Craftsman 917388621 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
ICRAFTSMAN'I
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388621
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and followall
Safety Rulesand Instructions
before operatingthis equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
visit ourCraftsmanwebsite: www.sears.corn/craftsman
Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 11
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments...................... 14
Assembly ................................................ 6 Storage ............................................ 15o16
Operation ............................................. 6-9 Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts..................................... 34°39
Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when thisCraftsman Lawn Mower ismaintained,
lubricated,end tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin
the owners 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, thiswarranty
appliesfor only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn dudng normal use, such as rotarymower
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 productis in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
whichvary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the followingsafety instructions couldresult in
seriousinjury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionson the machine and in the
manual{s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controlsand
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 notoperate 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 notoperate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protectivedevices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructionsfor
proper operation and installationof
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
ddves, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before de_ming
the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) offand wait
untilthe blade comes tocomplete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow onlyin daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while
u_der the influence of elcahoI or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never
ruO,
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or ddve clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(mator).
• 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.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe iniury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
notmow 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 nottrim near dropoffs, 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 Ixesenco 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,
leek behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching bUnd
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 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 storethe 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 rogulady.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
• 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 (mo'_or)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 necessanJ.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicingthem.
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
3
ALook for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!I! BECOME ALERTlll YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
£WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California tocause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
£ CAUTION: In order toprevent
Wash hands after handling.
accidental startingwhen setting up,
transpor_ng, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnectspark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
_ CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hotdudng
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burnson
contact,stay away _om these areas.
£WARNING: 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.
These accossodeswere availablewhenthislawn mowerwas prnduced. They are not
shippedwith your mower.Theyare alsoavailableatmostSears retailou_etsandservice
centem. MostSearsstorescan alsoorderrepairpartsforyou, when youprovide_le model
numberof yourlavmnx_r. Someof theseaccesso_s maynot applytoyourlawnn_wer.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
4
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
Read these instructionsand this manual
in itsentirety before you attempt to
assemble or operate your now lawn
mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
of those partsleft unassembled for
shipping purposes.All parts such as nuts,
washers, belts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operationof 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 fiat.
3. Remove all packing matedala except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence centrol bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thorouglyfor 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 looks 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 yourmowing comfort. Referto "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustmentssection of this manual.
control bar
Upper
Liftu
position
Lower handle
Squeeze _1_--_ Handle pin
3-Positico
handle
adj
bracket
J
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert mower
to bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual.
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READTHISOWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith yourlawn mower to familiarize yourself
with 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 meaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
presence control bar
Gasoline lifter cap
Airfilter
Grass
Engine oil cap
with d
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (oneachwheel)
Primer
Muffler
Housing
Wheeladjuster
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standardsof 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 Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
helddown 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 startingthe
engine. 6
Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcanresultin
severeeye 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
_LCAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine controlto be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk
of blade contact injury.Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
functionof the operatorcontrol. 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'R'ING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut, adjust cuttingheight
to suit your requirements. Medium
positionis 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 propedy positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-positionadjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positionedbetween the
plate tabs.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawnrn_werwas shippedreadyto be
usedas a mulcber.Toconverttohagging :
REAR BAGGING
• Liftrein door ofthelawnmower and placa
thegrasscatcharframe hooksonto_e
doorpivotpins.
• To convertto mulchingopera'_;_n,remove
grasscatcher and dose reardoor.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawnmower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
Pivot " Rear Grass
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. L_ Up on grasscatcher usingthe
frame handle.
2, Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippingsfrom bag using both
frame handle and bag handle,
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
catcher
handle
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
Lowe._rWheels_r HighCut _
RaiseWheelsfor LowCut Lever
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 oilfill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fillto 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. Fillto full line on dipstick.
• Change the oilafter 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 oilwith gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat
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
formationof 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 carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel
nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill tobottomof gas tank
filler neck. Donot overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline
fillercap
Engine
oil cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatingson the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dudng the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push pdmer
three (3) times before tryingto start.
Use a firm push. This stepis not
usually necessary when startingan
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 notallow 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 pdming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
beforeattempting tostart and do not
repeat pdming steps.
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