Craftsman 917.388222 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

4.5 HORSEPOWER 22" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388222

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• 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 .............................................. 4

Operation .............................................. 5

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 9

Maintenance ......................................... 9

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

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 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/617 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications .......................... 1C

Service and Adjustments ...................... 1

Storag e ................................................. 14

Troubleshooting ................................... 15

Repair Parts .......................................... 34

Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover

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 described 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 manufac- turer. 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.

• Always 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 or when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.

• Always 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 parts. 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 repair- ing 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 outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and

operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive 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 dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of

slopes, never up and down or you

might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution

when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions -- maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine

mounting bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness

to be sure mower is in safe working condition.

• 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 deterio-

ration 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 flame or an ignition source such as a hot water heater,

space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

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

_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

AWARNING

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects,

or other reproductive harm.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service

centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

FOR

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS I

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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. 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 MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with

mower.

SPARK PLUGS

I --

ENGINE OIL

• Cut down two end comers 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.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly 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.

• Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper

Operator presence control

bar

handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to =Adjust Handle" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

Upper handle ._//'//Lift up#/// _

,,2"

Liftup f - _k ,t", _ _ .

_-_..7_._ I // "lvlowlng

,,// pos,t,on

_ LaWc_re

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

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 adiustments. 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

presence control bar

Engine zone control

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Gasoline filler cap

Housing

IMPORTANT" This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine,

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

I I IIII

Operator presence control bar - must be Pdmer - pumps additional fuel from the held down to the handle to start the engine, carburetor to the cylinder for use when

Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown

intothe eyes, which can resultin 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 CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

A, CAUTION: 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

turns 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'rrlNG HEIGHT * Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require- ments. Medium position is best for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. 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 Plate tab high cut

Lever

Raise wheels for low

cut NOTE:Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for mulching operation. To

convert to discharging operation, you must install the discharge deflector attachment included with your mower.

TO CONVERT TO 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 return to mulching operation, simply

reinstall mulcher plate as shown. _I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without discharge guard, approved grass catcher or mulcher plate

in place.

oos

Hinge rod

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped withoutoil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fill isclean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into

engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and

grade ofoilto use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full 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 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 gasoline. 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 fuel tank, start the •

engine and let it run until 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 fuel tank

or permanent damage may occur. ACAUTION" 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.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer 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.

• 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, 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.

Engineoil cap Gasolinefiller

cap

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 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.

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 first cuts in a clockwise direction.

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-upgrass and trash. See "Cleaning" in 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 early aftemoon. 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 thatthe 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly.

Certain types of grass and grass condi-

tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

Change your cutting pattem 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.

t_/_i_'_'- _ Max. 113

+ 16 hidden pages