Craftsman 917389620 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER

21 " MULTI-CUT

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389620

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

- Espafiol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with CalifomJa 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 centrol systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (if so equipped).

AVISO: Los motores homek>gados para cumplir con le reglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de

California y de la Agencle de Proteccl6n Ambiental estadeunidence (EPA) para equipos

pequefms no circulentes (SORE) funcionan con gasollea normal sin plomo, e incluyen los

siguientss 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
_our engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPA/CARB. To

find the/ire 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 calcemanfa D.O.M. induye espechlcaciones sobre la dura(;ibn del motor para el pedodo de
vida dtil de su motor relaccionade con emisiones. Este perlodo se relaciona con la duracibn en
conformidad con las emislenes segOn Io certificado por EPNCARB. Para hallar la especificacibn

del perfodo de vide de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su
celcomanfa 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.sears,com/craftsman

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

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

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

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

MaintenanceSchedule...................... 10

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

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of pumhase, 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.

ProductSpecifications........................ 11

Sewice and Adjustments.................... 13

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

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

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

PartsOrdering..................... Back Cover

IfthisCraftsmanLawnMoweris usedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thiswarranty
appliesfor only90 daysfrom thedate 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 retuming 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.

ThisWarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumay alsohave otherdghtswhich
varyfrom statetostate.

Seam, Roebuckand Co.,1:)/817WA, HoffmanEstates, Illinois60179

IMPORTANT: Thiscuttingmachineis capableofamputatinghandsandfeet 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. 2

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 substantla"I 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

,_lace.

ee manufacturer's instructions for

proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories

approved by the manufacturer.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencmseinggravel •

ddvas, 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 d_ight 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 starling the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should stad 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
r_otmow iL

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 drep-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.

• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not sled to the presence ot 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 tum machine off if children
enter the area.
Before and while walking backwards,

It>ok behind and down for small
children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine,

• Use extra care when approaching blind

comerS, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Usa 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 itJel

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 trom the plug to prevent acciden-

tal starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment botts, 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 debds build-up. Clean 0il or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to c001 before
storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restading.

* Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is

running.

• Grass catcher components are subiect

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 ovarspead the engine.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIH 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.

AIWARNING: 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 end

related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State
of Califomia 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 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 ere 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR HEAH DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

J

FOR

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHER _TS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

4

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read theseinstructionsand this manualin 3. Remove any packingmaterialfrom
itsentiretybeforeyou attemptto assemble
or operateyournewlawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawnmowerisshipped

WITHOUT OIL ORGASOLINE inthe

engine.

around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Yournew lawn mowerhas been as-
sembledat the factorywiththeexception controlbar
ofthosepartsleft unassembledfor Upperhandle

shippingpurposes.All partssuchas nuts,
washers,bolts,etc., necessaryto complete Liftup

the assemblyhave been placed inthe
partsbag.Toensuresafe and proper

Mowing

operationofyour lawnmower,all parts
_nd hardwareyou assemblemustbe

tightenedsecurely.Usethecorrecttoolsas

necessaryto ensure propertightness.

Lower handle

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Removelooseparts includedwith

mower.

Handle pin

2. Cutdowntwo end comersof carton

and layend paneldown flat. 3-Position

3. Removeall packingmaterialsexcept handleadjustment
paddingbetweenupper and lower bracket

handleend paddingholdingoperator
presencecontrolbar to upperhandle.

/

\

4. Rolllawn moweroutof cartonand
checkcarton thorouglyfor additional

looseparts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise lower handle section to operat-
ing 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,

2. Remove protective padding, raise

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

knobs.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, see 'To convert

mower" in the OPERATION section of this
manual.

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

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

• Operator presence control

bar

Handle knob

Grass

Gasoline filler cap

Engineoilcap

with.dipstick

(oneach wheel)

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

Lawn mowerhousincJ

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•

i

The operationof any lawn
mowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrowninto
the eyes,whichcan result

in severeeye damage.

Alwayswear safetyglassesor eye
shieldswhileoperatingyour lawn mower
or performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.

We recommenda widevisionsafety
maskover spectaclesor 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

a_nCAUTION: Federal regulations require

engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not under any

cimumstances 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 propedy positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole inlever.
Also, 9*position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the
p_atetabs.

LowerWheelsfor 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.

Pivotpins "_, _ _

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis-

ct'iarge 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.
_I_CAUTION: 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.

RaiseWheels forLow Cut

Mulcher
door

Open

Mulcher Door

Discharge

deflector

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Yourlawnrnowerisshippedwithoutoil in

theengine. Engineholds 20 oz.of oil.
Fortype and gradeofoil to use,see

"ENGINE" in Maintenancesectionofthis
manual.

1. Be sure lawnmowerisleveland area
aroundoil fillisclean.

2. Removeengineoilcap and filltothe
fulllineon the dipstick.Pouroilslowly.

Do notoverfill.

NOTE: Allowoilto settledown intoengine
for accuratereading.To read properlevel,

tightenengineoilcap, then removeitto

readthe dipstick.

3. Reinstallengine oilcap and tighten.

• Check oil level beforeeachuse. Add

oilif needed. Fillto fulllineondipstick.

• Changethe oilafter every25 hoursof

operationor each season. You may
need tochangethe oil moreoften

underdusty,dirtyconditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fillfueltank. Usefresh,clean, regular

unleadedgasolinewith a minimumof
87 octane. Do not mix oil withgaso-

line. Purchasefuel in quantitiesthat

can be usedwithin30 daysto 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 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

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered

normal.
1, 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 weether 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.

8