Craftsman 917389040 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
5.0 HORSEPOWER
22" ECONOMY
SIDE DISHCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.389040
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espafiol
• Repair Parts
NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply wi_ California and U.S. EPA en_ssion regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).
AVlSO: Los motores homologedos pare cumplir con la reglamantacibn sot)re emisiones de
Ceifiomle y de la Agencia de Pmtecol6n Ambiental estadounidenso (EPA) pera equtpos
pequenos no circulantes (SORE) funoionan con gasoline normal sin plomo, e Incluyon los
siguientes sistemss de control de emisiones: modificacibn del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple
accibn (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).
The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life pedod of
your engine. This pedod relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPA/CARB. To
find the life period specification for your engine please match one of the following lettem with the
letter pdnted on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.
La calcomanfa D.O.M. inclaye especificaciones sobre la duraci6n del motor para el perfodo de
vide dtil de su motor relaccionedo con emisiones. Este perfodo se relaciona con la duracibn en
conformidad con les emisiones segdn Io cartificado por EPNCARB. Para haner la especificack_n
del perfodo de vide de su motor, mire cudl de las slgulantes letras viene impreca en su
cstcomanfa D.O.M.: (C) 125 horns (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Seam, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.conYcraftsman
Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10
Maintenance ....................................... 10
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 work-
manship.
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 dudng normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other dghts
which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 14
Storage ............................................... 15
Troubleshooting ................................. 16
Repair Parts ........................................ 35
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
IMPORTANT: Thiscuttingmachineiscapableof amputatinghandsandfeet and
throwingobjects.Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscouldresultin
sedousinjuryor death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before
starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.
Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessodss. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s)when crossinggravel
ddves,walks,orroads.
• Stopthe engine (motor)wheneveryou
leave the equipment,before cleaning
the moweror uncloggingthe chute.
• Shutthe engine(motor)off andwait
untilthebladecomesto completestop
before removinggrasscatcher.
• Mow only in daylightor goodartificial
light.
• Do notoperatethe machinewhile
underthe influenceofalcoholor drugs.
• Never operate machinein wet gross.
Alwaysbe sure of yourfooting: keep a
firm holdon the handleand walk;never
run.
• Disengagethe self-propelledmecha-
nismor ddveclutchon mowersso
equippedbeforestartingthe engine
(motor).
• Ifthe equipmentshouldstarttovibrate
abnormally, stopthe engine (motor)
and checkimmediatelyfor thecause.
Vibrationisgenerallya warningof
trouble.
• Alwayswear safetygogglesor safety
glasseswithside shieldswhen
operatingmower.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto slip
and fall accidentswhichcan resultin
severeinjury.Allslopes requireextra
caution.If youfeel uneasyon a slope,do
notmowit.
DO:
• Mowacrossthe face of slopes:never
upand down.Exemiseextreme caution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
• Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
• Watchfor holes,ruts,or bumps.Tall
grasscan hide obstacles.
DONOT:
• Do nottdm near drop-offs,ditchesor
embankments.The operatorcouldlose
footing or balance.
• Do nottrimexcessivelysteepslopes.
• Do notmowonwet grass.Reduced
footing couldcause slipping.
II1.CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurif the operator
is notalertto the presenceof children.
Childrenare oftenattractedto the
machineand the mowingactivity.Never
assumethatchildrenwill remainwhere
you lastsaw them.
• Keepchildrenoutof the tdmmingarea
and underthe watchfulcare ofanother
responsibleadult.
• 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, espec:ially 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 overepeed the engine.
3
ALook for thissymboltopointout
importantsafetyprecautions.Itmeans
CAUTION!tt BECOMEALERT!!t YOUR
SAFETYIS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In orderto prevent
accidentalstartingwhen settingup,
transporting,adjustingor makingrepairs,
alwaysdisconnectspark plugwireand
placewire where itcannotcontactspark
plug.
AWARNING: Engineexhaust,someof its
constituents,and certain vehiclecompo-
nentscontainor emitchemicalsknownto
the State of Californiato cause cancer
and birthdefectsor other reproductive
harm.
AWARNING: Batteryposts,terminalsand
relatedaccessoriescontainlead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknownto the
State ofCaliforniato causecancerand
birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
Wash handsafter 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. '
Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyare not
shippedwithyour mower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairportsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel
numberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmover.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASSCATCRERS
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER _TS
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
4
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
Readtheseinstructionsandthismanual
initsentiretybeforeyouattemptto
assembleoroperateyournewlawn
mower.
IMPORTANT:Thislawnmoweris
shippedWITHOUTOIL ORGASOLINE in
the engine.
Yournew lawnmowerhas been as-
sembledat the factorywiththe exception
ofthosepartsleftunassembledfor
shippingpurposes.All partssuchas nuts,
washers,bolts,etc., necessarytocom-
pletethe assemblyhave been placedin
the partsbag. Toensuresafe andproper
operationofyourlawn mower,all parts
and hardwareyou assemblemustbe
tightenedsecurely.Use the correcttools
as necessaryto ensure propertightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loosepartsincludedwith
mower.
2. Cut downtwo end comersof carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Removeall packingmaterialsexcept
paddingbetween upper and lower
handle and paddingholdingoperator
presencecontrolbar to upper handle.
4. Rolllawn moweroutofcarton and
checkcartonthorouglyfor additional
looseparts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch ordamage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle
section looks into place in mowing
position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
kndos.
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 up
Mowing
Lower handle
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize youmelf
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 FA_T SLOW CHOKE FUEL C_L DANGER, KEEp PIANOS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Engine zone control cable
Stader handle
Handle knob
Engineoil capwithdipstick
Gasolinefillercap
Wheael adjuster
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is (on each wheel)
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 Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.
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 wide vision safety
mask over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
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'I'FING 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.
PlateTab
TO CONVERTTO DISCHARGING
MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mutcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side
discharge or optional grass catcher can
be attached,
• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
• kCAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-
proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in
place.
Housing
opening
Mulchplate Hinge
,ab
LowerWheels forHigh Cutt...._L__
RaiseWheels forLowCut
7
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to
read the dipstick.
3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oilwith 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.
_1,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.
Engineoilcap Gasolinefiller
cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due toprotectivecoatingson the
engine,asmallamountof smokemay be
presentduringthe initialuse ofthe
product and should be considered
normal.
I. To starta cold engine,pushpdmsr
three (3) timesbefore tryingto start.
Use a firm push. This stepis not
usually necessary when startingan
engine which has already runfor a
few minutes.
2. Hold operator presencecontrolbar
down to the handleand pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine,release operator
presencecontrolbar.
NOTE: Incoolerweatheritmay be
necessarytorepeat pdmingsteps.In
warmerweather over pdmingmaycause
flooding and enginewillnotstart. If you
do flood engine,wait afew minutes
beforeattemptingtostartand donot
repeatpdmingsteps.
_i=¸ \,
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