Craftsman 917388350 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

[RRFTSMRN"

6.25 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388350

• 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: _.'_vw.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 maintainec

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 workma

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warrant_
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 whi(
vary from state to state,

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications .......................... 1

Service and Adjustments., .......... :........ 1.

Storage ................................................. 1

Troubleshooting ................................... 1

Repair Parts .......................................... 3

Parts Ordering ............. _........ Back Cove

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 tha,
are not recommended by the manufac.
turer. Use of such attachments may b_

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is
running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to b
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks

wires, bones, and other foreign object,'
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 mowe
when barefoot or wearing open

2

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 fillingthe 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 distractyou.

• 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.

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

CAUTIONt!! 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.

AWARNING: 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 accessorieswere availablewhen thislawn mowerwas produced. They are not
shipped with your mower, They arealso availableat mostSears retailoutletsandservice
centers. MostSearsstorescan alsoorder repairpartsforyou,when you providethe model
numberof yourlawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

/ FOR

! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS BLADES

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-

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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.

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.

STABILIZER

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

£

ENGINE OIL

4

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN Operator
MOWER presenc_

TO UNFOLD HANDLE controlbar
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so Upper

handle

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle Liftup
section locks into place in mowing

position. Lower

• Remove protective padding, raise handle

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

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convertto
bagging or discharging, see =To convert

mower" inthe OPERATION section ofthis
manual.

and Adjustments section of this manual.

Mowing
position

5

K]_IOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the iflustrationswithyour lawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe

locationof variouscontrolsand adjustments. Save this manualforfuturereference.

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 OLL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control
bar

G rass

filler cap

Engine

with dipstick

Mulcher door

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 start the engine.
Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps add_ional fuel from the

carburetor to the cytinder for use when

starting a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.

Lawn mower housing

6

The operationof any lawnmower

can resultinforeignobjectsthrown
ntothe eyes, whichcanresultin

severeeye damage. Alwayswear safety
glassesor eye shieldswhile operatingyour

lawn mower or performing any adjustments
or repairs.We recommenda wide vision
safetymask overspectaclesor standard

safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.

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 pesitioned
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 highcut.

• 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

REAR BAGGING

• Liftrear doorofthe lawnmower and place

the grasscatcherframe hooksonto the

doorpivotpins.

• To convert to mulchingordischarging
operation,remove grasscatcherand close

rear door.

Pivot pins

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install discbarge
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 dosed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear door closed.

• Side discharge deflector installed.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without rear door closed or

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

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:

Mulcher

door

7

Open

Mulcher Door

Discharge

deflector

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.

_CAUTION: Fillto 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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe
engine.

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

• 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. Fortype and
grade of oilto 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. Fdlto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each tin_.

• 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.

ADDGASOUNE

• 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.

Engine oil
cap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push pnmer three
(3) times before t_ng to start. Use a firm

push. This step is not usually necessary

when starting an engine which has alreedy

run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pull starter handle

quickly. Do net allow starter rope to snap
back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence

control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdming steps. In
warmer weather ove_' priming may cause

flooding and engine will not start. If you do
flood engine, wait a few minutes before

attempting tostart and do not repeat
priming steps.

cap

AWARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohoi 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

8