnot start. Ifyou do
flood engine, wait a few minutesbefore

attemptingto stad and do not repeat
primingsteps.

Gasolinefiller

Engineoil

cap

NOTE: Due to protectivecoatingson the
engine, a smallamount of smoke may be

present duringthe initialuse of the
productand should be considered

normal.

8