Craftsman 917389380 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
[RRFTSMI:IN°
6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.389380
• 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 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 34
Maintenance 10 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 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., [:)/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
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 ope[ator 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
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 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 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 irldoors. 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.
Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
p_ugCAUTION: Always disconnect spark
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
I_mWARNING: The engine exhaust from
product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
3
These ascessodes 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
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
I SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS
BELTS BLADES BLADE 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-
semblod 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.
MULCHER K_S
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with
mower.
• 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.
4
HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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 pl,_ce 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 for your mowing comfort. Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up Lift up
Lower handle
//
ng position
TO INSTALLATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, see "To convert
mower" in the OPERATION section of this
manual.
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
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 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 zone control cable
Handle knob
Grass catcher
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Gasoline
Mulcher door Lawn mower housing
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the adjuster
en_line. (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.
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 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
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations
requ=re 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 CU'I-RNG HEIGHT
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position isbest 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 inthe same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly posrdoned 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
Plate Tab
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 or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and close
rear door.
Pivot pins
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install discharge
deflector under guard as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN
MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
• Rear door closed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Grass catcher installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear door dosed.
• Side discharge deflector installed.
_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
out rear door closed or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
Lever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
TOCONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped, ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
Mulcher
door
7
Open
Mulcher Door
Discharge
deflector
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped wi_out oil inthe
engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and _ll to the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
Engine holds 20 ozs. ot oi!. 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, _ghten 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 o_tan under dusty,
dirty conditions.
GAS
NOTE: Before fillingfuel tank, remove and
discardthe debris plug that is inside the tank.
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
fi'eshness.
_WARNING: Experience indicates that
hoi blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formatJan of acids during storage. Acidic gas
can damage the _ 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 unUl fuel
lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
Gasolinefiller _ Engine oil
cap _ cap
(Discard
debris plug _t-_
TO START ENGINE
• 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 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 attem_ng to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
8
MOWINGTIPS
• 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.
• 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.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide
the best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn is the early aftemoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newly
cut area will not be exposed to the direct
sun.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass
blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be
necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from
overloeding the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut,
mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn
mower one wheel adjuster setting higher
than the front.
• Certain types of grass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattem from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This
will help prevent matting and graining of
the lawn.
Max 1/3
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