Craftsman 917388800 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMRN'J

ROTARYLAWNMOWER

5.5 Horsepower 21" Multi-cut

Model No.

917.388800

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179 U.S.A.

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

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

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

Assembly / Pre-Operation ...................... 5

Operation ........................................... 6-10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

Maintenance .................................... 11-14

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

Product Specifications .......................... 12

Service and Adjustments ................. 14-15

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 instructionsin

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.

_kLook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_1,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 _J_F ,.

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro-

ductive harm.

_kWARNING: 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.

_, 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

• 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

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).

• Ifthe 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.

I1.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 nottrim 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

• Useextra carein handlinggasoline andotherfuels. 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 servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

These accessorieswere available when thislawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower.They arealsoavailableatmostSoarsretailoutletsandservice centers. Most Sears storescan also order repairpartsfor you, when you providethe model

numberof yourlawn mower. Some oftheseaccessoriesmay notapplyto yourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

STABILIZER

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.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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" in the 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 or discharging, see "TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual).

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDALLSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

LAWNMOWER.Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwith

the locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save this manualfor 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

Throttle/

choke

Starter

handle Gasoline filler cap

Grass catche

Engine oil cap

gine zone controlcable

Fuel valve lever

Airfilter

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.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

Throttle/choke control - used for starting the engine; & allows you to select either

CHOKE or FAST engine speed.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

The operation of any lawn

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 standard safety

glasses or wide vision safety mask worn

over spectacles.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE CONTROL

The engine is controlled by a throttle

control located on the side of the upper

handle. CHOKE position is for starting a cold engine and FAST position is for

starting a warm engine and normal operation. The engine speed is not adjustable.

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.

w.,__:s:O"e"a':CO"

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

CHOKE

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I=CAUTION: 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 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.

Pivot pins Rear

Catcher frame hook

Grass

catcher

handle

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge deflector under door 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. ACAUTION: 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

propped open.

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

Discharge

mulcher door

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.

Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

handle

• 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, re.gular unleaded gasoline with a

mm_mum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30

_ldays to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION; Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A 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.

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. Turn fuel valve to ON position.

2. To start a cold engine, move handle mounted throttle/choke control lever to

CHOKE position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back.

4. Slowly move throttle control lever to

FAST position after engine starts.

• To start a warm engine, move throttle

control lever to FAST position, then follow steps above.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar. Wait until blade

and all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do

not intend to restart the engine soon.

Oil cap

Oil filler cap/dipstick

Upper limit

Lower limit

Fuel valve lever

Gasoline

filler cap

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.

• 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 bash. 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 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 clumps of mulched grass. For extremely

heavy grass, reduce your width ofcut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

MAXI_

• 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 pattem 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.

Checkfor Loose Fasteners If t/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) I/' ql/ ¥/

MI Clean Lawn Mower v'

Ol Clean Under DriveCover(Power-PropelledMowers) I/

Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

E Checkdrive belt/pulleys

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _1_$

LubricationChart i/'

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectric Start Mowers I if 11_4

Change Engine Oil _#'1,2

Clean Air Filter ll/2

i Check Engine Oil Level ¥1

InspectMuffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air FilterPaper Cartddge li/=

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more often when operating indirty 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

perindically 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 oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners,

(_) Spray lubricant _) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Mulcher

door hinge pin

Rear door

hinge

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

LUBRICATION

Keep unitwell lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART'S.

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: 1.0 quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil capacity: 18.5 ounces

Spark plug (gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

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 _res 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.

Crankshaft

Blade

bolt

Blade adapte_

Lockwashl

washer

Trailing edge Blade adapter

shaft

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388800 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual