Craftsman 917388801 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRI_FT$1VlAH*J

ROTARYLAWNMOWER

5.5 Horsepower 21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.388801

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

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

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 1!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

_, 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.

_I,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle _3_ ,.

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

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

a_,WARNING: 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

• 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).

• 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.

IlL 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 servicing them.

• 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

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 additJonal

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" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual. Operator

control bar

Upper

LIFT UF

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see 'q-O CON-

VERT 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 illustra'dons 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

Throttle/

choke

knob

Starter handle Gasoline filler cap

Fuel valve lever

Grass catcher

Air tilter

Engine oil cap with

Housing

Mulcher

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

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.

discharging or bagging operation. 6

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. LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

CHOKE

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_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 " Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

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

frame

handle

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 (12 oz.) of the oil

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

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Use guage on oil fill cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the

tube. DO NOT thread the cap into the tube when taking reading.

Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Alwaysbesureto retightenoil dipstick beforestartingengine.

• 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

_lbdays 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

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 MOWINGTIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe Maintenance

section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the

gross 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 aftemoon. 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 of cut 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 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.

AS YOUCOMPLETE /_.,_'_ _..._0_/._ " SERVICE

REGULARSERVICE /__/7£."_ _3_/_"/_."__'/£_ f DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _

Clean/InspectGrass Catcher (If Equipped) t/ _ _

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-PropelledMowers) _,/

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drivebelt/pulleys

E (Power-PropelledMowers) If

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _#f3

Lubrication Chart tf I_

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectdc Start Mowers ! If I/'4

E Check EngineOil Lever I,/ I N Chan_le En£ineOil I_1'1,2

G Clean Air Filter Ii/ 2

I Inspect Muffler _'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug t/

E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge 1_2

1 - Change more olten when operating under a heavy toador in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Sewice more often when 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

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

ments section of thismanual 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.

I_/ I I m

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

(!) Mulcher

door hinge pin

Rear door

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

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

hinge

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHAR-F').

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.

SPECIFICATIONS=RODUCT

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

iasoline Capacity / Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 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 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 adaptm Crankshaft

Blade

Blade _ __y shaft bolt Hardene

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

;rank

+ 28 hidden pages

Craftsman 917388801 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual