Craftsman 917.388732 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388732
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
Maintenance...........................
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2-4
6-9
10
10-13
2
Product Specifications
Service and Adjustments....
5
Storage
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Troubleshooting
Repair Parts
Parts Ordering......................
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............13-14
............14-15
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....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 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 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.
Wan^nty 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
11
15-16
32
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 indMduals, who
are familiar \Mth 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 puil mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
Do not of>erate the mower without
proper guards, piates, 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
abnomially, 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 trimming 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 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 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 ^uipment 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 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 servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor
3 setting or overspeed the engine.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions, it means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTII! YOUR
SAFETY !S INVOLVED.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
A WARNING: In order to prevent
Wash hands after handling.
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
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.
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro
ductive harm.
ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also avalable at most Sears retail outlets and service
centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the trudel
number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
^7 ^
BELTS
MUFF LERS
BLADES
MULCHER KITS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
WHEELS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to
assembte or operate your new iawn
mower.
IMPORTANT: This iawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as
sembled at the factory vwth 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 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.
Squeeze
3-Position
handle
adjustment
bracket
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
141
i'Sr
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OFF
FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
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.
Mulcher door - allows conversion to
discharge or bagging operation.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
caiburetor to the cinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in
FDSrsiCHTl£3£TTCfl
THAN NOS CHT
foreign objects thrown into
the eyes, which can resuit
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 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 controi to be instalied 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-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
dose 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
FORMULCHING-
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,
ACAUTION: 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.
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.
^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.
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.
Gasoline filler cap
(Discard debris
plug inside)
Engine oil
cap
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.
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