Craftsman 917388381 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RRFTXMRN+

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388381

• 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
Visitour Craftsman website: www,sears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11

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 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

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

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 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.

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 are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outletsand 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 DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

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 inthe

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.

/F

MULCHER KITS

! FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

! GRASS CATCHERS

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

4

HOWTOSET UPYOURLAWN
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" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence control bar

upper handle

Lift uP ___ _Lift u_J

( '"

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

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

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

manual.

5

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READTHISOWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the iHustrationewithyourlawn mowertofamiliarize yourself withthe

locationof 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

OR WARNING ON OFF ANt FEET AWAY

Operator presence control
bar

Starte zone control cable

Handle knob

Grass catcher,

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

' filter

Gasoline

Mulcher door

MPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

NITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
,=n_ine. (on each wheel}

vlEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

_ears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
qational Standards Institute and the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade

urnswhen the engine is running.
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be

held down to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine.

Pdmer - pumps additional fuel from the

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

Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.

Lawn mower housing

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.

HOWTO USEYOUR 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 positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and

operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheals 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 wheal. Move wheal up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure all

wheals 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

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 or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and close

rear door.

Pivot pins

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be dosed.

• 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.

_CAUTION: 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 muicher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:

Mulcher

door

7

Open

Mulcher 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 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. 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. 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.

ADD GASOUNE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and

discard the debris plug that is insidethe tank.

• 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.

_.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.
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.

Gasoline filler
cap _

(Discard Lr_._/I

debris plug _'-_L_

Engineoil
cap

,ns,de

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: Incooler weather it may be necessary

to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather

over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not start. Ifyou do flood engine, wait a few

minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

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