Craftsman 917389250 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

II U III III

I(,.,.m..wl

4.0 HORSEPOWEF

20" REAR DISCHARge,,

ROTARY LAWN MOWI=_

Model No.

917.389250

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

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

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

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

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

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

Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10

Maintenance ......................................... 10

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For one year 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 workmar

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 in use in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights whicl

vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications .......................... 1

Service and Adjustments ...................... 1

Storage ................................................. 1

Troubleshooting ................................... 1

Repair Parts .......................................... 3

Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cove_

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
circumstances.

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.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals
Wear only solid shoes with good tractior

when mowina

• Checkfuel tank beforestartingengine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors,whenthe
engineis runningor when the engine is
hot.Allowthe engine to cool for several
minutesbeforefillingthe gas tank. Clean

off any spilledgasolinebeforestarting

the engine.

• Always make wheelheight adjustments
beforestarting your mower. Never

attemptto do this while the engine is

running.

• Mow only indaylightor 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 dis-

charge 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 repairing
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. Exhaust
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 properly.

• 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 deteriora-
tion 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 storing 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

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: 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.

AWARNING
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 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 MULCHER KITS

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

//.._'2_ t°. - _)

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELTS

MUFFLERS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS i

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

A

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand 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 assembled

at the factory with the exception of those parts

left unassembled for shipping purposes. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts,etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed inthe 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 toolsas

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TOREMOVE LAWNMOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose pads includedwith mower.

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

• Remove all packing materiais 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

pads.

4

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandles 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.

• Remove handle padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
foryour mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" inthe Service and Adjustment
section of this manual.

Operator presence control

Upper handle

bar _L p/_,/

Lift up iff u

_ <.;:::.._:-._ position

Lower handle

//

5

KNOW.YOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

location of various controls and adiustments. Save this manuel for future reference.

"[hesesymbols may appear on your lawnmoweror in literaturesuppliedwiththe product.Learnand

understandthere meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone
control cable

Starter handle

Handle

Grass

Engine oil plug

Operator presence control bar

filler cap

Air filter

Primer

Lawn mower housing

Wheel ajduster
(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 Commission. The blade
tums 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.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign

objectsthrown intothe eyes,
whichcan resultin severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
while operatingyour lawn mower or
performing any adjustmentsor repairs.
We recommenda wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standardsafety
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
ACAUTION: 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 cUTrlNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. 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.

TO ATrACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the lifttop lid. Lifttop lid must be
closed while operating lawn mower,

• Liftthe rear deer on the mower housing

and place the grass catcher frame onto the

formed tabs on the rear deer hinge

bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn

mower housing when the rear deer is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.

Hinge

Rear door

Grass catcher
frame

Formed
tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence control bar to stop engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Plate Tab

Lever

7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped withoutoil in

the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis clean.

• Remove engine oil plug and fill to the
top of slot in filler hole.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate reading.

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

grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in
Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed.

• 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 gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be

used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.

A,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.

ACAUTION." 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.

Gasoline filler cap

Engine oil cap

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.

8

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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed

(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• 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.