Craftsman 917.389260 User manual

Owner's Manual
£RI FTSM IN"
4.0 HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.389260
• 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 webslts: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly ......... ;.................................... 4
Operation .._........................................... 6
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10
:Maintenance ......................................... 10
Product Specifications.......................... 11
Service and Adjustments ...................... 1L
Storage ................................................. 1(
Troubleshooting ................................... 1;
Repair Pads .......................................... 3(
Parts Ordedng ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For one year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and.tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmar
ship.
!f 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 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.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhict
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Safety standards require operator
presence controls to minimize the
dsk of injury. Your unit is equipped
with such 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 controlsand
know how to operate your mower
property.Leam how to quicklystop
mower.
•Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions;
•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. 2
•Do not operate mower ifithas been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before
using your mower.
•Do not use accessory attachmentsthat
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of suchattachments may be
hazardous.
•The blade tums when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
•Always thoroughlycheck the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.
•Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
•Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solidshoes with goodtraction
when mowing.

•Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not flUgas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
hot. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank, Clean
off any spilled gasoline before starting
the engine,
•Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never
attempt to do this while the engine is
running.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
•Keep your eyes and mind on your
mower and the area being cut. Do not let
other interests distract you.
• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone
near the mower while you are operating
it.
•Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from
the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
•Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
•Do not run the engine indoors, Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
•Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you
might lose your footing. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions
maintain good footing.
•Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine
mounting bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
•Chock all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals 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.
•Always keep asharp 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 art ignition
source such as a hot water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
ALook for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!I YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_I=CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug 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 this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
3

These accessorieswere availablewhen thislawnmower was produced.They are not
shipped with your mower.They are alsoavailableatmostSears retailoutletsand service
centers. MostSears storescan alsoorder repairpartsforyou,whenyou providethe model
numberofyourlawnmower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplyto yourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REARDISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
' SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES "BLADE ADAPTERS
AIR RLTERS
WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Readthese instmclJonsand this manualin its
entiretybeforeyou attempttoassen_le or
operateyournew lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mowerisshipped
WITHOUT OILOR GASOLINE intheengine.
Your new _.wn mower has been assembled
at the factorywiththe exceptionof those parts
leftunassembledfor shippingpuq0eaes. All
paris suchas nuts.washers,bolts,etc.,
necessaryto completethe assemblyhave
beenplacedinthapartsI:_.To ensuresafe
and properoperationof yourlawn mower,all
parts and hardwareyou assemblemust be
tightenedsecurely. Use the correcttoolsas
necessaryto ensure propertightness.
TO REMOVE LAWNMOWER FROM
CARTON
•Remove leose partsincludedwith mower.
•Cut downtwoendcomers of cadonand
lay end panel downflat.
• Remove all_ng materialsexcept
padding between upper and lower handle
and _helding operatorpresence
controlbar to upperhandle.
•Rolllawn moweroutof cartonand check
carlenthoroughly foradd'_ionailoose
parts.
4

HOWTOSET UPYOUR LAWNMOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlescarefullyso as
notto pinchor damage controlcables.
•Raise handles untillowerhandle section
locksintoplace in mowingposition.
•Remove protectivepadding,raiseupper
handlesectionintoplace on lowerhandle
and_htenbothhan_ knobs.
•Remove handle paddingholdingoperator
presencecontrolbar to upper handle.
•Your lawn mowerhandlecan be adjusted
foryourmowingcomforL Referto"Adjust
Handle"in the ServicearidAdjustment
sectionof this manual.
Operator presence contro_
bar
Upperhandle
Liftup
IMowing
position
Lower handle
5

I_IOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ'I'HIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
_:x;atigq _f various controls and adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.
"ll_eee_/mbols may_er an yourImm mow_ or In limmtum_pl_l w_hIhe pmducLI._mm_
u_md _hm meting.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Engine zone control cable
Starter handle
Grass
Handle knob
Gasoline cap
Primer
Housing
Engine oil
cap w/
dipstick
IMPORTANT: Thislawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine. Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Seam 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
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.
Primer -pumps additionalfuelfrom the
carburetortothe cylinderfor usewhen
starlinga cold engine.
Starter handle - usedforstartingtheengine.
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 awide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR 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 CUTFING HEIGHT
•Raise wheels for low cut and .towerwheels
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 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
Lower Wheels for High Cutr..aL _ _,__.._
ovor
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
• Cloee the lifttop lid. Uft top lidmust be
closed while operating lawn mower.
•Lift the rear door on the mower housing
and place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge
bracket.
•The grass catcher issecured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
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.
Hinge Rear door
Grass catcher
frame
We
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
•To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.
•Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawnmower isshippedwithoutoilin
theengine.
•Be sum moweris leveland area aroundoU
fillisofean.
•Remove engine oil plug and fill to the
top of slot in filler hole.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading.
• Enginehoids 20ozs. of oil. Fortypeand
grade ofoilto use,see "ENGINE" in
Maintenancesectionofthis manual.
•Pouroil slowly. Do notoverfill.
•Check oillevelbeforeeach use. Add oil if
needed.
•Change the oil afterevery 25 hoursof
operationor each season. You may need
tochange the oilmore oftenunderdusty,
dirtyconditions.
ADD GASOMNE
•RII fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
urdeadedgasolinewithaminimumof 87
octane. Do notmix oilwith gasoline.
Purchasefuel in quantitiesthatcan be
usedwithin30 daysto assurefuel
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 Instructionsfor
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
fillerneck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline filler cap
Engine oilcap
TO START ENGINE
•To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tryingto start.
Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an
engine which has already run for a few
minutes.
•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, release Operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather 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

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.
•When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
•If atrail of clippings is lefton the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow i=
a clockwise direotion with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.
•Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less gras_
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher
off with water and let dry before using.
•Keep top of engine around starter clea
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
9

AS YOU COMPLETE ___x_"_O_J_oC)_'__€,x_/ ._ _'_ Ox'_,
ir
CheckforLooseFasteners I/ _i I__1/
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) 1/ !
M cleanLawnMower 1/
O Clean UnderDrive Cover
W (Power.Propelled Mowers) I/
E Checkdrive belt/pulleys
R (Power-PropelledMowers) I_
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _t_3
LubricationChart I/
!Clean Battery/Recharge
IElectric Start Mowers/I/ I/4
ECheck EngineOil Li 1/
iNChange Engine Oil _t
G.,leanAir Filter
IInspectMuffler
Check EngineOil Level
Clean Air Filter
Cleanor ReplaceSpark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
1-Changemoreoftenwhenopera,rigundera heavyloadorinhighambienttemperatures.
2- Sen,icemoreoftenwheno_era_g in dirtyor duslycoP_ons.
3-ReplacebladesmoreoftenwhenmowingInsandysoil.
4. Chenge48 hoursat endof season.
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,
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
• Check engine oil level.
•Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
TION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) Wheel adjuster
spring
bracket
Rear door hinge
(_) Handle bracket mounting pin
(_) Spray lubricant
_) Referto Maintenance "ENGINE" section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirtthat willshorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
10

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER
SERIALNUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):
OIL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030" I
VALVE CLEARANCE:
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP:
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
917,389260
1.25 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 IBELOW 32°F)
20 OZS.
CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
INTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: .004- .008
.0125 IN.
35-40 FT. LBS.
•The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
TIRES
•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts,sharp
objects and other hazards that may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
• Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or
wrap blade with heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
•Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened
washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
•Position the blade adapter on the
engine crankshaft. Be sure key in
adapter and crankshaft keyway are
aligned.
•Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
•Be sure the trailing edge of blade
(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
•Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
•Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolt, turning clockwise.
•The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
11

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will
cause eventual damage to lawn mower or
engine.
•The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, drive a nail
into a beam or wall. Leave about one
inch of the straight nail exposed. Place
center hole of blade over the head of
the nail. If blade is balanced, it should
remain in a horizontal position. If either
end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade
is balanced. Crank
Blade shaft
ada
Key
Btade
bolt \shaft
Lock Blade
washer Hardened edge adapter
washer
GRASS CATCHER
•The grasscatchermay be hosedwith
water, butmustbe drywhen used.
•Check yourgrasscatcheroftenfor
damage or deterioration. Throughnormal
use itwillwear. If catcherneeds replacing,
replace onlywith a manufacturerapproved
replacementcatcher. Givethe lawn
mower model number when ordering.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20" -I0" O" 16" 20"
_'_PERATURE RANGE ANTIOPA'n_ BEFORE NEXT OF. CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosityoils
will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running
low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil
level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
•Disconnect spark plugwire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
•Be sure lawn mower is on level
surface.
•Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•Catch oil in a suitable container.
•Remove bottom oil drain plug.
•After oil has drained completely,
replace oil drain plug and tighten
securely.
•Refill engine with oil. Pour slowly. Do
not over fill.
•Fillto top of slot inside of filler hole.
•Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Drainplug
12

AIR FILTER
Yourenginewillnotrun propedyand may
bedamagedbyusingadirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more
often if you mow in very dusty, dirty
conditions. Do not wash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
• Remove the air filter by turning counter-
clockwise to the stop and pull away
from collar
• Remove filter from inside of cover
• Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt accumulation.
• Insert new filter into cover
•Put air fitter cover and filter into collar
aligning the tab with the slot.
•Push in on cover and turn clockwise to
tighten.
Collar
Clip
Trun counter
clockwise to
tighten
sl&
Airfilter
N,r _tter cover
"rum
clockwise to
remove
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as It
could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Change your spark plug each year to make
your engine st.arteasier and run better. Set
sparkpluggapat .030inch.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. Clean the underside of
your mower after each use.
ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with the spark
plug.
•Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make sure air
fitter and carburetor are up. Clean the
underside of your lawn mower by scraping
to remove build-up of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of
all gasoline, oil,etc.
•Wedonot recommend using a garden
hose to clean lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water out.
Water in engine can result in shortened
engine_e.
13

ACAUTION: Before performing any
service and adjustments:
•Release control bar and stop engine.
•Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place where it cannot come in
contact with plug.
LAWNMOWER
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
See "TOADJUST CUTI'ING HEIGHT" inthe
Operationsectionofthismanual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector,attached betweenthe rear
wheelsof your lawnmower,is providedto
minimizethe possibilitythat objectswillbe
thrown outthe rearofthe lawnmowerintothe
operator'smowingposition. Ifthe rear
deflector becomes damaged, itshouldbe
replaced.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The handle can be mounted in a high or
low position. The mounting holes in the
bottom of lower handle are off center for
raising or Ioweringthe handle.
•Remove upper handle and all parts
attached to lower handle.
•Remove hairpin cotters from lower
handle bracket mounting pin.
•Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mounting pins.
•Turn lower handle over to raise or lower
handle.
•Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mounting pins on handle
bracket.
•Reassemble upper handle and all parts
removed from lower handle.
Mowing ., Mowing .,
position F-_ position /-_
, , o/,
Low position High position
.Jk
-_ Lower
Rotate _handle
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
•Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.
•Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let itdry before using.
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.
Catcher frame
\
Rigid Bottom
14

ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set.
Do not attempt to increase engine speed
or itmay resultin personal injury. If you
believe that the engine is running too fast
or too slow, take your lawn mower to an
authorized service center for repair and
adjustment.
CARBURETOR
Your carburetor has a non-adjustable
fixed main jet for mixture control, if your
engine does not operate propedy due to
suspected carburetor problems, take your
lawn mower to an authorized service
center for repair and/or adjustment.
IMPORTANT: never tamper with the
engine governor, which is factory set for
proper engine speed. Overspeeding the
engine above the factory high speed
setting can be dangerous, if you think the
engine-governed high speed needs
adjusting, contact your nearest authorzed
service center, which has proper
equipment and experience to make any
necessary adjustments.
15

ImrnedBtelyprepare yourlawn mowerfor
atorage atthe endof theseasonor ifthe unit
wiifnet be usedfor 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn moweristobe storedfor a period
oftinie,cleanitthoroughly,removealldirt,
grease,leaves,etc. Storeina dean, dryarea.
•Clean entirelawn mower (See "CLEAN-
tNG"inthe Maintenancesectionofthis
manual).
•Lubricateas shown in the Maintenance
sectionofthis manual.
•Be surethat allnuts,bolts,screws,and pins
are securelyfastened. Inspect moving
partsfor damage, breakage and wear.
Replace ifnecessary.
•Touch up all rustodor chippedpaint
surfaces;sand lightly before painting.
HANDLE
Youcan fold yourlawnmowerhandlefor
storage.
•Squeeze the bottomends ofthe lower
handletowardeach other untilthe lower
handledears the handlebracket,then
move handleforward.
•Loosenupper handle mountingbolts
enoughto allowupperhandleto be folded
back.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handlefor
storageor transportation,be suretofoldthe
handleas shown or you any damage the
controlcables.
• When settingup your handlefrom the
=orage position,the lowerhandlewill
automaticallylock intothe mowingposition.
Squeeze to fold
_b L°wer
eHandle
racket
Hairpin
cotter
Operator presence control bar
\
Fold foward
for storage _
Lower
handle "_"
Upper
_h!ndle
_old
_/'M(_n: ackward
position
ENGINE
FUELSYSTEM
IMPORTANT: Itis important to prevent gum
deposits from forming in essential fuel system
parts such as carburetor, f fuel filter,fuel hose
or tank dudng storage. Also, experience
indicates that alcohol blended fuels ( called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation and
formation of adds during storage. Acidic gas
can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.
•Drain the fuel tank.
•Stad the engine and let itrun until the fuel
lines and cerburetor are empty,
•Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
•Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
aitemative in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer
to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
Always follow the mix ratiofound on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes
after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to
reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
16

ENGINEOIL
Drainoil (withenginewarm) and replacewith
cleanengineoil. (See "ENGINE" inthe
Maintenance sectionofthis manual).
CYUNDER
• Remove sparkplug.
•Pourone ounce (29 ml) ofoilthrough spark
plughole intocylinder.
•Pullstarterhandleslowlya few timesto
distributeoil.
• Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
*Do notstore_asoline from one seasonto
another.
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
Does not start
LOSS Of power
Poor cut - uneven
•Replaca your_cen if yourcen
startsto rusL Rustand/ordirtinyour
gasolinewill cause problems.
• Ifpossible,store your unitindoorsand
coverit togiveprotectionfromdustand di
•Cover yourunitwith asuitableprotective
covertha_doesnot retainmoisture. Do
notuseplastic. Plasticcannotbreathe
whichallowscondensation to form and
cause yourunitto rust.
IMPORTANT: Never covermowerwhile
engine end exhaustareas are stillwarm.
_,CAUTION: Never store the lawn
mower with gasoline in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an ope
flame or spark. Allow the engineto cool
before storing in any enclosure.
1. Dirty air filter.
2. Out of fuel.
3. Stale fuel.
4. Water in fuel.
5. Spark plug wire is
disconnected.
6. Bad spark plug.
7. Loose blade or broken blade
adapter.
8..Control bar in released
I position.
L9. Control bar defective.
1. Rear of lawn mower housing
or cutting blade dragging
in heavy grass.
2. Cuffing too much grass.
3. Dirty air filter.
_,.Buildup of grass, leaves,
and trash under mower.
5. Too much oil in engine.
6. Walking speed too fast.
1. Worn, bent or loose blade.
2. Wheel heights uneven.
3. Buildup of grass, leaves
and trash under mower.
CORRECTION
1. Clean/replace air filter.
2. Fill fuel tank.
3. Drain tank and refillwith
fresh clean fuel.
4. Drain fuel tank and
carburetor and refilltank
with fresh gasoline.
5. Connect wire to plug.
6. Replace spark plug.
7. Tighten blade bolt or
replace blade adapter.
!8. Depress control bar to
handle.
9. Replace control bar.
1. Set to "Higher Cut"
position.
2. Set to =Higher Cut"
position.
3. Clean/replace air filter.
4. Clean underside of mower
housing.
5. Check oil level.
6. Cut at slower walking
speed.
1. Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.
2. Set all wheels at same
height
3. Clean underside of
mower housing.
17

TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART
Starter rope hard
to pul_
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Excessive 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace blade. Tighten
vibration blade bolt.
2. Bent engine crankshaft. 2. Contact an authorized
service center.
Engine flywheel brake is on
when control bar is released.
,
2.
3.
4.
Bent engine crankshaft.
Blade adapter broken.
Blade dragging in grass.
1. Depress control bar to
upper handle before
pulling starter rope.
2. Contact an authorized
service center.
3. Replace blade adapter.
4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.
Grass catcher 1. Cutting height too low. 1. Raise cutting height.
notfilling(Ifso 2, Lift on blade worn off, 2. Replace blade.
equipped) 3. Catcher not venting air. 3. Clean grass catcher,
Hard to push 1. Raise cutting height.1. Grass istoo high or wheel
height is too low.
2. Rear of lawn mower
housing or blade dragging
in grass.
3. Grass catcher too full.
4. Handle height position not
rightfor you.
2. Raise roar of lawn mower
housing one (1) setting
higher.
3. Empty grass catcher.
4. Adjust handle height to
suit.
18

ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODEL NUMBER 917.389260
43
57
64
4O

ROTARY LAWN MOWER MODE LNU MBER 917.389260
KEY PART
NO. NO.
I 86902
2 165452)(479
4 132001
5 157081X479
7 131959
8 66426
9 51793
10 136376
11 156577
13 750097
14 850733X004
15 63601
17 147613
18 700357X479
19 150050
21 54583
22 700063X479
23 88652
24 700363X479
25 144875X479
26 14O657
28 1617573(479
29 161756X479
31 150078
32 700325X007
33 146630
34 128415
35 87877
36 700331X004
37 145935X004
38 62335
39 142748
40 151161
DESCRIPTION
ControlBar
UpperHandle
RopeGuide
LowerHande
HandlaBolt
WimTie
HairpinCotter
HandleKnob
EngineZoneControl Cable
Hex Washer Head Screw 10-24 x 1/2
Up-Stop Bracket
Keps Locknut 1/4-20
Rear DoorAssemblyKit
Back Plate
Self Tapping Screw 10-24 x 5/8
Hex HeadTapping Screw 1/4-20 x 1/2
Rear Baffle
Hinge Screw 1/4-20 x 1-1/4
Side Baffle
DischargeBaffle
Rear Deflector
Handle Bracket Assembly (Left)
Handle BracketAssembly(Right)
Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4
Wheel AdjustingBracket
Spacer
Pop Rivet
Selector Knob
SelectorSpdng
Axle ArmAssembly
BellavlllaWasher
ShoulderBolt
Wheel andTireAssembly
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
42 83923 Hex FlangeLocknut
43 77400 Hubcap
44 85463 Danger Decal
45 150406 Hex Head Thread RollingScrew 3/8-16 x 1
46 170496 Lawn Mower Housing(Incl. Key #18, 22, 24, 44, 50)
47 751592 Locknut3/8-16
50 170489 Front Baffle Kit
51 851084 Hex Head Machine Screw 3/8-24 x 1-3/8 (Grd. 8)
52 850263 HelicalLockwasher3/8
53 851074 Washer
54 850972 Blade20'
55 850977 BladeAdapter
56 88614 Tube Frame
57 166072 Grass Bag
58 Engine- (See Breakdown)Craftsman
Model 143.004002
60 74760612 Bolt
61 750913X004 AxleArm
62 61651 Washer
63 88348 Washer
64 151162 Wheel
65 57143 WaveWasher
66 17600406 ScrewHex
- - 161058 Warning Decal (NotShown)
- - 172577 Owner'sManual
Availableaceaasorlas not includedwithlawn mower:.
7133623 Gas Can (2.5 gal.)
7133500 FuelStabilizer
7133000 SAE 30W Oil (20 oz.)
7133417 DustShield
7133316 MowerCover
7133303 ChuteDeflector