Craftsman 917388021 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388021
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and followall
Safety Rulesand Instructions
before operatingthisequipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craffsman
Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 11
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments ...................... 14
Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 15-16
Operation ............................................. 6-9 Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts .......................................... 34
Maintenance .................................... 10-13 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 Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
appliesfor only 90 days from 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, 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
whiJethis product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, 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 iscapable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the followingsafety 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 femiliar with the controlsand the
proper use ofthe machine before
starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keep clear ofthe
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. 2
• 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 unress
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
Do not operate the mower with proper
guards, plates, grass catcher or other
safety protectivedevices 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, 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 brade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow onry in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine Jnwet 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 startingthe 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 operat-
ing mower.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidentswhich can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a sJope,do
notmow 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
rimbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, rots, 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 nottrim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
isnot alert tothe 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 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
attachement 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 end 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
3 setting or overspeed the engine.
ALook for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.
_,WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birthdefects or other reproductiveharm.
AWARNING: in order to prevent
Wash hands after handling.
accidental startingwhen setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
A,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
CAUTION: Mufflerand 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.
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
These accessorieswere availablewhen thislawnmowerwas produced. They are not
shipped with your mower.They are alsoavailableatmost Sears retailoutletsandservice
centers.MostSearsstorescan alsoorderrepairparts for"you,whenyou providethe model
numberofyourlawnmower. Some of these acceseoriesmay notapplyto yourlawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STAalLIZER
GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS
FOR FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
SELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
4
J_
Read these instructionsand 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 inthe
engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assembled
at the factory with the exception of those
parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. 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 neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness, All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN M(3WER 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 thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage controlcables,
1. Raise lower handle section to operat-
ing positionand squeeze the bottom
ends of lower handle towards each
other untilthe pin in handle can be
inserted intoone of the three height
adjustment holes.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
Jowerhandle and tighten both handle
knobs.
3. Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator
control bar
Lift u
Mowing
position
Lower handle
e pin
3-Position
handle
bracket
/
TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convertto
bagging, see "To convert mower" in the
OPERATION section of this manual,
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illuskaUonswith your lawn mower to familiarizeyourself with the
IcoatJeaof vadeas controls and adjustments. Save thismanual 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
-Engine zone control cable
Starter handle
Gasoline filler cap
Primer
Engine oil caI
with dipstick
Lawn mower housinc
Wheeladjuster
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on each wheel)
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Searsrotarywalk-behindpowerlawnmowersconformtothe safetystandardsofthe Amedsan
Naf_onalStandardsInstituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission.The I_ade
turnswhenthe engine is running.
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Primer - pumps additionalfuetfrom the
helddown to the handleto starttheengine, carburetorto thecylinderfor usawhen
Releasetostopthe engine, startinga cold engine.
Starter Handle - usedfor startingthe 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 recom-
mend a wide vision safety mask over
spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEED CONTROL
The enginespeedwas set at the factory for
optimum perforrnance. Speed is not adjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: 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
circumstancesattempt to defeat the
functionof the operator control. The blade
turnswhen the engine is running,
• Your lawnmower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requiresthe operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawnmower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut end lower
wheels for high cut, Adjust cutting height
to suit your requirements. Medium
position is best for most lawns.
• To change cottJngheight,squeeze adjuster
levertoward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels arein the same setitng.
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.
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame
side hooksonto the door pivot pins.
2. The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher
frame.
_I_CAUTION: Do notrun your lawn
mower without clippingdeflector or
approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
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 willcause unnecessary wear.
Pivot pins Grass
catcher
handle
/
/
Catcher frame hook "_
/
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
LowerWheelsfor HighCut PlateTab
RaiseWheels for LowCut Lever
Bag
handle
TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawnmowerwas shipped ready tobe
usedas a mulcher.Toconverttobagging:
REAR BAGGING
• Liftreardoorofthe lawn mower and place
the grasscatcherframe hooks ontothe
doorpivotpins.
• To oonvert to mulching operation,remove
grasscatcher and CIGeereardoor.
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 fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oilto settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To road proper level,
tightenengine 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
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 gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
A,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 during 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.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Donot overfill. Wipeoffany
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
filler cap
Engine
oil cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatingson 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 startingan
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 ccoler 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
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