Craftsman 917.388320 User manual

Owner's Manual
[RRFTSMRN°
5.5 HO
21" LTi=CUT
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
_ Model No.
917.388320
, Safety
• Assembly
° Operation
oMaintenance
oEspaSol
° Repair Parts
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 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 34
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOVVER
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.
o 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.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Safety standards require operator
presence control to minimize the risk of
injury. Your unit is equipped with cuch
controls, do not attempt to defeat the
function of the operator presence controls
under any circumstances.
TRAINING:
°Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop
mower.
•Do not allow children to use your
mower. Never allow adults to use
mower without proper instructions.
o Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this
manual.
° Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage _epaired before
using your mower.
• Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous°
° The blade turns when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
° Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects wilt be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.
oAlways wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower,
Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open
°
2

sandals. Wear onlysolidshoeswith
goodtraction when mowing.
o Checkfuel tank beforestarting engine°
Do not fill gas tank indoors,whenthe
engine is runningor whenthe engineis
hot. Allowthe engineto coolfor several
minutesbeforefilling the gastank.
Clean off any spilled gasolinebefore
startingthe engine.
o Always make wheel height adjustments
beforestarting your mower. Never
attemptto dothis whilethe engineis
running.
• Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
o Keepyour eyes and mindon your
mowerandthe areabeing cut. Do not
letother interestsdistractyou.
° Do not mowwet orslipperygrass.
Never run while operatingyour mower°
Alwaysbe sureof your footing- keepa
firm holdon the handlesand walk.
° Do not puthands orfeet nearor under
rotatingparts. Keepclearof the
dischargeopeningat alL-times.
° Always stop the enginewheneveryou
leaveor are not using your mower,or
before crossingdriveways,walks,
roads, and any gravel-coveredareas.
o Never direct dischargeof material
toward bystandersnor allow anyone
near the mowerwhile you are operating
it.
• Beforecleaning, inspecting,or repair-
ing your mower,stopthe engineand
make absolutelysure the blade and all
movingpartshave stopped. Then
disconnectthe spark plug wire and
keepit awayfromthe sparkplugto
preventaccidentalstarting.
o Do not continueto runyour mowerif
you hita foreign object. Followthe
procedureoutlined above,then repair
any damagebefore restartingand
operatingyour mower°
° Do not change thegovernorsettings or
overspeedthe engine. Engine damage
or personalinjury may result.
° Do notoperateyour mowerif it vibrates
abnormally. Excessivevibration is an
indicationof damage; stopthe engine,
safely checkfor the causeof vibration
and repairas required.
° Do not run the engineindoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Nevercut grass by pullingthe mower
towardsyou. Mowacrosstheface of
slopes, neverup anddownoryou
mightloseyour footing. Donot mow
excessivelysteepslopes. Usecaution
when operatingthe moweron uneven
terrain or when changingdirections-
maintaingood footing.
° Neveroperate your mowerwithout
properguards,plates, grasscatcheror
othersafety devicesin place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
•Check the blade and the engine
mounting bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
°Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent inten_als for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
°Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.
° Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of
your mower.
•Alwa_,s keep a sharp blade on your
....mower.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
°Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or an ignition
source such as ahot water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!
BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED.
p_ugCAUTiON: Always disconnect spark
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING: The engine exhaust from
product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
3

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and se_ce
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 ,MO,WER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR D!SCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
J,,, ,,,,,....
MULCHER KITS
ii iiiiiiii III IIIIIIIJ III
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
.AWN MOWER MAINTENANCE , ...................
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
.............. ill ill
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
AIR FILTERS
WHEELS
SPARKPLUGS
ENGINE OIL
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. 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 neceso
san] to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc. neces-
san] to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
oRemove loose parts included with
mower.
o Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flat.
°Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts_
4

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
o
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
o Raise lower handle section to operating
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.
Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
,, Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
= Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator
presence
control bar
Upper
handle
Lift up
Lower
handle
up
Mowing
position
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, see '9-oconvert
mower" in the OPERATION section of this
manual_
5

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S M_NUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING'/OUR LAWN
MOWER, Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
!_tion 0f various contro_ and adjustments. Save _is,m_ual 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
J,, ,,, ,,,,,u,H iii UUlUU'UI'UUU','JL_,'_,_..,, ,_,
Throttle/choke
control Operator presence control
bar
Starter Engine zone control cable
Handle knob
Grass
filler cap
valve
Engine oil cap
with dipstick J
Mulcher door Lawn mower housing
IMPORTANT; This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the Wheel adjuster
engine, (on each wheel)
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 Commission. The blade
tums when the engine is running,
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Primer- pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the engine, carburetor to the cylinder for use when
Release to stop the engine, 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 is controlled by a
throttle control located on the side of the
upper handle. Choke position is for
starting a cold engine and fast position is
for normal cutting, trimming, and better
grass bagging. Slow position is for light
cutting, trimming and fuel economy.
Fast _ Slow
Choke 1\I ,:-',
,_";;
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.
, "Yourlawn 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 CLrtand lower wheels
for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
•To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is propedy 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.
Lower Wheels for High Cut
Lever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
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 dosed.
• Open mulcher door and install discharge
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 -
°Rear door closed.
oMulcher door dosed.
FOR REAR BAGGING-
°Grass catcher installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
•Rear door dosed.
o Side discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
out rear door closed or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
7

\
Open
Mulcher Door
Mulcher
door
Discharge
deflector
GAS
,, Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
a_coWARNING: Experience indicates that
hot blended fuels (called gasohot 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 fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuet lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
:Gasoline filler cap
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil
in the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
•Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
upper limit mark on dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 18 1/2 ozs. of oil. For
type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of
this manual.
o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
•Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to the upper limit mark
on dipstick.
•To read proper level, insert the dipstick
into the tube and rest engine oil cap on
the tube. Do pot thread the cap onto
the tube. Remove and read the oil
level.
o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after ever,./25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions_
Oil filler
cap
Oil filler cap/dipstick
8

TO START ENGINE
= Turn fuel valve to ON position.
° To start a cold engine, move handle
mounted throttle/choke control lever to
choke position.
o Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
o Slowly move throttle control lever to
fast position after engine starts.
= To start a warm engine, move throttle
control lever to fast or slow position
then follow steps above.
•To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar. Wait until blade
and all moving parts have stopped and
turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do
not intend to restart the engine soon.
OI3
Fuel Valve lever
MOWINGTIPS
•Under certain conditions, such as very tall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the
height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of grass clippings, it may
also be necessary to reduce ground speed
and/or runthe lawn mower over the area a
second time.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously cut
path and mow slowly.
°For better grass bagging and most cutting
conditions, the engine speed should be set
in the fast position.
° Pores in cloth grass catchers can become
fitled with dirt and dust with use and
catchers will collect less grass. To prevent
this, regularly hose catcher off with water
and let dry before using.
° Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT; For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
HOUSING after each use° See "Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
, The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch w?[hyour highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide
the best recutting action of the blades.
°Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newly
cut area will not be exposed to the direct
sun.
,For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass
blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be
necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from
overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut,
mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn
mower one wheel adjuster setting higher
than the front.
•Certain types of grass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
•Change your cutting pattern from week to
weeP,.Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This
will help prevent matting and graining of
the lawn.
Max I/3
9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
ASYOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Checkfor Loose,.Fasteners
Clean/InspectGrassCatcher
(if Equipped) _ q_'
iM.cZeanLawnMower ...........
iO Clean UnderDdve Cover
(Power-PropelledMowers) 1_' ...........
WCheckdrive belt/pulleys
(P0wer_PropelledMowers) t_'
, , ii --- = ,,
iRCheckJSharpenlRePtace Blade.......... _3
LubricationChart ........................... b#'
,,,,,,,.....................
CleanBatterj/Rechar! e
(Electric Start,Mowers I_
ECheckEngineOil Level ........................._ , ,
NChange EngineOil _1.2
G€iean AirFilter .................=....... ,, I_' =
IInspect Muffler
Ncleaner ReplaceSpark Plug
E ReplaceAirFilterPaper Cartridge _2
t - Change more often when operating under a h_vy load or in htcjhambient temperatures°
2-Service mere ellen when operating in dirty or dustyconditions
3-Replace bladas more often when mowing in sandy"soil
4-Charge 48 hours at end of season
SERVICE DATES
I
v"
v',
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyon this lawn mowerdoes not
coveritemsthat have been subjected to
operatorabuse or negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefrom the warranty,operatormust
maintain moweras instnJctedinthis manuaJ.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodicallyto properly maintain your unit.
All adjustmentsinthe Service and
Adjustments section of this manual shouldbe
checked at least once each season°
° Once a year, replace the spark plug,
replaceair filterelement and check blade
for wear. Anew spark plug and dean/new
air filterelement assures properair-fuel
mixture and helps your engine run better
and lastlonger.
,Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
•Check engine oil level
° Check forloose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unitwell lubricated(See "LUBRICATION
CHART").,
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjusters
door bracket
hinge mounting pin
(_ SPRAY LUBRICANT
(_) SAE 30 MOTOR OIL. REFER TO
ENGINE - MAINTENANCE SECTION.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt that will shorten the lifeof the self
lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
10