Craftsman 917388225 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRnFT MnN°I

4.5 HORSEPOWER

22" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARYLAWNMOWER

Model No.

917.388225

• 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 ........................................ 2-4

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

Operation ............................................. 6-9

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

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

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.

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

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

Storage ............................................ 15-16

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

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

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.

h 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

stading.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating pads. 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 weadng 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.

• Stoptheblade(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-prepelled 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 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 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 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.

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

CAUTION!f! BECOMEALERT!!f 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 birth defects or other reproductive harm.

A WARNING: In order to prevent

Wash hands after 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.

_, CAUTION: Muffler and 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.

_,WARNING: 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 repro- ductive harm.

These accessories were availablewhen thislawnmowerwas produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available atmost Sears retailoutletsand service

centers. Most Sears storescan also orderrepairpartsfor you,when youprovide the model

numberofyourlawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REARDISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHERK_S

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASSCATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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 necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, wash-

ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts

bag.

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 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.

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 =ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator I control bar

Lift L

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.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAl_AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustra'donswithyour lawn mowerto familiarize yourselfwiththe

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

Engine zone control cable

Handle knob

Starter handle

Engine

Discharge guard

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped 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

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

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

Primer

Muffler

Housing

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

Operator presence control bar - must be held down to the handle to start the engine.

Release to stop the engine.

Starter handle - used for starling the er_ne. 6

Pdmer - pumps adcttional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

Theoperation of any lawn

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 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'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 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.

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.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without discharge guard, ap- proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in place.

Housing

opening

Mulch

Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

ver

late

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 fig 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. A 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.

Engine Gasoline

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 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.

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.

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 MOWINGTIPS IMPORTANT: For best performanoe, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

• The spec'_ 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 recut'dng action of the blades.

• Avoid curling your lawn when it is weL Wet grass tends to form dumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best _me to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• Certaintypesof grassand grasscondi-

tionsmay 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 nor_ 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

M...TENA.CESC.EOO'E

REGULARSERM,CE /___RM'CE... v.- _ u--.. v_SERM,CED;_

Checkfor Loose Fasteners ii,/

Clear,Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) I,/ t_

OM Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

W (Power-Propened Mowers)Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers) I_

g Check/Sharpen'Replace Blade _#':_

Lubrication Chart _ I_

Clean BatterJ/Recharge

tBect c Mowers! V' V'4

BE Check Engine Oil Level ¥#

Change Engine Oil I/1.=

Inspect Muffler

G clean Air Filter _ z

RE Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge I/=

I - Change more oftenwhen Operating under a heavy load or in high arnb+entlemperatures.

2 - Servk:e more often when operating In dirty o_ dusty conditions. 3 - Replace bk_dea more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4- C_r_e+8,o,,+=tendot=+=on. LUBRICATION CHART

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 Adjust-

ments 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

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unitwell lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART").

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) Spray lubricant (_ See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

(_) Wheel adjuster

wheel)

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubdcants 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.

DATES

(_ Brake

spring bracket

Discharge

guard hinge pin

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;ERIAL 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)

OiL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4

_LADE 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.

LAWN MOWER

Alwaysobserve safetyrules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tiresfree of gasoline,oil,or insect

controlchemicalswhichcan harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones,deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that 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 inlo

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 wail. 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 horizontal position. If either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Crankshaft

keyway

Blade shaft bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER (If purchased as an accessory)

• 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 manufacturer 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

c -30 -20 -to 0 10 20 _0 40

TEMRERATURE RANGE AwrICIPAT ED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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 orat 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.

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 from lawn mower or 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.

3ontainer

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388225 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual