Craftsman 917388272 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

f'RQFTXMRNo

6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388272

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Visitour Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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

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

Assembly .............................................. 4

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

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

Maintenance ......................................... 10

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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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

Service and Adjustments ...................... 13

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

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

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

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

Safety standards require operator presence control to minimize the risk of

injury. Your unit is equipped with cuch 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 your 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.

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

CAUTIONt!t BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED. _I_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. _,WARNING: 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 retailoutlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

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 GASOLINE in the

engine. Your new lawn mower has been as- sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unaseembled 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-

san/to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

MULCHER KITS

/ GRASS CATCHERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• 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.

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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

handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be

adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "Adjust Handle" inthe Service

and Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence

control bar

handle

Liftup

Mowing

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to begging,

see "To convert mower_ in the OPERATION section of this manual.

position

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 adjustments, Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn end understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARINtNG ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

presence control

bar

Starte zone control cable

Handle

Grass

filler cap

with dipstick

Lawn mower housing

iMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the Wheel adjuster

engine. (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 stad the engine.

Release to stop the engine.

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

starling a cold engine. Starter Handle - used for stading the engine.

The operation of any lawn mower

can result in foreign objects thrown

intothe eyes, which can result in

severe eye damage. Always wear safe_ 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 LAWNMOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL The engine speed was set at the factory for

optimumperformance.Speedisnotadjust-

able.

ENGINEZONE 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 CuI"rlNG 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 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.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Plate Tab

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was sh_pped ready to be used as a muicher. To convert to bagging :

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the

door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove

grass catcher and dose rear door.

Pivot pins

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame

handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass cachet

frame

handle

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fillis clean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full

line on the dipstk_k.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to 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 oilafter 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 w;_ 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.

_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.

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 five (5)

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.

Gasoline filler cap

Engineoil

cap

+ 16 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388272 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual