Craftsman 917389220 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£11AFTSMAN+

4.5 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389220

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol •

• Repair Parts

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.com/craftsman

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

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 4

Operation .............................................. 5

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 9

Maintenance ......................................... 9

Product Specifications .......................... 10

Service and Adjustments ...................... 13

Storage ................................................. 14

Troubleshooting ................................... 15

Repair Parts .......................................... 34

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

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 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 pumhase.
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 in use inthe 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

Safety standards require operator
presence controls to minimize the risk of

injury.Your unit is equipped with such
controls. Do not attempt to defeat the
function of the operator presence controls

under any cimumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your

mower. Never allow adults to use

mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and
pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this

manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been

dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that

are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using
your mower.

2

• Dress property. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or weadng open
sandals. Wear only solid shoes with

good traction when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not fillgas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is

hot. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank.
Clean off any spilled gasoline before

starting the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments

before starting your mower. Never
attempt to do this while the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your

mower and the area being cut. Do not
let other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass.

Never run while operating your mower.
Always be sure of your footing -- keep

a firm hold on the handles and walk,

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks,
roads, and any gravel--covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating
it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repair-

ing your mower, stop the engine and

make absolutely sure the blade and all

moving parts have stopped. Then
disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug to

prevent accidental starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if
you hit a foreign object. Follow the

procedure outlined above, then repair
any damage before restarting and
operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration

and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaus
fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower

towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you

might lose your footing. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Use caution

when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions --

maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

* Check the blade and the engine

mounting bolts often to be sure they
are tightened propedy.

* Check all bolts, nuts and screws at

frequent intervals for proper tightness
to be sure mower is in safe working

condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and

working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deterio-

ration and wear and replace worn
bags. Use only replacement bags that
are recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of
your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before stodng in
any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank

inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or an ignition
source such as a hot water heater,

space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFE'P( IS INVOLVED.

_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

A, WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.

3

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 end 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 MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FIL'RERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructionsand this manual in

its entiretybefore 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-
semblad 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 correcttools as neces-

saryto ensure proper tightness. Allpads

such as nuts,washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with
mower.

! GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

WHEELS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Cut down two end comers of carton
and lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

• 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.

• Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into place in mowing
position.

• Remove protective padding, raise

upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

4

• Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper

Operator presence control

bar

handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service

and Adjustment section of this manual.

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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 SL(_V CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Upper handle _U_/

Lift up_Mowing

position

_ LOnWdre

control bar

Engine zone

Starter handle

Handle knob

Eng!neoil cap with dipstick

Gasoline filler cap

primer

Housing

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 tums when the engine is running.

(on each wheel)

Operatorpresence control bar- must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

held down to the handle to start the engine, cad:)uretor to the cylinder for use when
Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

5

can result in foreignobjectsthrown
The operation of any lawn mower

intothe eyes,whichcanresultin

severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasse6 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

safetygbsses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWNMOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine controlto 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.

• Yourlawn mower isequipped withan
operatorpresencecontrolbar which

mcluiresthe operatorto be positioned

behindthe lawn mower handle tostartand

operatethe lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels

forhighcut.

• Adjustcuttingheightto suityour require-

merits. Mediumpos_ionis bestformost
lawns.

• To change cuttingheight,squeeze adjuster

levertowardwheel. Move wheel up or
downtosuityour requirements.Besure all

wheelsare inthe 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.

Lower wheels for
high cut

Raise wheels for low

cut

NOTE: Your lawn mower has been
shipped ready for mulching operation. To

convert to discharging operation, you
must install the discharge deflector

attachment included with your mower.

Plate tab

TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING
MOWER

Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove

mulcher 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,

approved grass catcher or mulcher plate

in place.

,-Hooks

Housin
opening

Mulch

Hinge
rod

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped withoutoil in the
engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

finis dean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20ozs. of oil. For type and

grade of oil to use, see fl_NGIN_' in
Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do not over fiB.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirtycondtions.

6

ADD GASOUNE

• Fillfuel tank. 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.

AWARNING: 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 fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until 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 fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.

A,CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe offany
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five

(5) 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.

* 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, 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.

Engine oil cap 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.

• For side discharge lawn mowers,
cutting in a counter-clockwise direction,

starting at the outside of the area to be
cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the

first cuts in a clockwise direction.

• 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.

7

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance,keep

mower housingfree of built-upgrassand
trash.See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE

sectk_ of thla manual.

• The specialmulchingblade willrecurthe
grassclippingsmany timesand reduce

them insizesothat as they fall ontothe

lawnthey willdisperseintothegrass and
notbe noticed. Also,the mulchedgrass

will biodegradequicklyto providenutrients
forthe lawn. Alwaysmulchwithyour

highestengine (blade) speed as thiswill
providethe best recuttingactionof the

blades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhen itis wat. Wet

grasstendsto formdumps and interferes
withthe mulchingaction. The besttime to
mow yourlawnis the early afternoon.At
this timethe grasshasdriedand the newiy
cutarea will not be exposedto thedirect

sun.

• For bestreeults,aa_ustthe lawn mower

cuttingheightso thatthe lawn mowercuts

offonlythe topone-thirdof the grass
blades. If thelawnis overgrownitwilibe
necessaryto raleethe beight ofcutto
reducepushingeffortandto keep from
overloadingthe engine and leaving
dumps of mulchedgrass.For extremely
heavymulching,reduceyourwidthofcut

by overlappingpreviouslycutpath and

mowslowly.

• Certaintypesof grassandgrasscondi-
tionsmay requirethatan area be mulched

a secondtimeto completelyhidethe
clippings.When doinga secondcut,mow
acrossorpeq:x.=r_liculartothe firstcutpath.

• Change yourcuttingpatternfromweek to
week. Mow northtosouthone week then

changeto easttowestthe nextweek. This

will helppreventmattingand grainingof
the lawn.

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