Craftsman 917388610 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

I

I[RRFTSMRN'I

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917,388610

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and followall

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating thisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www,sears,comJcraffsman

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

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

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

Operation .............................................. 6

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

Maintenance ....................................... 10

LIMITED TWO YEAR WAR RANTY 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 work-

manship.
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 CentedDepartment 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/917 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 15

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts ........................................ 35

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.

2

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

ddves, 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 aRdificial

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

operating 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.
III. 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 tdmming 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
comers, 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 exploswe.

-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 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 pardsor
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended pads,

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!!! EECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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 compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

_kWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and

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

birth defects orother reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

These accessories were availablewhen this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower, They are alsoavailable at most Sears retailoutletsand service

centers. Most Sears storescan also order repairpartsfor you,when you providethemodel
number ofyour lawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may not applytoyourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR 0:ou'.t,_=.. _1

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. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. 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.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.

2. Cut down two end comers 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 thorougly for additional
loose parts.

HOWTO 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 I
control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing

Lowerhandle

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself

with the location of vadous 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

Starter ban

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

Gasoline filler cap

Housing

Wheael adjuster
(on each wheel)

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 presenoe control bar - must be Primer - pumps additional fue! from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.

Theoperation 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

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_kCAUTION: 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

rums 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 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, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut __l_tlim__

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
usedas a mulcher. To convertto bagging :

REAR BAGGING

• Liftroar door of the lawn mowerand place
the grass catcher frame hooksontothe

door pivotpins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove
grass catcher and close mar door.

•qLCAUTION: 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.

Pivotpins Grass catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook '
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass
catcher

Bag

handle

handle

: _ er

RaiseWheels for LowCut

7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.

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

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil

slowly. Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate reading. To read
proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then

remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-

line. 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 dudng 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.

A CAUTION: 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.

Engine oilcap Gasolinefiller

cap

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.

1. To start a cold engine, push pdmer
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.

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 pdming 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.

8