Craftsman 917389290 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
€IIIIFTZMIIN+
5.5 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No
917.389290
• Safety
• Assembly
•. Operation
• Maintenance
• Espahol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
visitourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 4
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 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 retuming 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Product Specifications ........................ ,. 11
Service and Adjustments ...................... 13
Storage ...................................... :.......... 15
Troubleshooting ................................... 16
Repair Parts .......................................... 34
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover
Safety standards require operator
presence control to minimize the risk of
injury. Your unit is equipped with cuch
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. Leam 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-
turar. 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
2
sandals. Wear only solid shoes with
good traction when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas 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 matedal
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 pads 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 your 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 puilingthe 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.
_l_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONtl! BECOMEALERTt!! 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 accessodaswere ava_ble whenthis lawnmowerwas produced.They ere not
shippedwithyour mower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers. MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel
numberofyourlawnmower. Some ofthese aoceasofiesmay notapplyto yourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHERKITS
STABILIZER
GRAasCATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
I SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFF_LERS (_ __ iRm FS;__
BELTS BLADES BLAOE ADAPTERS WHEELS
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 tOOlsas neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness. All pads
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag.
FOR
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
GASCANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
• Remove loose parts included with
mower.
• Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down fiat.
• 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.
4
HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends
of lower handle towards each other
until the pin in handle can be inserted
into one of the three height adjustment
holes.
• Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
• Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator
presence
control bar
handle
Liftup
Mowing
Lower
handle
position
TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher.Toconvert to
bagging, see "Toconvert mower" in the
OPERATION section ofthis manual.
Handle 3-posiUon
pin adjustment
Handle
bracket
J
5
KNOWYOURLAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyour lawn mower to familiarize yourselfwith the
location of various controlsand 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
Starter handle
Handle
Gras s catcher_
zone control cable
)line filler cap
with dipstick
Lawn mower housing
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the Wheel adjuster
engine. (on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the American
National Standards Instituteand the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commisslen. The blade
rums 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 additionalfuel from the
carburetor to the cylinderfor use when
startinga cold engine.
Starter Handle. used for startingthe engine.
6
can resultin foreign objectsthrown
'The operation of any lawn mower
intothe eyes, which can result in
severn 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.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factory for
op_mum performance. Speed isnot adjust-
able.
ENGINEZONE 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
tums when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requiresthe 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
forhighcut.
• Adjust cuttingheight to suityour 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.
LowerWheels for High Cut
PlateTab
TOCONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shippedreadytobe
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging :
REAR BAGGING
• 1Liftrear door of the lawn mower and place
the grass catcher frame hooks onto the
door pivot pins.
• To convert to mulching operation, remove
grass catcher and close rear door.
Pivot pins
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
• Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
• 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
handle
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
Lever
7
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower isshipped withoutoil in the
engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fillis dean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full
line on the di_
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in
Maintenance section of this manual.
• Pour oilslowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fillto 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,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOUNE
• 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.
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 dudng 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.
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold angine, push pdrnerthree
(3)timesbeforetryingtostart.Useafirm
push. This step isnot 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•
Gasoline filler
cap
Engine oil
cap
8
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