Craftsman 917388382 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

(RRFTSMRN°

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388382

• 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, IL60179

VisitourCraftsman website: www.sears.com/craffsman

Warranty
Safety Rules
Assembly
Operation +

Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance

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

2 Product Specifications 11
2 Service and Adjustments 13

4 Storage 14
6 Troubleshooting 15

10 Repair Parts 34

10 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

propedy. 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 tums 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 pads. 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!!! BECOMEALERTT!! 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

"rheseasceesodeswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwas produced.They are not
shipped with your mower.Theyarealsoavailableat mostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers. MostSearsstorescan alsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel

numberofyourlawnmower. Someofthese accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

_,£___.,0='o. " . I

I SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELTS

MUFFLERS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

WHEELS

2-

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

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 pads left unassembled for shipping

purposes. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all pads 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 pads bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose pads 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.

4

HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN Operatorpresence

MOWER control bar

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.

Upper handle

Lift up

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'I-rACHMENTS

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

bagging or discharging, see 'q'o convert
mower" in the OPERATION section of this

manual.

Mowing position

5

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith the

locationof variouscontrols 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 meanlng.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control
bar

Engine zone control cable

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher door Lawn mower housing

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the Jster

en_line. (on each wheel)

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

Pdmer - pumps additionalfuel from the

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

Starter Handle- used for startingthe engine.

6

can result in foreign objects thrown

The operation of any lawn mower

intothe 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

_I=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

cimumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade

tums 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 high cut.

• Adjust cuttingheightto suityour require-

ments. Medium positionis 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.

LowerWheels for High Cut

REAR BAGGING

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

doorpivotpins.

• 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 convertto 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.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed or approved grass

catcher in place. Never attemptto operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed or
prepped open.

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO CONVERT MOWER

Yourlawnmowerwas shipped readytobe
usedasa mulcher.Toconvert tobaggingor

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
fillis dean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto 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 oilslowly. Do not over till.

• 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 ell more often under dusty,
dirty cond'fdons.

ADD GASOUNE

NOTE: Beforefillingfueltank, removeand
discardthe debrisplugthat is insidethetank.

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel

freshness.

AWARNING: 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.
_]LCAUTION: 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 _ Engine oil
cap _cap

(Discard _I_'_._X_'j_ l
debris plug _..'_'T" _,_

Inside) "_._

TO START ENGINE

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

push. This step is not usually necessary

when startingan engine which has already

runfor 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 primingsteps. In wanner weather

over priming may cause flooding and engine
willnot start. If you do flood engine, wait a few

minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeatp mingsteps.

8

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall

grass, it may be necessary to raise the
height of cut to reduce push;_geffort and to

keep from overloading the engine end
leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may
also be necessary to reduce ground speed

end/or run the lawn mower over the area a
second time.

• FoPextremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previouslycut

path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cutting
conditions,the engine speed should be set

inthe fast position.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become
tiltedwith dirt and dust with use and

catchers will collect less grass. To prevent
this, regularly hose catcher off with water

end 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 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 clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that as they fallonto the

lawn they willdisperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrientsfor
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this will provide
the best recuttingactionof the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action.The best time to

mow your lawn isthe early afternoon. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly
cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results,adjustthe lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts
off onlythe top one-thirdof the grass
blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be
necessary to raise the height of cut to

reduce pushing effort end 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.

• Certaintypesofgrassand grassconditione

may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the

clippings.Whendoinga secondcut,mow

across or perpendicularto the firstcut path.

• Change your cuttingpattern from week to

week. Mow northto south one week then

change to east to west the next week. This

wilt help prevent matting and graining of

the lawn.

9