Craftsman 917.9994A User manual

446750 12.14.11 BY Printed in U.S.A.
Para pedir servicio de reparación
a domicilio, y para ordenar piezas:
1-888-SU-HOGAR®
(1-888-784-6427)
Au Canada pour service en français:
1-800-LE-FOYERMC
(1-800-533-6937)
www.sears.ca
To purchase a protection agreement (U.S.A.)
or maintenance agreement (Canada) on a product serviced by Sears:
1-800-827-6655 (U.S.A.) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)
Our Home
For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment,
and electronics, call or go on-line for the nearest
Sears Parts and Repair Center.
1-800-488-1222 Anytime, day or night (U.S.A. only)
www.sears.com
Your Home
For repair – in your home – of all major brand appliances,
lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems,
no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!
For the replacement parts, accessories and
owner’s manuals that you need to do-it-yourself.
For Sears professional installation of home appliances
and items like garage door openers and water heaters.
1-800-4-MY-HOME®Anytime, day or night
(1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A. and Canada)
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Get it fixed, at your home or ours!
© Sears Brands, LLC
® Registered Trademark / TM Trademark / SM Service Mark of Sears Brands, LLC
® Marca Registrada / TM Marca de Fábrica / SM Marca de Servicio de Sears Brands, LLC
MC Marque de commerce / MD Marque déposée de Sears Brands, LLC
Model No.
917.9994A
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Owner’s Manual
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
725 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled, Electric Start
22" Multi-Cut
Sears Brands Management Corp., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
• Español, p. 21

2
Warranty...................................................2
Safety Rules ..........................................2-4
Product Specifi cations..............................4
Assembly / Pre-Operation .....................6-7
Operation.............................................8-12
Maintenance Schedule...........................13
Maintenance......................................13-16
Service and Adjustments...................17-18
Storage..............................................18-19
Troubleshooting.................................19-20
Repair Parts.......................................40-47
Sears Service .......................... Back Cover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES
WARRANTY
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact
with plug.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents,andcertainvehiclecomponents
contain or emit chemicals known to the State
ofCaliforniatocausecancerandbirthdefects
or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: 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. Wash
hands after handling.
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.
CRAFTSMAN 2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY
For TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, this product is warranted against any
defects in material or workmanship. Defective product will receive free repair or
replacement if repair is unavailable.
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web site:
www.craftsman.com
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship.
Warranty coverage does NOT include:
• Expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty
period, such as blades, blade adapters, belts, filters or spark plugs.
• Product damage resulting from user attempts at product modification or repair
or caused by product accessories.
• Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain this
product according to all supplied instructions.
• Preventative maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture,
contaminated or stale fuel.
This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or
if rented to another person.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
51
SERVICE NOTES

50
SERVICE NOTES
3
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
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 dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by 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 bare-
foot 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.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochet back toward the opera-
tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• 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 ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the 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; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion 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 &
fall accidents which can result in severe in-
jury. 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 foot-
ing could cause slipping.
III. 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 ma-
chine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.

4
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• 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 accidental
starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment 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 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 set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Type (API SG–SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces
Spark Plug (Gap: .020") Champion RJ2YLE
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs.
• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears
Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
49
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
356 692390 Wire-Stop
358 590508 Gasket Set-Engine
365 691688 Screw (Carburetor)
404 690272 Washer (Governor Crank)
425 690670 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover)
443 692523 Screw
(Air Cleaner Primer Base)
445 491588s Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge
455 791960 Cup-Flywheel
456 692299 Plate-Pawl Friction
459 281505s Pawl-Ratchet
505 691251 Nut (Governor Control Lever)
523 499621 Dipstick
524 692296 Seal-Dipstick Tube
525 495265 Tube-Dipstick
562 691119 Bolt
(Governor Control Lever)
584 697734 Cover-Breather Passage
585 691879 Gasket
(Breather Passage)
592 690800 Nut (Rewind Starter)
597 691696 Screw (Pawl Friction Plate)
601 791850 Clamp-Hose (Black)
608 497680 Starter-Rewind
613 790833 Screw (Muffler)
615 690340 Retainer-Governor Shaft
616 698801 Crank-Governor
617 270344s Seal-O Ring
(Intake Manifold)
621 692310 Switch-Stop (Brake)
633 691321 Seal-Choke / Throttle Shaft
(Throttle Shaft)
633A 693867 Seal-Choke / Throttle Shaft
(Choke Shaft)
635 66538s Boot-Spark Plug
684 690345 Screw
(Breather Passage Cover)
689 691855 Spring-Friction
718 690959 Pin-Locating
725 590460 Shield-Heat
741 797521 Gear-Timing
742 93941 Retainer-E Ring
745 691648 Screw (Brake)
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
789 796574 Harness-Wiring
842 691031 Seal-O Ring (Dipstick Tube)
847 692047 Dipstick/Tube Assembly
851 493880s Terminal-Spark Plug
853 695268 Adapter-Wire
868 697338 Seal-Valve
869 691155 Seat-Valve (Intake)
870 690380 Seat-Valve (Exhaust)
871 590409 Bushing-Valve Guide
883 691881 Gasket-Exhaust
922 692135 Spring-Brake
923 796387 Brake
937 799420 Spline-Starter
957 591003 Cap-Fuel Tank
966 795259 Base-Air Cleaner Primer
968 692298 Cover-Air Cleaner
975 796611 Bowl-Fuel
1009 691127 Screw (Starter Motor)
1036 - - - Label-Emissions (Available
from any Briggs & Stratton
Authorized Dealer)
1058 277039TRI Operator’s Manual
1059 692311 Kit-Screw/Washer
(Fuel Tank)
1095 590507 Gasket Set-Valve
1210 498144 Pulley / Spring Assembly
(Pulley)
1211 498144 Pulley / Spring Assembly
(Spring)
1329 128M07-5062-F1 Replacement Engine
1330 270962 Repair Manual
1386 790848 Vane-Air
1387 790849 Spring-Air Vane
1388 790850 Screw (Air Vane)
- - 398067 Spark Arrester
(available accessory)
Carburetor Overhaul Kit - Key Number 121
Engine Gasket Set - Key Number 358
Valve Gasket Set - Key Number 1095
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S.
inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm
MODEL NUMBER 128M05-0126-F1

48
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 590401 Cylinder Assembly
3 299819s Seal-Oil (Magneto Side)
4 493279 Sump-Engine
5 590411 Head-Cylinder
7 799875 Gasket-Cylinder Head
8 590395 Breather Assembly
9 699472 Gasket-Breather
10 691125 Screw
(Breather Assembly)
11 691781 Tube-Breather
11A 691923 Tube-Breather
(Air Cleaner Primer Base)
12 692232 Gasket-Crankcase
13 590422 Screw (Cylinder Head)
15 691680 Plug-Oil Drain
16 797017 Crankshaft
20 399781s Seal-Oil (PTO Side)
22 691092 Screw
(Crankcase Cover/Sump)
23 691987 Flywheel
24 222698s Key-Flywheel (Aluminum)
25 590404 Piston Assembly (Standard)
590405 Piston Assembly
(.020" Oversize)
26 590402 Ring Set (Standard)
590403 Ring Set (.020” Oversize)
27 691588 Lock-Piston Pin
28 298909 Pin-Piston
29 797306 Rod-Connecting
32 691664 Screw (Connecting Rod)
(1/4-28 x 1.09)
32A 695759 Screw (Connecting Rod)
(1/4-28 x 1.52)
33 590394 Valve-Exhaust
34 590393 Valve-Intake
35 691270 Spring-Valve (Intake)
36 691270 Spring-Valve (Exhaust)
40 692194 Retainer-Valve
43 691997 Slinger-Governor/Oil
45 690548 Tappet-Valve
46 590463 Camshaft
48 799984 Short Block
50 796703 Manifold-Intake
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
51 796704 Gasket-Intake
54 691650 Screw (Intake Manifold)
55 691421 Housing-Rewind Starter
58 697316 Rope-Starter
60 795426 Grip-Starter Rope
65 690837 Screw (Rewind Starter)
81 691740 Lock-Muffler Screw
89 692348 Plug-Oil (Cylinder)
97 696565 Shaft-Throttle
104 797622 Pin-Float Hinge
108 795935 Valve-Choke
117 590440 Jet-Main (Standard)
121 498260 Kit-Carburetor Overhaul
125 799866 Carburetor
127 694468 Plug-Welch
130 696564 Valve-Throttle
133 398187 Float-Carburetor
134 398188 Kit-Needle/Seat
137 796610 Gasket-Float Bowl
141 796193 Kit-Choke Shaft
163 795629 Gasket-Air Cleaner
180 590490 Tank-Fuel
187 791766 Line-Fuel
(Cut To Required Length)
188 693999 Screw (Control Bracket)
190 690940 Screw (Fuel Tank)
202 691829 Link-Mechanical Governor
209 699056 Spring-Governor (No Color)
222 793754 Bracket-Control
227 690783 Lever-Governor Control
276 271716 Washer-Sealing
287 690940 Screw (Dipstick Tube)
291 790830 Thermostat
300 790828 Muffler
304 790826 Housing-Blower
305 691108 Screw (Blower Housing)
306 790836 Shield-Cylinder
307 690345 Screw (Cylinder Shield)
309 799045 Motor-Starter
332 690662 Nut (Flywheel)
333 590454 Armature-Magneto
334 691061 Screw (Magneto Armature)
337 799876 Plug-Spark
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE MODEL NUMBER 128M05-0126-F1
5
ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and
service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
Congratulations on making a smart pur-
chase. Your new Craftsman® product is
designed and manufactured for years of
dependable operation. But like all prod-
ucts, it may require repair from time to
time. That’s when having a Repair Protec-
tion Agreement can save you money and
aggravation.
Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement
now and protect yourself from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here’s what’s included in the Agreement:
• Expert service by our 12,000 profe-
sional repair specialists.
• Unlimited service and no charge for
parts and labor on all covered repairs.
• Product replacement if your covered
product can’t be fixed.
• Discount of 10% from regular price of
service and service-related parts not
covered by the agreement; also, 10%
off regular price of preventive mainte-
nance check.
• Fast help by phone – phone sup-
port from a Sears representative on
products requiring in-home repair, plus
convenient repair scheduling.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a
simple phone call is all that it takes for you
to schedule service. You can call anytime
day or night, or schedule a service ap-
pointment online.
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair
specialists, who have access to over 4.5
million quality parts and accessories.
That’s the kind of professionalism you can
count on to help prolong the life of your
new purchase for years to come. Purchase
your Repair Protection Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply.
For prices and additional information
call 1-800-827-6655.
Sears Installation Service
For Sears professional installation of home
appliances, garage door openers, water
heaters, and other major home items, in
the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
Repair Protection Agreements

6
ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION
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 assem-
bled 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 tight-
ened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE 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 thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle sec-
tion locks into place in mowing posi-
tion.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per 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 Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
MOWING
POSITION
Lower handle
LIFT
UP
Operator
presence
control bar
Upper
handle
LIFT
UP
Handle
knob
Handle
bracket
Knob
Bolt
47
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
12
9
7
3
358 ENGINE GASKET SET
883
842
617
524
163
20
585
9
883
1095 VALVE GASKET SET
7
134
121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT
104
127 137
163
633
617
276
633A
Engine Power Rating Information
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with SAE (So-
ciety of Automo-tive Engineers) code J11940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure),
and rating performance has been obtained and corrected in accordance with SAE J1995 (Revision
2002-5). Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by, among other things, ambi-
ent operating conditions and engine-to-engine variability. Given both the wide array of products
on which engines are placed and the variety of environmental issues applicable to operating the
equipment, the gas engine will not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of
power equipment (actual “on-site” or net horsepower). This difference is due to a variety of factors
including, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel
pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude),
and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton
may substitute an engine of higher rated power for this Series engine.
MODEL NUMBER 128M05-0126-F1

46
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
23
455
332
305
304
1036 EMISSIONS LABEL
745
356
851
334
333
635
923
621
922
789
1009
853
742
309 937
60
58
592
65
597
456
689
459
1210
1211
55
608
MODEL NUMBER 128M05-0126-F1
7
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1. 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.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert mower to
bagging or discharging, see “TO CON-
VERT MOWER” in the Operation section
of this manual.
Frame
handle
Frame
opening
Vinyl
bindings
TO PREPARE BATTERY
NOTE: Your battery must be charged
before you can start your lawn mower.
1. Disconnect engine battery connector
(male) from battery connector (female)
2. Connect battery charger connector
(male) to battery connector (female).
3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.
4. Leave battery charger connected for
24 hours before starting your engine
for the first time.
5. After charging, connect engine con-
nector (male) to battery connector
(female).
Connect your battery charger to charge
battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine will not re-
charge your battery.
At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the
harness connector to prevent accidental
starting when transporting or storing your
lawn mower after the season.
Engine battery
connector (male) Battery
charger
Charger
connector
(male)
Battery connector (female)

8
NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL 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.
Operator presence control bar
Auxiliary
starter
handle
Handle knobs
Air filter
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. WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
Key start switch – used for starting engine.
Auxiliary starter handle – used for start-
ing engine.
Mulcher door – allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation.
Operator presence control bar – must
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Drive control lever – used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of mower.
Gasoline filler cap
Muffler
Grass
catcher
Housing
Mulcher door
OPERATION
Spark plug
Drive
cover
Engine oil cap with dipstick
Key
start
switch
Drive control lever
45
97
975
133
134
617
130
633
163
276
137
104
276
108
633A
125 141
127
601
187
190
180
1059
957
117
443
445
968
425
163
11A
966
1387
1388
1386
883
291
613
81
883
300
188
222
202
209
365
725
MODEL NUMBER 128M05-0126-F1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE

44
10
3
18
9
718
307
635
337
13
5
711
33
36
40
22 20
15
12
4
847
523
287
525
842
45
34
35
40 45
32
32A
27
26
27
25
29
28
24
741
16
43
46
870
869
871
306
684
585
584
868
51
50
54
1330 REPAIR MANUAL
1058 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
48 SHORT BLOCK 1329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE
868
616
404
615
505
562
227
89
524
332
MODEL NUMBER 128M05-0126-F1
BRIGGS & STRATTON 4-CYCLE ENGINE
9
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become “loose”, resulting in decreased
speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive
control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to
increase drive speed.
3. Operate mower to test drive speed.
Readjust as required.
4. If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be replaced.
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,
whichcanresultinsevereeye
damage.Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating your
lawn mower or performing any adjustments
orrepairs.Werecommenda standard safety
glasses or wide vision safety mask worn
over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It 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.
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by hold-
ing the operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pulling the drive
control lever rearward to the handle.
The further toward the handle the lever
is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.
• Forward motion will stop when either
the operator presence control bar or
drive control lever are released. To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release the drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control
the mower will not roll backwards, push
the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.
• To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on the
handle to lift the front wheels off the
ground while turning 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 ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your requirements.
Be sure all wheels are in the same set-
ting.
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.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
Plate tab
Lever
Adjustment
turnbuckle
TO
ENGAGE
DRIVE
CONTROL
Drive control
lever
DRIVE
CONTROL
DISENGAGED
Operator presence control bar

10
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 grass bag brackets.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow-
er without rear door closed or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
NOTE: Rear door will remain open until
operator presence control bar is held
down to the handle.
CAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to
close. Serious damage to your mower
could result.
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door 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 and locked.
Unlock
latch
Discharge
deflector
Open
mulcher door
Grass bag
bracket Grass
catcher
handle
Grass catcher
frame hook
Rear door
43
CRAFTSMAN ROTARY LAWN MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.9994A
NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
IMPORTANT: Use only Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.) replacement parts. Failure to do so could be hazardous, damage your lawn mower and void your warranty.
KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 427912 Drive Control Assembly (Includes Cable) 6 181698 Screw 7 400235X479 Mounting Bracket, Drive Control 9 447570 Cable, Drive 11 194231X460 Wheel & Tire Assembly, Front 12 12000058 E-Ring 13 403849 Pinion 14 189403 Dust Cover 15 404845 Pawl, Drive 16 67725 Washer, Flat 3/8 17 421836 Bearing Assembly, Wheel Adjuster 18 701037 Selector Knob 25 430458X004 Belt Keeper 26 163409 Screw, Hi-Lo Thread #12 x 5/8
27 175262 Screw, Pan Head #10-24 x 2-3/4 28 421094 Drive Cover 29 409148 Locknut, Hex 32 443262 Drive Pulley 33 426609 V-Belt 35 431144 Wheel Adjuster, Front, LH 36 424657 Gear Case Assembly, Complete 38 191730 Locknut, Hex 1/4-20 40 406558 Spring 41 431142 Wheel Adjuster, Front, RH 54 439330 Grassbag 57 446432 Frame, Grassbag 80 421114 Kit, Water Washout Assembly (Includes Key Numbers 81 thru 83) 81 419735 Fitting, Water Washout 82 415585 Washer, Lock, Internal Tooth 83 415586 Locknut, Hex, with O-Ring