Craftsman 917.388290 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTS[MAN+

55 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.388290

• 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 Product Specifications 10

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 12

Assembly 4 Storage 13

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15 Maintenance Schedule 9 Repair Parts 32 Maintenance 9 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 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require operator presence control to minimize the risk of injury. Y_ur 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 persogs, especially small children and

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in this

manu,_l.

• 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 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 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.

Look for this symbol to point out important

safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!

BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

service centers. Most Sears stores can also

order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower. Some

ofthese accessodes may not apply to your

lawn mower.

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS 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 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.

_l GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GAS CANS

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with

mower.

• Cut down two end corners 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.

HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise lower handle section to operating

position and squeeze the bottom ends

of lower handle towards each other

until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment

holes.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

• Remove any packing material from around control bar.

• Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

TO INSTALL A'I-rACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher.

Operator presence

contml bar

handle

Lift up

Lower handle

Handle pin

Mowing position

3-position Handle

adjustment bracket

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 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 and understand their meaning.

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

DR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Grass

cap

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Lawn mower housing

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 starting the engine.

The operation of any lawn mower can result

in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, whm_,h

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 ENGINESPEEDCONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. Speed is not adjust- able.

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 circum- stances 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'I-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 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. Lower Wheels for High Cut

Plate Tab

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut TOATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift.the rear door of the lawn mower and

place the grass catcher frame side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• 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 dipping deflector or approved grass

catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

il, ." _: "

Pivot pros _'_'\ "--

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 beg handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptyinq; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Bag / handle Grass

catcher frame handle

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 fill 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 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. Fillto 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, dean, regular unleaded gasoline witll a minimum of 87

7 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchasefuel 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 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 oil cap

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.

MOWlNGTIPS

• 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 dumps 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.

cap

• 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 withwater

and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and dean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flew and extend

engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER

HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass dippings 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 recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early aftemoon. 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 itwill be

necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving dumps 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 next week. This

will help prevent matting and graining of_

the lawn.

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