Craftsman 917389390 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMANo

6.0 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389390

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation o Maintenance

° Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read andfollow all Safety Rules and Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., HoffmanEstates, IL60179

Visit our Craftsman website: wwwosears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications t 1 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., D/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 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.

• "]'he 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 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 white 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 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, etco

_m_pLOOkfor this symbol to point out

ortant safety precautions_ It means

CAUTION?H BECOMEALERTEH 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. t_tsWARNING: The engine exhaust from

product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhen 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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

Read these instnJctions 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.

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

MULCHER Krr,s ...............................

FOR

"I GRASS CATCHERS

SiDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

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_

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.

Operator presence

control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Liftup

g position

Lower handle

Handle

3-position

Handle

asjustment bracket

TO INSTALL ATTACH MENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulchero To convert to bagging or discharging, see "To convert

mower" in the OPERATION section of this manual.

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

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

,!gcationof 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

III1'11'1 I III III IIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIII i I I I

Operator presence control bar

Starte

Engine zone control cable

Handle

Grass catcher

Engine oil cap

"with dipstick

Gasoline filler cap

Mulcher door

Lawn mower housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe Wheel adjuster

engine. (on each wheel) MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walkJaehind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards institute and the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade

rums when the engine is running,

i iHi mHH,m,unllll

Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the held down to the handle to start the engine, carburetor to the cylinder for use when

Release to stop the engine_ starting a cold engine.

Starter Handle - used for starting the engine.

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 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 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.

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 closed. . Side discharge deflector installed.

wi_CAUTION: Do not rlJnyour 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

TO CONVERT MOWER

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

discharging:

Mufcher

door

Open Mulcher Door

Discharge

deflector

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oilin the

engine.

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

• Remove engine oi! cap and fill to the full

lineon the dipstick.

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

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

grade ofoil 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 condiUons.

GAS

NOTE; Before filling fuel tank, remove and

discard the debds plug that is inside the tank,

• 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

hol 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.

Gasoline_fitler _ Engine oil cap __ cap

(Discor l

deb,ispfug

inside) _.. I;_ r

TO START ENGINE

" TO start a cold engine, push pdmer 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: tn 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,

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 wilt provide

the best recuttJng 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 aftemcon. 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

overloading 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

...... ,,,,,

MA,.TE.A.CESO.EDU'E

F_LL_NDATES _/_ _,,_ _._ _.

AS YOU COMPLETE ()_ ._'_,£_/ _ _ ._ 0£:_,'

II I J

Check for Loose Fasteners I_ Clean/_nspect Grass Catcher

(!!Equipped) V' V'

i Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propeflsd Mowers)

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pufleys

ER ,,(F'ower-Propelfed Mowers)

ChectdSharpen/Rep[ace Blade

Lubrication Chart

Clean BatterytRecharge (Electric Sta rt Mowers)

E Check Engine Ott Level N Change EnglneOil

G Clean Atr Filler

i Inspect Muffler

__ I/3

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug i#e

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I_Z

1 - Change more often when operating under e heavy load o_ }n h_gh ambient _emperetures

2 - Service inure onen when operating in dtr|y or dusiy conditions, 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy soil

4 * Charge 4B hours a_end of season

I "

v',

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive ful!

value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit°

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter element and check blade

for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine nJn better

and last Ionger_

•FoIIow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART').

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjusters

(_ Engine oil

Rear

door ) Handle bracket hinge mounting pin

(_ SPRAY LUBRICANT (_ SAE 30 MOTOR OIL. REFER TO

ENGINE - MAINTENANCE SECTION

IMPORTANT:, Do notoil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirtthat will shorten the lifeof the self lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917,389390

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

HORSEPOWER: 6,0 GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OILTYPE (API-SFISGISH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZ& SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJt9LM OR J19LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - .008 SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the

lawn mower housingoRecord both serial number and date of purchase in space

provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing

any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep Uresfree of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts,sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damacle.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp_ Replace bent or damaged blades,

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

• Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or

wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise°

• Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter_ The key must be in good condition to work

properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

° Position the blade adapter on the

engine crankshaft° Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

• Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised tugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

- Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

• Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade

is balanced° Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced, An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or

engine,

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place

center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Crank shaft

Blad_

Blade Ke

Blade / Bolt Crank

Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft

washer Trailing adapter

edge

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used°

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it wilt

wear° If catcher needs replacing, replace

only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower

model number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SH or

SG, Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

tern

-_0" D" 30" 32" 40"

TEMPERATUR E RANGE ANTICIPATED BF..FORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multimviscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi--viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°E Check your

engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running

low on oil

Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL.

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface.

• Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn

mower back and forth to remove any oil

trapped inside of engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower

and on side of engine.

• Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT

OVER FILL,

• Replace engine oi! cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER

Your engine wilt not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

• Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

• Carefully remove cartridge.

• Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such

as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration

of the cartridge, Do not oil cartridge. Do

not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge,

. Install cartridge, then replace cover

making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely. Back

Lip

Cover _bs

_over

Cartridge

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create afire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG Change your spark plug each year to

make your engine start easier and run better_ Set spark plug gap at _030 inch°

CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built--up grass and trash. Clean underside of mower

sing after each use. CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug

wire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot come in contact with the

spark plugo

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up. Clean

the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build--up of grass

and trash_

* Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free

of all gasoline, oil, eto.

• We DO NOT recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air

filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can

result in shortened engine life.

_tCAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments:

• Release control bar and stop engine.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in

contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in

the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that

objects will be thrown out the rear of the

lawn mower into the operator's mowing position.

If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it

should be replaced. TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle on your lawn mower has three (3) height positions - adjust to height

that suits you.

° 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.

Hi Med.. Low --

Handle pin

3-position Handle

adjustment bracket

ENGINE

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control. If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to

an authorized service center for repair or adjustment.

IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine

govemor, which is factory set for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed seffing can be

dangerous, if you think the engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact your

nearest authorized service center, which has proper equipment and experience to make

any necessary adjustments.

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory seL Do

not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury, If you believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow,

take your lawn mower to an authorized

service center for repair and adjustment.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag

with rigid part of bag on the bottom°

Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top, . Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes° If

bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

dl31bCAUT1ON: 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.

Catcher

frame

handle

Frame opening

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for

storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30days or more.

LAWN MOWER When lawn mower is to be stored for a pedod

of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEAN-

ING" in the Maintenance section of this

manual).

• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

• Be sure thatall nuts, bolts, screws, and pins

are secure_yfastened. Inspect moving

parts for damage, breakage and wear.

Replace if necessary.

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint

surfaces; sand light, before painting. HANDLE

• You can fold your lawn mower handle

for storage.

• Loosen the two (2) handle knobs on

sides of the upper handle and allow

handle to fold down to the rear.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower

handle toward each other until pins in

handle clear the brackets and pivot

entire handle assembly forward and

allow it to rest on mower.

• When setting up your handle from the

storage position, the lower handle witt

require manually locking into the mowing position.

IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for

storage or transportation, be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may damage

the control cables.

Med.. Low

Operator Presence

Control Bar "_.._

Upper Handle _//

Fold Forward _,\/._ For Storage ;r.-_-,_=;_-=_-',':!

;y;,_ Backward

Lower Handle

3-position Handle

adjustment

bracket

,:_';_+_Fold

Mowing Position

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917389390 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual