Craftsman 917388383 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388383

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espahol

• 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

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 5

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 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

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .................... 13

Storage ............................................... 14

Troubleshooting ................................. 15

Repair Parts ........................................ 34

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the machine before
starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the

blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other

people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shuttheengine (motor) off and wait

until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operat-

ing mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury.All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes,

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.

II1. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approvedcontainer.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the enginerunning. Aliow engine
to cool before refueling. Do not

smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect

the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-

tal starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.

• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.

3

_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: In order to prevent

accidental starling when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm,
Wash hands after handling.

These accessories were availablewhen 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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

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.

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.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
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

Lift u

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.

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER

READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOURLAWN
MOWER. Comparethe illustrationswith yourlawn mowerto familiarizeyourselfwiththe

locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Savethismanualfor futurereference.

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 FtJEL ell DANGER. KEEP HANDS

OR WARNqNG ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

bar

Starter zone control cable

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Gasoline

Mulcher door Lawn mower housing

presence control

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

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

engine. (on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safetystandardsof the American

National Standards Instituteand the U.S, Consumer ProductSafety Commission, The blade
turns when the engine is running.

Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the engine, carburetor to the cylinder for use when

Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.

6

"rheoperationofanylawn

mowercan resultin

foreigeobjectsthrown

intotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeye

damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreye

shieldswhileoperatingyourlawnmoweror
peffes'ninganyadjustmentsorrepairs.We
recommenda widevisionsafetymaskover
spectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses.

HOW TOUSEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEEDCONTROL

Theenginespeedwassetatthefactoryfor
optimumperformance.Speedisnotadjust-

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
circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equippedwith an
operatorpresencecontrolbar which
requiresthe operator to be positioned

behine_'_elawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUFFING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for highcut.

• Adjustcuttingheight tosuit your require-

ments. Medium positionis best for most
lawns.

• To change cuttingheight, squeeze adjuster
lever towardwheel. Move wheel up or

down to suityour requiramants.Be sure all
wheels are inthe same setting.

NOTE: Adjusteris properlypositionedwhen

pl_e tab inserts into holein lever. Also,9-

positionadjusters(if so equipped) allow lever

to be positionedbetween the plate tabs.

LowerWheels for HighCut

REAR BAGGING

• Lift reardoor ofthe lawn mower and place

the grass catcherframe hooks ontothe
door pivotpins.

• To convertto mulchingor discharging

operation,remove grass catcher and close
rear door.

Pivotpins " ' _ - . .j

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed

• Open muicher door and installdischarge
deftector under guard as shown

• Mower is new 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 dosed

• Mulcher door dosed
FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear door dosed.

• Side dischargedallector installed.

ACAUTION: Donotrunyourlawnmower
withoutreardoordosed orapprovedgrass
catcherinplace. Neveratternpttooperatethe

lawnmowerwiththereardoorremovedor

preppedopen.

Pla_

Raise Wheels for LowCut

TOCONVERT MOWER
Yourlawnmowerwasshippedreadytobe

usedasa mulcher.Toconvedto baggingor
discharging:

Mulcher
door

7

Open

MulcherDoor

dofioc,o

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Yourlawn mower isshippedwithout oilin the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area aroundoil

fillis clean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full
line on the dipstick.

NO_E: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20ozs. of oil. Fortypeend
grade of oiltouse, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance sectionof this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do notoverfill.

• Check oil levelbefore each use. Addoilif

needed. Fillto fulllineon dipstick.

• To read proper level,tightenengine oilcap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap end tighten.

• Change the oil afterevery 25 hears of

operationor each season. You may need
tochange the oil more oftenunder dusty,
dirty conditions.

ADD GASOUNE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank.

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unloaded gasolinewith a minimum of 87
octane. Do notmixoil withgasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat can be
used within30 days to assurefuel

freshness.

1 •

_,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 da,mage may occur.

ACAUTION: 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.

Gasolinefiller _ Engineoil
cap _ _ cap

(Discard _-/_
debrisplug t._-,_"'--7_>,_T _,_

inside) _ ,1"_

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered

normal.

• 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 operatorpresence controlbar down
tothe handteend pullstaher handle

quickly. Do not allowstarterrope to snap
back.

• To stop engine, release operatorpresence

contm_bar.

NOTE: In coolerweather it may be necessary
to repeat primingsteps. In warmer weather

over priming may cause flooding add engine
willnot start.If youdo floodengine,wait a few

minutes before attemptingto startand do not

repeat primingsteps.

8

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain condttlons, such as very tall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the

height of cut to reduce pushing effed 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 heavycutting, reducethe
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.

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

catchers wilt cotlecl less grass. To prevent
this, regulady 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 wil_help engine air flow end extend

engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,ke_

mower housingfree of built-upgrass ar_
trash.Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER

HOUSING after each use. See "C_eaning

MAINTENANCE sectionof thismanual.

• The special mulchingblade will recut t
grass clippingsmany times and reduc
them in size sothatas they fall ontothe

_awnthey w_tdisperse into thegrass ¢_

not be noticed. Also, the mulched gras

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrient,,

the lawn. Always mulch w_thyour high
engine (blade) speed as this will provi
the best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
grass tends to form clumps and interfer

withthe mulching act_n. The best time

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. I
this time the grass has dried and the n_
cut area will not be exposed to the dire

sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mowe
cutting height so that the lawn mower (

off only the top one-third of the grass
blades. If the lawn is overgrown _twiUt

necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep fron"

overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extreme
heavy ruu!ching, reduceyour w_dthof

mow slowly and raise the rear of the Is

mower one wheel adjuster setting hig
than the front.

• Certain types of grass and grass cone
may require that an area be mulched
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, rr

acrossor peq_3nd_utarto _hefirstcutl:

• Change your cuttingpatternfrom wee!,

week. Mow northto southone week t_"
change toeast towest the nextweek."

will help prevent mattingand graining
the _awn.

Max 1/3