Craftsman 917389610 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'I

6.0 HORSEPOWER

21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389610

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

= Espafiol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with Califomia and U.S. EPA emission regulations

for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and

include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).

AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la reglarnentacibn sobre emisienes de
California y de la Agancia de Proteccibn Ambiental estadounidense (EPA) para equipes

pequer_os no cimulantes (SORE) funoienan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emisiones: modificaoi6n 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 pedod of
your engine. This pedod relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPA/CARB. To
find the llfe pedod 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 especificaciones sobre la duraci6n del motor para el perlodo de

vide 0til de su motor rolaccienado con emisiones. Esto periedo se reieciona con la duracibn on

conformidad con las emisiones seg0n Io certificado per EPNCARB. Para hallar ie ospeciflcecibn

del porlodo de vida de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su

calcomanla 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

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

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

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

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

LIMITED "rwo 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.

Product Specifications ........................ 1!

Service and Adjustments .................... 13

Storage ............................................... 14

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

Repair Parts ........................................ 34

Pads Ordedng ..................... Back Cover

IfthisCraftsman LawnMower is usedfor commercialorrentalpurposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn dudng 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 CentedOepartment in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in use in the United States.

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

Seam, 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

2 approved by the manufacturer.

• Stopthe 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-prapelled 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.

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. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exemise 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

3 setting or overspeed the engine.

ALook for 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.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth

detects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.

,_ 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.

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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE _

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

i

4

Readtheseinstructionsandthismanualin
itsentiretybeforeyouattempttoassemble

oroperateyournewlawnmower.
IMPORTANT:Thislawnmowerisshipped

WITHOUTOILORGASOLINEinthe

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 complete

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 clown 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 presence
control bar

Upper

LiftUl

Mowing position

Lowerhandle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, sea 'q'oconvert

mower" in the OPERATION section of this

manual.

KNOW YOUR 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 DAN_ER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control
bar

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Engine oil cap

with dipstick Wheel adjuster

, each wheel)

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

ine zone control cable

Gasoline filler cap

Lawn mower housing

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 Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

be 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 operationof anylawn
mowercan resultin

foreign objectsthrowninto
theeyes, whichcanresult

in severeeye damage.

Alwayswearsafety glassesor eye
shieldswhileoperatingyour lawn mower
or performingany adjustmentsor repairs.

We recommenda widevisionsafety

maskoverspectaclesor standardsafety
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
_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
tums 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'R'ING 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 HighCut

Pla_

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging:

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 dis-
charge 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-
1, Rear door closed,

2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.
_kCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rear door closed or
approved grass catcher in place.

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped

open.

Raise Wheels for LowCut

Mulcher

door

7

Open

Mulcher Door

Discharge
deflector

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 fill to 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.

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 dudng 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 Instructionsfor
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.

Engine oil _. I _._ Gasoline filler

cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dudng the initial use of the

product and should be considered
normal.

t. 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.

2. 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

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdming 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.

8