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  9. Craftsman 917.38862 User manual

Craftsman 917.38862 User manual

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STERWINS ELM2-36P-3W.4 Assemby - Use - Maintenance Manual

STERWINS

STERWINS ELM2-36P-3W.4 Assemby - Use - Maintenance Manual

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Owner's Manual
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.388620
• Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
• Maintenance
•Espa_ol
•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
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10
Maintenance ....................................... 10
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 14
Storage ............................................... 15
Troubleshooting ................................. 16
Repair Parts ........................................ 35
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
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 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 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 dghts, 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 starling. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before
starling.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating pads. 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.
• 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-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
setting or overspeed the engine.
3
ALook for this symbo! to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!r BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where itcannot contact spark
plug.
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related ecceseodes 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.
These accessorieswere availablewhen this lawn mowerwas produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also availableat mostSears retailoutletsand service
centers. Most Sears storescan alsoorderrepairparts for you, when you providethe model
number of your lawnmower. Some of these accessoriesmay not applyto your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
_1 GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEEL_
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. A!l 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 corners 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 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,
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
3. 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 _.
controlbar _f_ Liftu_;,_"_
Upper handle _//// S" /;_'
_.___:_ Mowing
°siti°n
Lowerhandle
3-Position
handle
,, , adjustment
bracket
Handle
pin
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
LAWNMOWER, Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyoumelf
withthe locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save thismanual forfuture
reference.
These symbols may appearon your lawn mower or in literature suppliedwiththe
product. Learnand understandtheirmeaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER. KEEP HANDS
CA WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presencecontrolbar
Engine zone control cable
Handle knob
Engine oil cap with Gasoline filler cap
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped without oil or gasoline in the
engine.
Wheael adjuster
(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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns 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 carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.
Starter handle -used for starting the
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
_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 fawn 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. PlateTab
LowerWheelslfor High Cutm,,,__ I
"_ _.ever
RaiseWheels forLowCut
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mutcher.Toconvertto bagging:
REAR BAGGING
•Liftrear door of the lawn mower and place
the grass catcherframe hooksonto the
doorpivot pins.
•To convertto mulchingoperation,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.
Pivotpins Grass catcher
handle
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.
handle "_ I_,
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
ADDOIL
Yourlawnmowerisshippedwithoutoilin
theengine. 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 lawnmowar 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 road 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 ever./25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
•Fillfuel 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.
_, 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 __._=_l..._ _'- Gasolinefiller
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 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.
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 run the
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.
•For side discharge lawn mowers,
cutting in a counter-clockwise direction,
starting at the outside of the area to be
cut, spreads grass clippings more
evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the
first cuts in a clockwise direction.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less gross.
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 MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. 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 biodegrode quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
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 gross. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
•Certain types of gross 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 perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.
•Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and groining of the lawn.
MAX 1_
9
AS YOU COMPLETE JO_'_'_ _,-_/_._ _""I'/_"."_ _ "_ 0v .
REGULAR SERVICE _._/_._ _=f_ERVICE DATES
Check forLoose Fasteners M _'
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
M(If Equipped) II/ II/ I_
Clean Lawn Mower V'
Clean Under Drive CoverfPower-Propelled Mowers)
Check drive beri!pulleys
S(Power-Prot_dled Mowers) II_
Check/Sharpen/Replace Sl_de f//$
Lubrication Chart I_
_lean Battery/Recha •
Etactdc Start Mowe_jr_ It/ I_1
E 3hack Engine Oil Level
NChange EngineOil I/1,2 --
G Clean Air Filter if 2
I Inspect Muffler l#/
Ni Clean or Replace Spark Rug (p/
E Replace Air Filtar Paper Cartridge II/=
1 Change mote often when operating under a _leavy load or _nhigh ambient temperatures
2. _er,_pce more often when operat_lg _n diny ¢r dusly conditions
3. Replace blades more otten whe_ mowing in _ndy sod.
4. Gharg e 48 hours at end of _ason.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does
not cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty,
operator must maintain mower as
instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your
unit.
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual
should be checked at least once each
season.
•Once a year, replace the spark plug,
clean or replace air filter element and
check blade for wear. A new spark
plug and clean/new air filter element
assures proper air-fuel mixture and
helps your engine run better and last
longer.
•Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated(See "LUBRI-
CATIONCHART").
LUBRICATIONCHART
•)Wheel adjuster
\
dl _)Brake
spring
bracket
_Handle bracket
mounting pin
(I) Refer to maintenance "Engine" section.
_) Spray lubricant
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri-
cants will attract dust and dirt that will
shorten the life of the self-lubricating
bearings, if you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
10