Craftsman 917.389510 User Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'I

6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389510

• Safety
* Assembly

• Operation
, Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which am certified to comply with Califomia and U.S. EPA emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleededgasoline,
and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (ff so equipped).

AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la reglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de
California y de la Agencia de Proteccibn Ambiental sstadounidense (EPA) para equipos

pequeitos no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasoltna normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emisiones: modificaci6n del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple

acci6n (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).
The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of

your engine. This pedod relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To
find the lite period specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the
letter printed on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.

La calcomanla D.O.M. incluye sspeciflcaciones sobre la duracibn del motor para el perfodo de
vide dtil de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este pedode se relaciona con la duracibn en

conformided con las emisiones segdn Io certificede per EPNCARB. Para hellar la especificaci6n
del perfedo de vida de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letras vlene impresa en su

calcomanfa D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

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

Visit our Craftsman website: www.seam.com/craffsman

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

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

Assembly .............................................. 5

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

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

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

LIMITED "I3/VOYEAR 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 work-

manship.

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 Canter/Department in the United States, This warranty applies only

while this product is in usa in the United States.

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 15

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts ........................................ 35

Parts Ordedng ..................... Back Cover

ThisWarrantygivesyouspecificlegal rights,and youmay also have other rights

whichvaryfrom stateto state.

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

IMPORTANT= This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

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 pads. 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

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or weadng 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 without

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.

2

* Stop the blade(s) when crossing grovel

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 selfopropelled 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 waming of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when
operating mower.

I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If 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

gross 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.

II1. 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

attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regulady.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before

stodng.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

stdke 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.

_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H 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.

AWARNING: 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 and

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.

A CAUTION= Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot affer engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

Theseaccessorieswereava=lablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.111eyarenot
shippedwithyourmower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice

centers.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpadsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel

numberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHER KITS

FOR

_P GRASS CATCHERS

BLADE AOAPTERS WHEELS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

4

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINEOIL

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. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in
the 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 tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON
f. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end comers of carton

and lay end panel down flat,

3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise

upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

3. 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 I

controlbar

Upper handle

Liftup

Mowing

Lower handle

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

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

with the location of vadous 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,KEEpHANDS

ORWARNIN_ ON OFF AND FEETAWAY

Operator presence control bar

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Handle knbb

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Gasolinefillercap

Housing

Wheael adjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

(oneach wheel)

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 Commis-
sion, The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar- must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

engine, Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the
engine,

6

The operation of any lawn
mower can result in

foreign objects thrown itito
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.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_iLCAUTION: 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 contro! 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 requirements. Medium

position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. 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.

PlateTab

LowerWheelsfor HighCutt._._ _Ld_.__

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto bagging:

REAR BAGGING

• Liftrear 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.

all,CAUTION: 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 prepped open.

Pivot

Grass catcher
handle

Catcher frame hook - _ "_
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. 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

Bag

handle

handle

RaiseWheels for Low Cut

ar

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fillto the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil
slowly. Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into

engine for accurate reading. To read

proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then

remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• 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 gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.

_,WARNING: Expedence 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.

CAUTION: 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.

Engineoil cap Gasolinefiller

cap

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due toprotectivecoatingson the

engine,a smallamountof smokemay be
presentduringthe initialuse ofthe
productand shouldbe considered

normal.

1. To starta coldengine, pushprimer
three (3) timesbefore tryingtostart.

Usea firmpush.Thisstep isnot

usuallynecessarywhen startingan
enginewhich has already runfor a

few minutes.

2. Hold operatorpresence controlbar

downto the handleand pullstarter
handlequickly.Do not allow starter

ropetosnap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stopengine, releaseoperator
presencecontrolbar.

NOTE: In coolerweatheritmaybe
necessaryto repeatprimingsteps.In

warmerweather over primingmay cause
floodingand enginewillnotstart.If you

do floodengine,wait a few minutes
beforeattemptingto startand do not

repeatprimingsteps.

:i' 8