Craftsman 917389070 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.25 HORSEPOWER

22" ECONOMY

SIDE DISHCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389070

• Safety
Assembly

= Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with California and U.S. EPA emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment, are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
include the following emission centrol systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Throe-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).

AVI$O: Los motores homalogadce pare cumplir con la reglamentacibn sobre emisiones de
California y de la Agencla de Protecci6n Ambiental estadounidence (EPA) pare equipos

pequeflos no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emisiones: modifisaci6n del motor (EM) y catalizedor de triple
acci6n (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 period relates to the emission compliance lifeas certified by EPNCARB. To
find the/fie pedod specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter printed on your D.O,M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours,
La calcomanla D.O.M. incluye especificacioaes sobre la duracibn dei motor pete el pe'dodo de

vide _til de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este perfedo se relaciona con la duraci6n en

conformidad con las emisiones segdn Io certificado per EPNCARB. Pare hallar la especificaci6n
del periodo de vida de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letres viene impresa en su

calcomanla D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 bores, (A) 500 hams,

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit ourCraftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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.

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

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 15

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts ........................................ 35

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

This Warranty doesnot cover:

• Expendable items whichbecome wornduringnormal use, suchas rotarymower
blades,blade adapters,belts,air cleanersandspark plug.

• Repairsnecessarybecause ofoperatorabuse ornegligence,includingbent

crankshaftsand the failure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingto the instructions
containedin the owner'smanual.

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 rights, and you may also have other rights

which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before
starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible 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.

2

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,orroads.

• 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 adificial
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 ordrive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine
(motor).

• If the equipment should stad 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

operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.
DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exemise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, orbumps. 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.

II1.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

-Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed
area. '

• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect

the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep

equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before

storing.

• Stop and inspect the 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.

_Lookforthis symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONITT BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_i_WARNING: inorder 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 compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

_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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.They are not
shippedwithyour mower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSearsrstailoutletsandservice

centem.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsfor you,whenyou providethemodel
numberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASSCATCHERS

LAWN MC_NERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHER _TS

# /_ GRASS CATCHERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

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. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts,etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts

and hardware you assemble must be

tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower,

2. Cut down two end 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 thorougly 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.

I. Raise handles until lower handle

section ocks into p ace 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 P
control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing

Lower handle

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith 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 CH.OKE FUEL OIL DANQER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNINQ ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Sta_er handle

Handle knob

Gasoline filler cap

Engineoil cap

Housing

adjuster

IMPORTANT: This iawn,mower is

(oneach 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 stad the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starling a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starling the

engine.

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 aye
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
_kCAUTION: 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 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 propedy 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

LowerWheelsfor HighCutF-"_=__Lt.JA_

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.

ACAUTION:' Do not run your lawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-

proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in
place.

Housing
opening

Hooks

Mulchplate Hinge
Tab "_ rod

\

Raise Wheels forLow Cut

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.

t. 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 oil with gaso-

line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products inthe fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_. 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 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.

t. 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. Ifyou
do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

8