Craftsman 917388280 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388280

o 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, tL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www_sears.comlcraftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications ! 1 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13 Assembly 4 Storage 14

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 34 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

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 wilt 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

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.

P REPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of att 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. Wearonlysolidshoeswith goodtractionwhen mowing.

• Checkfueltank beforestartingengine. Do notfill gastank indoors,whenthe engineis runningorwhen theengineis

hot Allowthe engineto coolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthegastank. Cleanoff anyspilledgasolinebefore

startingthe engine_

• Alwaysmakewheelheight adjustments beforestartingyour mower. Never

attemptto dothiswhiletheengineis runningo

• Mowonly in daylightor goodartificial 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 propedy_

• 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 oi!.

• 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.

_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions, it means CAUTION!!I BECOMEALERT!I! YOUR

SAFETY 1SiNVOLVED.

_,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 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 D;SCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

illll, lll,l,l,i ii,i ,,, ,i,,

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

............... ,i i

BELTS

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, atl 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.

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRAss CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

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 UPYOU R LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

Operator presence

control bar

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" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual

handle

Lift up

Mowing

Lower

handle

position

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mufcher, To convert to

bagging or discharging, see "To convert mower" in the OPERATION section of this

manual,

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower tofamiliarize yoursetf with the

location of various controls and adjustments, Save _is manua[ _[..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

i ,11 iil,llHrll I IIHI,I ,qlllqlllql

Operator presence control

bar

Starter tne zone control cable

Handle

Grass

filler cap

filter

Engine oil ca

with dipsUck

Mulcher door Lawn mower housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OtL OR GASOLINE in the Wheel adjuster

engine. .................................................

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

National Standards InsUtute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade

tums 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°

Palmer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cotd engine.

(on each wheel)

Starter Handle - used for starting the engine°

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

nto 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 CONTROL

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

able.

ENGINEZONE CONTROL

_bCAUTION: 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 hlgh 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 ',he 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

REAR BAGGING , Lift rear door ofthe lawnmower and place

the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and close

rear door.

Pivot pins

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

o Open mulcher door and install discharge

deflector under guard as shown_

° Mower is now ready for discharging

operation_

• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and mulcher door must be closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN

MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rear door closed°

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear door dosed.

• Side discharge deflector installed.

wi_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

out rear door closed or approved grass

catcher inplace. Never attempt tooperatethe lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open°

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO CONVERT MOVER

Your lawn mower was shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher, To convert to bagging or discharging:

Mulcher door

Open

Muicher Door

Discharge deflector

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine,

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is dean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fl!l to the full

line on the dipstick_

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into

engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade ofoU 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. 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_

GAS

• 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.

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,

Engine cap . _ _:!_

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)

• Hold operator presence control bar down

• To stop engine, release operator presence

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps, In warmer weather

over priming may cause flooding and engine wilI not start If you do flood engine, wait a few

minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

Oil

. :.:_ _{_/- cap

times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usuatly necessary when

starling an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

to the handle and puff starter handle

quickly_ Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

control bar_

Gasoline filler

a_WARNING: Experience indicates that

hol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanoi 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,

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary toraise 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 curling conditions, the engine speed should be set

in the fast position.

• Pores incloth 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 bestperformance,keep

mower housing free of built-up grassand trash, Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER

HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" in

MAINTENANCE secUonof thismanual,

• The special mulching bladewill recurthe grass clippingsmanytimes and reduce them insize so that as they fall ontothe

lawntheywilldisperseintothe grass and notbe noticed, Also, the mulchedgrasswill

biodegradequicklyto providenutrientsfor

the lawn,Always mulch with your highest

engine(blade)speed as this will provide

the best recurringactionof the bladeso

• Avoid cuttingyourlawnwhen it iswet, Wet grasstendstoform clumpsand interferes

withthe mulchingaction.The best time to

mow yourlawn isthe early afternoon, At thistimethe grass has driedand the newly

cutarea willnot be exposedtothe direct

sun,

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower curling height so that the lawn mower cuts

offonly the top one-third of thegrass blades. Ifthe lawn isovergrown itwill 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, mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel adjuster setting higher than the front.

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions 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 pattern from week to Week.Mow north to south one week then

change to east to west the nextweek. This

will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

Max 1/3

F LLINDATES

AS YOU COMPLETE ,_.' _ _.,_ _.O VICE D

REGULAR SERVICE , ,

Check,far Loose Fasteners V' ! l'/ I .........

Cleanllnspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) V' V' i_ ........

M Clean Lawn Mowe'r............ t/ I/ , I

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I/ ................

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive halt'pulleys

E (Power-Propefl#,d Mowers) , V/

ChecPJSharpenlRepface Btade b/,,_

Lubrication Chart 6/ V'

Clean SatterytRecharge

IElectric Start Mowers 1.......... t_ V'4 .........

E Check Engine Oil Level V' ..........

N Change Eng,lne Oil ......._l,Z .....

G c!ean Air FiIier ................ I/ 2

I Inspect Muffler ........... V t

U Clea,n,°,r Replace Sp,ark Plug t/ .........

E Repface Air Filter Paper Cartridge t,/z

1- C118_gemore oI'tenwhen operating unde_a heavy load or in high ambient temperoturos 2 _Service rnorooften whenoperating in dirty or dusty conditions 3 - IRepface blades more often when mowing in sandy soil 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season

_. SERVICE DATES

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnot

coveritems that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence.Toreceive full value from thewarranty,operator must

maintain mower as instnJcted in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments inthe Service and

Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter etement and check blade

for wear. A new spark ptug and dean/new

air filter element assures proper air-fuef mixture and helps your engine run better

and last Ionger.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjusters

spring

bracket

Rear door _Handle bracket

hinge mounting pin

(_ SPRAY LUBRICANT

SAE 30 MOTOR OIL. REFER TO ENGINE -

MAINTENANCE SECTION.

=gineoil

IMPORTANT: Donot oitor grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants wiltattract

dustand dirt thatwill shorten the life of the self lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917,388280 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE

HORSEPOWER: 6.0 GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1o5QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OILTYPE (APFSF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS, SPARK PLUG(GAP: ,030") CHAMPION RJ 19LM OR J19LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: _004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - °008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: o0125 1N_

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space

provided above.

LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when performing

any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

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

tire damacle,

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade mustbe

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades_

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

• Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolto

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or

wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

• Remove blade and attaching hardware (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 condition to work

properly. Replace adapter if damaged,

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the

engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are

aligned.

• Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

• Install the blade bolt with the tock

washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

° 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. lbs.

IMPORTANT: Blade boit 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 fife 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 walt. 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. Crank shaft

Blade ada keyway

Blade / Bolt Crank

Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft

washer Trailing adapter

edge

GRASS CATCHER

o 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, SH or

SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

NOTE: Although multi--viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etco)improve starting in cold weather, these multimviscosity oils

will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°E 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 or at 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 untit fuel tank is empty°

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug_

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

• Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn

mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.

, Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower

and on side of engine.

, Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the

"FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL.

• Replace engine oi! cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGEAIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter cover by turning counterclockwise to the stop and pu!l

away from co!lar_

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388280 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual