Craftsman EZ3 917.387260 User manual

Owner's ManuaH
®
4.5 HOR EPOWER
20" REAR ARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387260
O
O
e
G
o
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
EspaSol
Repair Parts
CAUTION'.
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage t4
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32
Maintenance 10 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 workmanship.
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 plugo
o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained 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°
ThisWarranty 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
TRAINING:
° Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controlsand
know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quicklystop
mower.
o 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.
o 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 repaired 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
nmning.
2
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects°
These objects will be thrownby the blade
and can cause severe injury.
o Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
o Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
o Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is

hot°Allowtheenginetocootforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running.
Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
o Keepyour eyesandmindonyourmower
andtheareabeingcut.Donotletother
interestsdistractyou.
Donotmowwetorslipperygrass.Never
runwhileoperatingyourmower.Always
besureofyourfooting-- keepafirm
holdonthehandlesandwalk.
o Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder
rotatingparts°Keepclearofthedischarge
openingatalltimes.
o Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveorarenotusingyourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,
andanygravel--coveredareas.
o Neverdirectdischargeof materialtoward
bystandersnorallowanyonenearthe
mowerwhileyouareoperatingit.
° Beforecleaning,inspecting,orrepairing
yourmower,stoptheengineandmake
absolutelysurethebladeandallmoving
partshavestopped.Thendisconnectthe
sparkplugwireandkeepitawa_ffi_bmthe
sparkplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
o Donotcontinuetorunyourmowerif you
hitaforeignobject.Followtheprocedure
outlinedabove,thenrepairanydamage
beforerestartingandoperatingyou
mower.
• Donotchangethegovernorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine.Enginedamageor
personalinjurymayresult.
o Donotoperateyourmowerif itvibrates
abnormally.Excessivevibrationisan
indicationofdamage;stoptheengine,
safelycheckforthecauseofvibration
andrepairasrequired°
• Donotruntheengineindoors.Exhaust
fumesaredangerous.
o Nevercutgrassbypullingthemower
towardsyou°Mowacrossthefaceof
slopes,neverupanddownoryoumight
loseyourfooting.Donotmowexces-
sivelysteepslopes.Usecautionwhen
operatingthemoweronuneventerrain
orwhenchangingdirections-- maintain
goodfooting.
o Neveroperateyourmowerwithout
properguards,plates,grasscatcheror
othersafetydevicesinplace.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
o Check the blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
oCheck all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
o Keep al! 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°
o Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
•Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
o Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
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 repair&
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 accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced, They are also
availabte at most Sears retail outlets and sewice centers, Most Sears stores can also order
repair parts for you, when you provide the model number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these
accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPINGDER.ECTO.
FOR. REAR D!SC,H,ARG E LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REARDISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MULCHER KITS
GRASSCATCHERS
FOR
SIDEDISCHARGE
LAWNMOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS
............._,,,,,,,,_...................,,,
BELTS BLADES
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructions and this manual in its
entirety before youattempt to assemble or
operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn
mower has been assembled atthe factor,]with
the exception ofthose parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc.,necessary to complete [he
assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
To ensure safe and proper operation ofyour
lawn mower, atl parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct toots as necessary to ensure proper
tightness,
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
= Remove loose parts included with mower°
oCut down two end comers of carton and lay
end panel down flato
o Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handie
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
= Roll lav_nmower outof carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose parts_
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Un fold handlescarefutfyso as
notto pinchor damage controlcables,
° Raise handles untillower handle section
locksintoplace in mowingposition.
o Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower handle
and tighten both handle knobs.
o Remove handle padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for yourmowing comfort, Refer to "Adjust
Handle" in the Service and Adjustment
section ofthis manual,

Operator resence control bar
YMowioo
/_ position
Lower handle
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher_ To convert to bagging or
discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
oYou can now installcatcher or optional
clipping deflector.
oTo returnto mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulcher plug

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
location ofvarious controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference,
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower orin literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST
OR WARNING ON OFF SLOW CHOKE FUEL OiL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Starter handle \.
ine zone control cable
Handle
Grass
Gasoline filler cap
Primer
Air filter
Housing
Mulcher plug
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safety standards ofthe American
National Standards Institute and the U,SoConsumer Product Safety Commission, The blade
_turns when the engine isrunn]ng. ............................................................................................................................................
Operator presence control bar- must be
helddown to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine.
Primer- pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used for starting the
engine.
Mulcher Plug - located at the discharge
opening must be removed when convert-
ing to bagging or discharging operation.

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan
resultin foreignobjectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcanresultinsevereeye
damage. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor
eye shieldswhileoperatingyourlawn
mowerorperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairs°We recommendawidevision
safetymaskoverthespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.
HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN iVlOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factor.,/for
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION= Federal regulations require an
engine control to be installed on this lawn
mower in order to minimize the riskof blade
contact injury. Do not under any circumstances
attempt to defeat the function of the operator
control. The blade turns when the engine is
nJnning_
= Your lawn mower isequippedwith an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operatorto be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CU_ING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
- Adjust cutting height to suit your reguire-
ments_ Medium position is bestfor rhost
lawns.
. To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
tevertoward wheel. Move wheel upor
down to suit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts intohole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
Lower wheels for Plate tab
high cut
Lever
Raise wheels for low cut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
.Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame side
hooks onto the handle bracket hooks°
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
CAUTION: 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.
Rear door
Hinge
bracket Grass catcher
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
=Lift up on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
o Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
° Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear°
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower isshipped without oil in the
engine.
= Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean°
= Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the full line on the dipstick.
° Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
= Pour oil slowiy. Do notover fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
°To read proper level, tighten engine oilcap
each t_me.
° Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oilafter every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions_
7

GAS
o Fillfueltank. Usefresh,clean,regular
unleadedgasolinewith aminimumof8"7
octane. Do notmixoilwithgasoline,
Purchasefuel inquantitiesthatcanbe
usedwithin30daystoassurefuel
freshness.
WARNING: Experienceindicatesthat
alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor
usingethanolormethanol)canattract
moisturewhichleadsto separationand
formationofacidsduringstorage.Acidic
gascandamagethefuelsystemof an
enginewhilein storage. Toavoidengine
problems,thefuelsystemshouldbe
emptiedbeforestorageof30daysor
tonger. Drainthefueltank,startthe
engineandletit rununtilfuellinesand
carburetorareempty. Usefreshfuel next
season. SeeStorageInstructionsfor
additionalinformation.Neveruseengine
or carburetorcleanerproductsinfueltank
orpermanentdamagemayoccur.
Gasoline filler
cap
Engine oil cap
w/dipstick
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) 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.
o Hotd operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back°
o 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_
MOWING TIPS
° 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.
° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rear of the
lawn mower housing one (1) wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front for
better discharge of grass,
° 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.
o If a trail of grass clippings is left on the
right side of a rear discharge lawn
mower, mow in a clockwise direction
with a small overlap to collect the
clippings on the next pass_
o Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chafL
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
° Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catchers off
with water and let dry before using.
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 CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES 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 with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades,
8

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 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.
o 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 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 graining of the lawn,
Max 1/3
9

AS "YOU COMPLETE 0__--_/*__,._,__/,.',__ O_
_ _._ _'4_ _ SERVICE DATES
REGULAR SERVICE
Check for Loose Fasteners _
cleanSinspeCte_a'ssCatcher
(If Equipped)
aClean Lawn Mower ....
_f_ Clean Under Drive Cover,(Power-P[oPelled Mowers)
Check drive bett/pufleys
E (Power-Propelled Mowers)
RChectdSharperffReplace Blade
Lubrication Chart
V';v' .............. IV' ............
e,'
_J#3
Clean BatterytRecharge ..........
(Electric Start Mowers) _ i/'4
E. i.eo"&V;i......................................................................................................................................................
Nc, n oE,,g °e0, , i i li
GCtean Air Hirer .................. . , ,_............ _ ............................................................
IInspect Muffler
N Clean or Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 6/2
1-Change more often when operating under _ heavy load or In high embien! temperatu,res
2- Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions,
3- Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy soil
4 - Charge 4B hours at end el season
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence,. To receivefull
vaiuefrom the warranty, operator must
maintain mower as instructed in this manual
Some adjustments wilt need to be made
periodicallyto properly maintain your unit
Alladjustments inthe Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season,
.Once a year, replace the spark plug,
replace airfilter element and check blade for
wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air
filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture
and helpsyour engine run better and last
longer,
. Follow the maintenance schedule inthis
manual
BEFORE EACH USE
- Check engine oil level
- Check for loose fasteners°
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION
CHART")°
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel (_) Engine oil
adjuster
1_ Handle bracket
mounting pin
(_ Spray lubricant
(_ Brake spring
bracket
(_) Rear
door
hinge
('_ SAE 30 MOTOR OIL, Refer to
engine- CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
section,
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants 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