Craftsman 917.388721 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388721
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Español
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty
Safety Rules
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance Schedule
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Maintenance..............................
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2-4
6-9
10-13
2
Product Specifications..............
Service and Adjustments..,.
5
Storage..................................
Troubleshooting
10
Repair Parts
Parts Ordering
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WARRANTY
LIMITED TWOYEAR 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 owners manual, Sears wili 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 arid 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
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13-14
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14-15
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16-17
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34-41
11
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feel 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 pul 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.
■ 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
operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a rrtajor factor related to slip
and fail 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 trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and white walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approachir>g 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 vapwrs 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 fl'om 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 devrices.
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 ^uipment If you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to rnake 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 serwcing them.
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONllI BECOME ALERTil! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Caltfomia to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
A WARNING; In order to prevent acci
Wash hands after handling.
dental starting when setting up, transport
ing, adjusting or making repairs, aiways
disconnect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo
A 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.
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
ACCESSORIES
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 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
_______________________
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS
BLADES
MULCHER KITS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
WHEELS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
a
ENGINE
OIL
ASSEMBLY
Read ttiese instructions and this manuai
in its entirety before you attempt to
assembie or operate your new lawn
mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE 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. Ail 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
MGWER
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 "AD
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, see "TO CON
VERT MOWER’ in the Operation section
of this manual.
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
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 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.
____________________________________________________________
STOP
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE
OR WARNING ON OFF
Starter handle
Grass catchier
Gasoline filler cap
Air filter
FAST SLOW
CHOKE
Opierator presence control bar
Engine zone control cable
Handle knob
Engine oil cap with dipstick
DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
Muffler
Housing
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT; This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Ameri^n National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commisslon. 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.
Mulcher doc»' - allows conversion to
discharge or bagging operation.
Primer • pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used for starting the
6 engine.
BgggQM The operation of any lawn
__
mower can result in foreign
f
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.
objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage.
HOWTO 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 mnning.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence controi 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.
Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate Tab
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:
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.
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis
charge 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 -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Side discharge deflector installed.
^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 propped open.
Mulcher door
Open mulcher door
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
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove
and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank.
• 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.
AWARNING: 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 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.
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 oil fill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
то ?TART ENGINE
NOTE; Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of зггюке may be
present during the initiai use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tr^ng 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 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.
MOWINGTIPS
• 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 overtoading 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.
’ 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 dippings 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. See "CLEANING" In the
Maintenance section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so №at 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 is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps 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. If the lawn Is overgrown it
will be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and
leaving dumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cut, mow slowly and raise
the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or perpendicu
lar to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This wilt help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.
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