Craftsman 917388740 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRHFTSMRN®J

ROTARYLAWNMOWER

:15Horsepower

Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.388740

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rulesand Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly / Pro-Operation ...................... 5

Operation ............................................. 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

Product Specifications .......................... 11

Service and Adjustments ................. 13-14

Storage ............................................ 15-16

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

Sears Service ......................... Back Cover

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.

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 used 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT[!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A, WARNING: In order to prevent

accidental starting when 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 _ =

components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro-

ductive harm.

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.

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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Road, 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 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 operat- ing 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 corners, 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 accidental 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 equipment 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 servicingthem.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDEDISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual

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. 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. All parts such as nuts, wash-

ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners 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 thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 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 "ADJUST HANDLE" inthe Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator | control bar

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'n'ACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in

the Operation section of this manual).

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL 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 FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

-Operator presence control bar

-Engine zone control cable

Starter

handle

ine oil cap with dipstick

Grass

catcher

Muffler

Gasoline filler cal:

Air filter

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

mower can result in foreign objects thrown intothe

The operation of any lawn

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 standard safety

glasses or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

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 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'FrlNG 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

TOCONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the

door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove

grass catcher and close rear door.

_,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

prepped open.

Pivot pins Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

_frame

handle

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

Bag handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see =ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout. Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil

from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it reads full DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

• 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

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler

neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,

regular unleaded gasoline with a

minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

_1, CAUTION: 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.

oil cap

filler 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.

MOWING TIPS

• 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 overloading 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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass

catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• 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 clippings 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 that 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 weL 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 dded 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 clumps of mulched grass. For extremely

heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by

overlapping previously cut path and mow

slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass condi- tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular 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 will help prevent matting and graining of

the lawn.

F,LL,NDATES

i Check forLooseFasteners (/ ¥o i Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(ff Equipped) (/ _

M Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover (Power-PropelledMowers) _/

Check drive (Powor-Prope!ledMowers)belt/pulleys If

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade (/3

LubricationChart (/ (/

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectric Start Mowers1 I_ I/4

E Check Engine OilLevel (/

Change EngineOil V'1.2

G !Clean Air Filter _ 2

N] Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace SparkPlug

E ReplaceAir FilterPaper Cartridge _2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or inhigh ambient temperatures.

2 - Service more ottenwhen operating in dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To receive full

value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run

better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oillevel.

• Check for loose fasteners.

(_) Spray lubricant

_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

gine oil

Rear door

hinge

(D Handle bracket mounting pins

LUBRICATION Keep unitwell lubricated(See =LUBRICATION

CHART').

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that

will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number:

Date of purchase: Gasoline capacity / type: 1.6 quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil capacity: 20 ounces

Spark plug (gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM

Blade bolt torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause

tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade

adapter. The key must be in good condi- tion to work properly. Replace adapter if

damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-

ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

into a beam or wall. Leave about one

inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward,

sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Blade Crankshaft

Blade

Blade :rank

bolt Har_

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

shaft

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. if catcher

needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved replacement

catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CN_NGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption

when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation orat least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388740 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual