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...................................	................ 2	Product Specifications..............	................. 11
Safety Rules.............................. ............	2 -4	Service and Adjustments..,.	........... 13-14
Assembly.................................. ................	5	Storage.................................. ...........	14-15
Operation.................................. ............	6 -9	Troubleshooting...................... ...........	16-17
Maintenance Schedule............... .............	10	Repair Parts........................... ...........	34-41
Maintenance.............................. ........	10 - 13	Parts Ordering........................

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

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.

A WARNING; In order to prevent acci­ 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 nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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. Wash hands after handling.

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.

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			MULCHER KITS		STABILIZER
		GRASS CATCHERS		GRASS CATCHERS
		FOR		FOR
		REAR DISCHARGE		SIDE DISCHARGE
		LAWN MOWERS		LAWN MOWERS
					GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
	MUFFLERS		AIR FILTERS		SPARK PLUGS
BELTS		BLADES	BLADE ADAPTERS	WHEELS	ENGINEa	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		FAST	SLOW	CHOKE	DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON	OFF				AND FEET AWAY
				Opierator presence control bar
				Engine zone control cable
					Handle knob
Starter handle
					Engine oil cap with dipstick
Grass catchier
Gasoline filler cap					Muffler
					Housing
Air filter
	Mulcher door
IMPORTANT; This lawn mower is shipped					Wheel	adjuster
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.					(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 Commis- slon. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator Presence Control Barmust 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 f__ 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 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.