Craftsman 917389511 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

6.0 HORSEPOWER

21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.389511

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engineswhichare certifiedto complywith California and U.S. EPA emission regulations
for SORE (Small OffRoad Equipment), are certifiedto operate onregular unleaded gasoline,

and includethe following emissioncontrol systems:Engine Modification(EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (rwc) (If so equipped).

AVOSO: Los motores homologadospara cumplircon la reglamentacibnsobre emisionesde
Californiay de la Agenciade ProteccibnAmbiontalestadounidense(EPA) para equipos
pequeSos nocirculantes(SORE) foncionan con gasolina normal sin plomo,e incluyenlos
siguientessistemas de controlde emisiones:modificacibndel motor(EM) y catalizadorde triple
accibn (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specificationsfor the emissions-related useful life period of
your engine.This period relates to the emissioncompliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To

findthe lifeperiodspecificationfor your engine,please match one of the following letterswith the

letterprintedon your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 houm, (B) 250 hours,(A) 500 hours.
La calcomania D.O.M. incluyeespecificacionessobre la duracibndel motor para el periodo de

vida 0til de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este pedodo se relaciona con la duraci6n en
conformidad con las emisionesseg_n Io certificado por EPNCARB. Para hallar la especificacibn

del periodo de vida de su motor, mire cubl de las siguientea letras viene impresa en su
calcomania 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

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

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

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

Operation ............................................. 6-9

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

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

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 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 Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only

while this product is in use in the United States.

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

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

Storage ............................................ 15-16

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, 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 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

anyone enters the area.

• 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 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 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

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
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.

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 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

ALook for this symbol to point out

" important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

AWARNING: 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.

A CAUTION: In order to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark

plug.

A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

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.

These accessodes v_re available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutlets and service
centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese 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

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS SLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

!_ SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

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. 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

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton

and lay end panel down fiat.

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 "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

contmlbar

Liftu

ig

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert mower

to bagging, see 'TO CONVERT MOWER"

in the Operation section of this manual.

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 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

presence control bar

zone controlcable

Gasoline fillercap

Airfilter

Primer

Grass catche

Mumer

Engine oil

Housing

Wheel adjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

(on each wheel)

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

Amedcan 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

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.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk

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 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.

LowerWheels for High Cut PlateTab

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convertto bagging :

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place
the grass catcher frame hooks ontothe

door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove
grass catcher and dose rear door.

ACAUTION" 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.

Pivot ' Rear 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

_ame

handle

J

Raise Wheels for Low Cut Lever

Bag handle

I

7