Craftsman 917389611 Owner’s Manual

-Owner's Manual

JCRAFTSMAWJ

6.0 HORSEPOWER

21" MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389611

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines whichare certifiedto comply with Califomia and U.S. EPA emissionregulations
for SORE (SmallOff Road Equipment),are certifiedto operate on regular unleadedgasoline,and
includethe followingemissioncontrol systems:Engine Modification(EM), and Three-way

Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).
AVISO: Los motores homologadospara cumplir con la reglamentacibnsobre emisionesde

Californiay de la Agencia de Protecci6nAmbientalestadounidense (EPA) para equipos
pequeSos no circulantes(SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo,e incluyenlos
siguientessistemas de control de emisiones:modificaci6ndel motor (EM) y catalizadorde tdpls
acci6n (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).

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

findthe life periodspecificationfor your engine, please matchone of the following letterswiththe

letter pdnted on your D.O.M. decal:(C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.
La calcomanfa D.O.M. incluyeespecificacionessobre la duracibndel motor pare el periodode

vida _til de su motor relaccionadocon emisiones.Este periodo se relaciona con la duraci6n en
conformidad con las emisionesseg,',nIo certificadopot EPNCARB. Para hallar la especificacibn

del periodode vida de su motor,mire cu&lde las siguientesletras viene impresa en su
calcomanra D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas,(A) 500 horas.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating thisequipment

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 .................................... 1013

LIMITED "rWOYEAR 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.

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

Service and Adjustments ................ 13-14

Storage ........................................... 14-15

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 substant0al 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
accessodes. Only use accessories

approved by the manufacturer.

2

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
" drives,walks,orroads.

• 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.

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. 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

3 setting or overspeed the engine.

&Look for this symbol to point out

" important safety precautions. It means

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

_, 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.

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

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. Wash

hands after handling.

_1,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.

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

'

MULCHER KITS

FOR

_1 GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR RLTERS

©

BLADE ADAPTERS 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 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 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 thoreugly 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.

controlbar
Upper

Lift

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a muicher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual.

5

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 DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

control bar

Engine zone controlcable

knob

Gasoline fillercap

Starter handle

Airfilter

Grass

Mulcher door

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
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 held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to
discharge or bagging operation.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used for starting the

6 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.

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 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 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

Raise Wheels for Low Cut Lever

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, " Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

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 prepped

open.

7

Discharge

Mulcher door

Open mulcher door

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 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.

A 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.

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.

Gasoline

filler cap

Engine
oilcap

8