Craftsman 917.38841 User Manual

Owner's Manual

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6.75 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.388410

• 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 6017_ Visitour Craftsmanwebsite: www.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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_I,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 outletsand service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair partsfor you, when you provide the model number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to yourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCl

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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.

/ FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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.

HOW TO SET UPYOUR 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.

Operator presence

control bar

U handle

Lift up

Lower handle

Handle j pin

Mowing posiUon

3-Position

handle adjustment

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.

KNOW YOUR lAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Handle

G rass

filler cap

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Mulcher door Lawn mower housing

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

tums 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 nto 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

_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 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 CUTrlNG HEIGHT

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

• Adjustcutting heightto suit your require- ments. Medium positionisbest 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 inthe 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 closed.

• 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.

• Mulcherdoor closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Grass catcherinstalled.

• Mulcherdoorclosed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear door closed.

• Side dischargedeflectorinstalled.

_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 prepped open,

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

Mulcher door

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.

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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower isshipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis clean.

• Remove engine oilcap 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 oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oillevel 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.

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

Gasoline filler

cap

_i_ cap

TO START ENGINE

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

push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an 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 starterrope 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.

_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

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