Craftsman 917389340 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN"I

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389340

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructin_

before operating this equiptnem-

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

Visitour Craftsman 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 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 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, 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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects.

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

Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

• 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 with 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.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.

• 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 artificial

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 or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine
(motor).

• If the equipment should start 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 operat-
ing 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, tf you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. 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.

III. 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
corners, 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
attachement 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.

3

• iLLookfor this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

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

A CAUTION: In order 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

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

_WARNING: Battery PoSts, terminals ant

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.

• 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

GRASSCATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

4

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 tools as neces-

sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
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. Operator

• Cut down two end comers of carton and presence

lay end panel down flat. control bar

• Remove all packing materials except upr
padding between upper and lower handle
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle. Lift up

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose Lower

parts, handle

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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.

Mowing
position

TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a rnulcher. To convert to

bagging, see "To convert mower" in the

OPERATION section of this manual.

R

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself withthe
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 ENGJNE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control
bar

Starter handle

Handle

ine zone control cable

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Lawn mower housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

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

turns 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 starting the engine.

Theoperationof anylawn

mower can resultinforeign

objectsthrown intotheeyes,

whichcanresultinsevereeye

wearsafetyglassesoreye

shieldswhileoperatingyour lawnmoweror
performinganyadjustmentsorrepairs.We

recommenda widevisionsafetymaskover
spectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAW_I MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-

able.
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 CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for highcut.

• Adjust cutting height 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.

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging :

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear 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

ga,

handle

frame
handle

Lower Wheels for High t .\ j_

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Cut Plate Tab A

_e r

7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

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 oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• 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,
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.

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 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
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.

• 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.

• Hold operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pullstarter 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