Craftsman 917388600 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIIFTSMIIN"J

ROTARYLAWNMOWER

4.25 Horsepower 20" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.388600

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ...................... 5

Operation ............................................. 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

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

Service and Adjustments................. 13-14

Storage ............................................ 15-16

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

Sears Service ......................... Back Cover

For one year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin

the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman- ship.

Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of pumhase.

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 used 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

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.

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

CAUTIONU! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_1,WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting 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 _l.J_F ,, components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

AWARNING: 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.

_, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

J'3t'_=

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandin the

manual(s)beforestarting.Bethor- oughlyfamiliar with the controls and

the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating pads. 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.

• Shut the engine (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

tooting could cause slipping.

IlL 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 approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

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 accidental 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.

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 o_ets 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

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

MULCHER KITS

FOR FOR

_ GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

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 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 necessary to ensure proper

tightness. All parts such as nuts, wash- ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the

assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional

loose pans.

HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1.Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

3. 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 r

control bar

Mowing position

Lower handle

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALLSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarize yourselfwith the locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save thismanualfor 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

_)perator presence control bar

zone control cable

knob

Starter cap handle

Airfilter

Primer

Muffler

,Housing

Grass

catcher

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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 Commis-

sion. 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.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the The operation of any lawn

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 standard safety glasses or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

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 CU'I-I'ING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. Be sure all wheels are in the

same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned

when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, g-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door on the mower

housing and place the grass catcher

frame onto the formed tabs on the rear

door hinge bracket.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never

attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open. TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. To remove grass catcher, release operator presence control bar to stop

engine.

2. Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Rear door

bracket

Grass

catcher

frame

Formed

tabs

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT

Lever

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see =ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil

from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then

remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• 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 GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. 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

Adays to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. A CAUTION: 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 gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the 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 the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Gasoline

fillercap

Engine oilcap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due toprotective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. 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 run for a

few minutes.

2. 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

• 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.

MOWING TIPS

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

the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort 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 heavy cutting, reduce the

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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed

(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly 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 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. Sea "CLEANING" in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass dippings many times and reduce

them insize so that as they fall onto the

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

will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your

highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the

blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it isweL Wet grass tends to form dumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the 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, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass

blades. Ifthe lawn isovergrown itwill be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from

overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely

heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow

slowly.

MAXI_

• Certain types of grass and grass condi- tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to

weak. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the nextweek. This will help prevent matting and graining of

the lawn.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE 3ERVICE DATES

Check forLoose Fasteners "If t,/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) V' _

i Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under DriveCover

(Power-PropelledMowers) I_

W Check belt/pulleys

(Power-PropelledddVeMowers) I1_

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade Ik/3

LubricationChart kt If

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectdc Start Mowerst I/' 1_'4

E Check EngineOil Level

Change Engine Oil

G Clean Air Filter _/

InspectMuffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug _V'

ReplaceAir FilterPaper Cartridge 2

1 - Change more often when operat ti_ undera heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more olten when operating in dirty Or dusty cond_ons.

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full

value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and

clean/new air filter element assure proper

air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART").

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) Spray lubricant _) See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheel adjuster

each wheel)

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

(_) Brake

spring bracket

ine oil

Rear door

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number: Date of purchase:

Gasoline capacity / type: 1.5 quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil capacity: 20 ounces Spark plug (gap: .030") Champion resistor type RJ19LM or J19LM

Blade bolt torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower

housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keeptiresfree ofgasoline,oil,orinsect controlchemicalswhichcan harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps,stones,deepruts,sharp objectsand otherhazardsthat may cause

tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE; Protect your hands with gloves

and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condi-

tion to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward

the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and

lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the

blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place

center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Blade adaptel Crankshaft

/ keyway

Blade

Blade bolt shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a

manufacturer approved replacement

catcher. Give the lawn mower model

number when ordering.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oirs SAE viscositygrade

according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F c -3o -2o -10 o lO 20

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANT_CtPATEID BEFORE NEXT OiL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils

will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your

engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation orat least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in

the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388600 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual