Craftsman 917388223 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRAFTSMAN"I

4.5 HORSEPOWER
22" ECONOMY
SIDE DISHCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388223

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty............................................... 2

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 5

Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10

Maintenance ....................................... 1O

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchasa, 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.

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

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 15

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts ........................................ 35

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

ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:

• Expendableitemswhichbecomeworn duringnormaluse, suchas rotarymower

blades, bladeadapters,belts,aircleanersand spark plug.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuseor negligence,includingbent

crankshaftsand the failure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingtothe instructions
containedinthe owner'smanual.

Warranty service is available by retuming 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.

ThisWarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou may also have other rights
whichvaryfrom statetostate.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMANESTATES,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

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggrave!
drives,walks,orroads.

• 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.

II. 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

notmow it.
DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exemise 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
looting or ba|ance.

• 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 tdmming area

and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren

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

A,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONftt BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A WARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and cadain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

A,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and

bidh defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling,

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced._ are not
shippedwithyourmower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel

numberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual
in itsentirety 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. 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 comers of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

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 thomugly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlecarefullyso
as notto pinchor damagecontrolcables.

1. Raise handlesuntillower handle
sectiondocksintoplace in mowing

position.

2. Removeprotectivepadding,raise
upper handlesectionintoplaceon

lowerhandleand tightenboth handle
knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding
operatorpresencecontrolbar to

upper handle.

Yourlawn mowerhandlecan be adjusted
foryourmowingcomfort.Referto"Adjust

Handle"in the Serviceand Adjustments
sectionof thismanual.

Operator presence
controlbar _ ,_'_.

Upper handle _ /Z// /J" /,_'

__)',_ Mowing

////" Lift Ul_f

position

-- _ _ Lowerhandle

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yo_rsel|

with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future
reference.

These symbols ml_y appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.

Starter handle

Handleknob

I I II iii

_UTION ENGINE ENGINE FAT ._>LC_'N _.,p,Oy_E fUF..t. Q_L DANGER. KEEpHANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

ill i

Operator presence controlbar

Engine zone control cable

Engine oil cap with

Gasoline filler cap

Housing

Wheael adjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is (oneach wheel)

shipped without oil or gasoline in the
engine.

I_EET8 CPSC SAFET_ 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 runn,ing.

Operator preaenoe €ontrol bar - must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for _se when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

f_

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.

HOWTO USEYOUR 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 dsk

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'I'rlNG 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 down 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.

PlateTab

TO CONVERTTO DISCHARGING
MOWER

Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Liftdischarge guard and remove
mulcher p_ate.

• 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.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-
proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in

place.

Housing
opening

Hooks

Mulch plate Hinge
Tab rod

Lower Wheelsfor HighCutr...,L _,_

RaiseWheels for LowCut

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 oilto 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 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 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. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.

Engineoilcap Gasolinefiller

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 pdming steps. In

warmer weather over pdming 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 pdming steps.