Craftsman 917.388731 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER

21 '■ MULTI-CUT ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No. 917.388731

Safety

Assembly

Operation

Maintenance

Españoi

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	Service and Adjustments...	................ 13
Assembly...............................................	5	Storage...............................	.................14
Operation................................. .............	6	Troubleshooting.................. ................	15
Maintenance Schedule............. ..........	10	Repair Parts....................... ................	32
Maintenance........................................	10	Parts Ordering.................... ..	Back Cover

WARRANTY

LIMITED TWO YEAR 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 owner's manual, Sears will repair tree 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 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 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/817WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179________________

SAFETY RULES

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.

	• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel	• Keep children out of the trimming area
	drives, walks, or roads.	and under the watchful care of another
	• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you	responsible adult.
	leave the equipment, before cleaning	• Be alert and turn machine oft if children
	the mower or unclogging the chute.	enter the area.
	• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait	• Before and while walking backwards,
	until the blade comes to complete stop	look behind and down for small
	before removing grass catcher.	children.
	• Mow only in daylight or good artificial	• Never allow children to operate the
	light.	machine.
	• Do not operate the machine while	• Use extra care when approaching blind
	under the influence of alcohol or drugs.	corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
	• Never operate machine in wet grass.	that may obscure vision.
	Always be sure of your footing: keep a	IV. SERVICE
	firm hold on the handle and walk; never
	run.	' • Use extra care in handling gasoline
	• Disengage the self-propelled mecha­	and other fuels. They are flammable
	nism or drive clutch on mowers so	and vapors are explosive.
	equipped before starting the engine	- Use only an approved container.
	(motor).	- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
	• If the equipment should start to vibrate	with the engine running. Allow
	abnormally, stop the engine (motor)	engine to cool before refueling. Do
	and check immediately for the cause.	not smoke.
	■ Vibration is generally a warning of	- Never refuel the machine indoors.
	trouble.	- Never store the machine or fuel
	• Always wear safety goggles or safety	container inside where there is an
	glasses with side shields when	open flame, such as a water heater.
	operating mower.	• Never run a machine inside a closed
	II. SLOPE OPERATION	area.
		• Never make adjustments or repairs with
	Slopes are a major factor related to slip
		the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
	and fall accidents which can result in	the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
	severe injury. All slopes require extra	away from the plug to prevent acciden­
	caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do	tal starting.
	not mow it.	• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
	DO:	attachment bolts, tight and keep
	• Mow across the face of slopes; never	equipment in good condition.
	up and down. Exercise extreme caution	• Never tamper with safety devices.
	when changing direction on slopes.	Check their proper operation regularly.
	• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree	• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
	limbs, etc.	other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
	• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tali	spillage. Allow machine to cool before
	grass can hide obstacles.	storing,
	DO NOT:	• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
	• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or	strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
	embankments. The operator could lose	before restarting.
	footing or balance.	• Never attempt to make wheel height
	• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.	adjustments while the engine (motor) is
	• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced	running.
		• Grass catcher components are subject
	footing could cause slipping.
	III. CHILDREN	to wear, damage, and deterioration,
		which could expose moving parts or
	Tragic accidents can occur if the operator	allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
	is not alert to the presence of children.	check components and replace with
	Children are often attracted to the	manufacturer’s recommended parts,
	machine and the mowing activity. Never	when necessary.
	assume that children will remain where	■ Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
	you last saw them.	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.

^Look for this symbol to point out important safely precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting vtrhen setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where It cannot contact spark plug.

^WARNING: 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.

^WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of Catifornta to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped 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 ttiese accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

	MUFFLERS		AIR FILTERS			SPARK PLUGS
						n
			1^ - w			in
						(td
BELTS		BLADES	BLADE ADAPTERS		WHEELS	ENGINE OIL

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manuai 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 tower 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 UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1.Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes.

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

3.Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence

	Handle
3-position	pin

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see “To convert 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.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE	DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF	AND FEET AWAY
	Operator presence control
	bar
Starter handl	Engine zone control cable
Handle knob
Grass catcher
	Engine oil cap
	with dipstick
	Primer
Gasoline filier cap

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR Air filter GASOLINE in the engine.

Lawn mower housing

'heel adjuster (on each wheel)

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.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.

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

FORESIGHT !S BETTifi the eyes, which can result

THAN NO SIGHT

___ 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 CONTROL

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

^CAUTION; Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this iawn 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 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-posltion adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low

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.

•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

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.

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, dean, 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 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.

CAUTION; Fill to bottom of gas tank filter neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline filler ---------	Engine oil
cap	cap

(Discard debris plug inside)

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 primer 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 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.