Craftsman 917389680 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIIFTSMgW I

6.75 HORSEPOWER

21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389680

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engineswhichare certifiedto complywith Californiaand US EPA emission regulations

for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment),are certifiedto operate on regularunleadedgasoline
and include the followingemisstoncontrol systems: Engine Modification(EM), and Three-way

Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped)

AVOSO: Los motoreshomologadospara cumplircon la reglamentaci6nsobre emisionesde

Californiay de la Agenciade Pretecci6n Ambientalestadounidense(EPA) para equipos
pequeSosno circulantes(SORE) funcionancon gasolina normal sinplomo, e incluyenlos

siguientessistemas de controlde emisiones:modificaci6ndel motor (EM) y catalizadorde triple
acci6n (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo)

The D.O.M. decal includesengine life specificationsfor the emissions-relatedusefullife period of

yourengine. This periodrelates to the emission compliancelife as certified by EPNCARB. To
findthe life periodspecificationfor your engine, please matchone of thefo owng letterswith the
letter pdnted on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.

La calcomania D.O.M. incluyeespecificacionessobre la duraci6n del motorpare el periodode
vida t3tilde sumotorrelaccionadocon emisiones. Este periodo se relacionacon la duraci6nen
conformidadcon las emisionesseg_n Io certificadopot EPNCARB. Pare hallar la especificacibn
del perfodo de vida de su motor,mire cudl de las siguientesletras 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 operatingthis equipment

Sears, Roebuckand Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179

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

• Stopthe blade(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.

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 aceassories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at mostSears 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 of these 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 BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

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 comers 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.

Operator
controlbar

Lift u

tg

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

DR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

presence controlbar

control cable

Starter

Gasoline fillercap

Airfilter

Grass catcher

Primer

Muffler

Engine oil cap

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.
Sta.rter handle, used for starting the

engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold 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

_,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

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.

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to begging :
REAR BAGGING

• Lilt raar 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 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

frame

handle

_---_'_L°werWheels for High Cu_

Raise Wheels for Low Cut Lever

Bag

I

7