Craftsman 917388262 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
(RI:IFTXMI:IN°
4.0 HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No
917.388262
• 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 .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10
Maintenance ......................................... 10
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For one year 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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Product Specifications .......................... 11
Service and Adjustments ...................... 14
Storage ................................................. 16
Troubleshooting ................................... 17
Repair Parts .......................................... 36
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. De not operate mower
when barefoot or weadng open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
2
• 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 dis-
charge 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 repairing
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 deteriora-
tion 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.
ACAUTION: 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.
_WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
3
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They ate not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and servk_'_e
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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
/_/! GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS
BELTS 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 GASOUNE in the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assembled
at the factory with the exception of those parts
left unassembled for shipping purposes. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete 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
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose pads included with mower.
• Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down fiat.
• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operatorpresence
control bar to upper handle,
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
pads.
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness,
4
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles 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 handle,
• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfo_. Refer to "Adjust
Handle" in the Service and Adjustment
section o_this manual.
Operator presence control
bar
Upper handle Lift up
Mowing
position
Lift up =,p///._i],_2'/_/
Lower handle
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
Ioc_tion of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual f(prfl_tyr_ rgfgrence.
_ese symbols may appear _ yo_ lawn mower or in Iitmatum supplied wHh the product. Learn a_
u_a_ themmeaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
I I
Operator presence control bar
Engine zone control cable
Starter handle
Handle knob
Grass catcher
Gasoline cap
Primer
Housing
Engine oil
plug
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 Commission. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar - must be
held down to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine,
Starter handle - used for staking the 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 recommend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOW TO USE Y OUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_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 CUTTING 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 suityour requirements. Be sure all
wheels are inthe 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.
Plate Tab
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
• Close the lifttop lid. Lifttop lid must be
closed while operating lawn mower.
• Liftthe rear door on the mower housing
and place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on _e rear door hinge
bracket.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
_,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without clipping deflector or
approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
Hinge
Rear door
Grass catcher
frame
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.
• Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear
Lower Wheels for High Cut,_., _
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
7
]EFORE STARTING ENGINE
tour lawn mower is shipped without oil in
the engine.
Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fillis clean.
Remove engine oil plug and fill to the
top of slot in filler hole.
_OTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
or accurate reading.
Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype 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.
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.
_.DDGASOLINE
Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
I_WARNING: Experience indicates that
dcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
_sing ethanol or methanol) can attract
noisture which leads to separation and
_rmation of acids during storage. Acidic
las can damage the fuel system of an
:ngine while in storage. To avoid engine
_roblems, the fuel system should be
_mptied before storage of 30 days or
_nger. Drain the gas tank, start the
_ngine and let it run until the fuel lines
Lnd carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
_ext season. See Storage Instructions for
Ldditional information. Never use engine
r carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
ink or permanent damage may occur.
_CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
Iler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
pilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
se gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline filler cap
Engine oil plug
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.
8
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.
• When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.
• 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.
9
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