Craftsman EZ3 917.387261 User manual

Owner's Manual
£RRFTXMON°
4.5 HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387261
oSafety
-Assembly
• Operation
°Maintenance
•Espa5ol
.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 ProductSpecifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage 14
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.
tf this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
• 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 CentedDeparlment in the United States. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO_,D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
•Read thisoperator's manual carefuliy_
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly Learn how to quickly stop
mower°
•Do not allow children touse your mower.
Never allow adultsto use mower without
proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.
• Use mower only asthe manufacturer
intended and as described in lh{s 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 attachmenls that
are not recommended by the manufac_
lurer..Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
,The blade turns when the engine is
mnning_
PREPARATION:
•Alwaysthoroughly check thearea tobe
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires,bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade
andcan cause severe injury.
•Alwayswear safety grasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
•Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing
•Check fuel tank before starting engine°
Do not fill gas tank Indoors, when the
engineis runningor when the engine is

hotAllowthe engine to cool for several
minutes before filtingthe 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 mindor] 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 afirm
hold on the handles and walk.
, Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts Keep clear of the discharge
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 ofmatedal toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
mower while you are operating it
• Before cleaning, inspecting,or repairing
your mower, stop the engineand 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 preventaccidental starting.
, Do not continue to run your mower ifyou
hit aforeign object°Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operatingyou
mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personai injury may result
= Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally_Excessive vibration is an
indicationof 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 exces-
sively 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 mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightenedpropedy
• Check all boffs,nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is insafe working
condition
• Keep all safetydevices in place and
working.
o To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil
• Check grass catcher often fordeteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn bags,.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications ofthe manufacturer of your
mower
- Always keep a sharp blade on your"
mower.
. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
° Never store mower with fuel in the tank
Inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignilion source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc,
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wereand 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, berth
defects, or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswere availablewhen this lawnmowerwas produced. Theyare also
availableat most Searsretailoutletsandservice centers, MostSearsstorescan alsoorder
repairpartsfor you,when youprovide the modelnumberof yourlawn mower° Someofthese
accessoriesmay not applytoyourlawn mower,,
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPP|NG DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS ;_GRASS CATCHERS
FOR _ FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
STABIMZER
<2
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Readtheseinstructionsand thisman[Jalin its
entiretybeforeyou attempttoassemble or
operateyournew fawnmower. Yournew lawn
mowerhas beenassembledatthe factorywith
the exceptionof thosepartsle_tunassembled
forsh{ppingpurposes,,All partssuchas nuts,
washers,bolts, etc.,necessarytocompletethe
assembly havebeen placedin thepartsbag.
Toensuresafeand properoperationofyour
lawnmower, allpartsand hardwareyou
assemble must be tightenedsecurely Use the
correcttools as necessaryto ensureproper
tightness,,
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
•Remove loosepartsinc_udedwithmower,
• Cutdown two endcomersof cartonand lay
endpaneldown flat
° Remove allpackingmaterialsexcept
paddingbetween upperand lower handle
andpadding holdingoperatorpresence
controlbar toupper handle, 4
•Rolllawnmower out ofcarton and check
cartonthoroughly"foradditionallooseparts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold hand]escarefullyso as
notto pinchor damage contr,ol cables.
•Raisehandlesuntillower handlesection
locks intoplace inmowingpos'_on,,
•Remove protectivepadding,raiseupper
handle sectionintoplace on lowerhandle
andtightenbothhandle knobs,.
•Removehandlepaddingholdingoperator
presencecontrolbarto upperhandle.
•Your lawnmower handlecan be adjusted
foryourmowingcomfort. Referto "Adjust
Handte=inthe Serviceand Adjustment
sectionofthismanual°

Operatorresencecentre{bar
Uppe,handf_..,_ _.
Lowerhandle
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'lawnmower wasshipped readytobe
usedas a mutcheroToconverttobaggingor
discharging:
. Open reardoorand removemulcherplug
Storemulcherplug ina safe place
- You can now installcatcher oroptional
dipping deflector.
• To returntomulching operation,inst_l
mulcherplugintodischargeopeningof
mower.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS O_ER'S MANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFORE OPERATINGYOUR
LAWNMOWER, Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe
Ioca_onofvariouscontrolsand adjustments_Save this manualfor futurereference°
These symbols mayappearonyour lawn mower orin literaturesuppliedwith the product,
Leam andunderstandtheirmeaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
...........O,,R,,,,W/_,,NIN GON OFF ............ AND FEET AWAY
_rasenoe control bar
Starter handle
Handle
Grass catcher
ine zone control cable
Gasoline fillercap
Primer
Air filter
Housing
Mutcher plug
Engine oil cap w!
dipstick
Wheel adjuster
(oneachwheel)
!urns when the engine is running., ......
Operator presencecontrolbar- must be
held down tothe handleto startthe engine,
Releasetostoptheengine,
Palmer-pumps addi',,ionalfuel fromthe
carburetortothe cylinderforuse when
startingacold engine.
Starter Handle -used for starting the
engine_
Mulcher Plug -located at the discharge
openingmust be removed when convert-
ingto bagging or discharging operation_
MEE[s CPSC SAF_ REQUIREMENTS.............................
Sears rotarywalk-behindpowerlawn mowers conformto thesafety standardsofthe American
NationalStandardslnstit'_eandthe U.S,ConsumerProductSafety Commission. The blade

Theoperationofanyfawnmowercan
result+nforeignobjectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcanresultinsevereeye
damage,Alwayswearsafetyglassesor
eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawn
mowerorperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairs+Werecommendawidevision
safetymaskover'thespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses,
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The enginespeed wassetat thefactoryfor
optimum perfonnance+Speedis notadjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequirean
engine controltobe installed onthislawn
mower in orderto minimizetheriskof blade
contact injury.Do not under'any circumstances
attemptto defeatthe functionof the operator
control The bladeturnswhen the engine is
running,,
+ Your lawnmower isequippedwith an
operatorpresencecontrolbar which
requ+resthe operatortobe pos+tioned
behindthe lawn mowerhandle tostartand
operatethe lawnmower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
,, Raisewheefsfor lowcut andlowerwheels
forhighcut,
• Adjust cuttingheightto suit your require-
ments_Medium positionisbest for most
lawns
°To change cuttingheight,squeeze adjuster
Ievertowardwheel+Move wheelupor
downtosuityourrequirements+Besurea_l
wheelsarein thesame setting.
NOTE: Adjusterisproperlypositionedwhen
platetab insertsinto hole inlever. Also,9-
positionadjusters(if soequipped)allowlever
to bepositionedbetween thepratetabs+
Lowerwheelsfor Platetab
high cu___
Lever'
Re+sowheelsfor towcut
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
withoutclipping deflector or approved
grass catcher In place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
Reardoor
Hinge
bracket Grass catcher
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
•Liftup on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
°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; it will cause unnecessarywear,
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmower isshippedwithoutoilinthe
engine,
.Besure moweris leveland area aroundoil
fillis clean
.Removeengine oilcap w/dipstickand fiilto
thefull line on the dipsUck
-Use 20 ozs.of oil For typeand gradeofoif
touse, see"ENGiNE" inCustomer
Responsibilitiessection ofthis manual,
o Pouroil stowiy+Do not over fill
° Checkoil levelbeforeeach use+Add oilif
needed_Fill tofuIllineon dipstick+
°To readproperlevel+tighten engineollcap
eachtime.
° Reinstallengineoil capand tighten,
= Change theoil after every25 hoursof
operationor eachseason You mayneed
tochange theoilmoreotter] underdusty,
d+rtyconditions.

GAS
•Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane.. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel Inquantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness,
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohot or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids duringstorage,. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage, Toavoid engine
problems,the fuel system shouFdbe
emptiedbefore storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engineand let it run untit fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information°Never use engine
or carburetor cfeaner products in fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur,
Gasolinefilter
cap
Engine oil cap
w/dipstick
TO START ENGINE
•To start acold 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.
•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. Ifyou
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, tt 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 frontfor
better discharge of grass_
•When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, dumps 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,
•Ifatrail of grass clippings is _efton the
right side of arear discharge lawn
mower, mow in a clockwisedirection
with a small overlap to collect the
clippings on the next pass,
•Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
.Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirtand dust with use
and catcherswill coUectless 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 willrecut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fail
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 highestengine
(blade) speed as this willprovide the
best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenitiswet.
Wetgrasstendstoformclumpsand
interfereswiththemulchingaction.The
besttimetomowyourlawnistheearly
altemoon,Atthistimethegrasshas
driedandthenewlycutareawillnotbe
exposedtothedirectsun.
oFor 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 lawno
Max 1/3

_ _ ,o,_G_o_
REGULARSERV!CE/__ SERVICEDATES..........
Check !el Loose Faslenens I,/ _ ....
ClearJInepect Gra._sCatcher
(i! Equipped) If _ I/
MiClean Lawn Mower
j, ,
Ni Clean Under DriveCover
Wi (Power-Propelled Mowers) ik/
,. iC,eckd,v_bo=vpu,eye
"J (Power-PropelledMowers}
RiCh0ck/Sherpen/RBP'_='a=ado It,", =
Lubdcatton Chad t,/
CleaneatterW_echerge
(Electric Start Mowers) V' I/4
E Check El)gl.neOil Level =V'
NChange E0g!ne 011 IV/t_
G Clean Air Filler I/
I )nspect Muffler IV#
N€!ean or Replace Spark Plug iv/
E Replace A(rFl!ler Paper Cadddge I/2
1,,CP_nge mo_oellen whan operatingut'clortth__v,/lo_,d or in h_h _r,blor_tlompera_r,,
2,,Sotvfca more oito_q when o_er4d_ g In d_l_y or d_,_,tycon_Uons
,3., RopfiaCO bla_OS more Ofl0n When mow_g _s,_y Boi_
4,,Ch_Ro 4B hou_ _! i_rld of so_sorl,
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty onthis lawnmowerdoesnot
cover items thathavebeensubjectedto
operator abuse ornegligenceToreceivefull
value from the warranty,operatormust
maintain mower as instructedinthis manual,
Some adjustments witlneedtobe made
periodicallyto properlymaintainyourunit,
All adjustments inthe Serviceand Adjust-
ments sectionofthismanualshouldbe
checked at leastonceeachseason,
• Once a year,replacethesparkplug,
replace airfilterelement andcheckblade for
wear, A newsparkplugandcleanlnewair
filterelementassuresproperair4uel mixture
andhelps yourenginerunbetterandlast
longer,
. Followthe maintenanceschedulein this
manual,
BEFORE EACH USE
•Check engineoillevel
• Checkfor loosefasteners
LUBRICATION
Keepunit welllubricated(See'LUBRICATION
CHART")
LUBRICATION CHART
Whee! (_ Engine oil
adjuster
(_1 Handle bracket
mounting pin
(_) Spray lubricant
(_ Brake spring
bracket
(_) Rear
door
hinge
SAE30 MOTOROIL Referto
engine- CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES
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° Ifyou feel
they must be lubricated, use only a dry,
powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly,
10

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.387261
SERIAL NUMBER
DATEOF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 4+5
DISPLACEMENT: 11+5CU+IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SFtSG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W+30(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .6-39") CHAMPION RJ19LM
VALVECLEARANCE: iNTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: ,004+.008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: ,0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35+40FT. LBS.
The model and sedat numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawnmower housing Record both serial number and date of purchase in space
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Alwaysobservesafety ruleswhen perform+ng
any maintenance+
TIRES
= Keeptirosfreeofgasoline, ell,orinsect
controlchemicalswhich can harm rubber+
, Avo+dstumps, stones,deep ruts,sharp
objectsand other hazardsthatmay cause
tiredamage.
BLADE CARE
Forbest results,mowerblademust be kept
sharp..Replace bent ordamaged b+ades
TO REMOVE BLADE
= Disconnectsparkplugwire from sparkplug
andplacew_rewhere itcannot comein
contactwith sparkplug
,Turn lawnmower on its side. Makesureair
filterand cad3uretorareup.
, Use a wood block between bladeand
mower housingtopreventbladefrom
turningwhen removingbtadebolt+
° Protectyour handswith gloves and/orwrap
bladewith heavy cloth.
+ Removeblade boltby turningcour_ter-
clockwise. Usea 9/I6" box or open-end
wrench+
,, Removebladeand attachinghardware
(bolt,lockwasherand hardened washer).
NOTE: Removethe bladeadapter and check
the key insidehubof bladeadapter. The key
mustbe ingoodconditionto work properly.
Replaceadapter+if damaged.
TO REPLACEBLADE
• Positionthebladeadapter onthe engine
crankshaft+Be surekey inadapter and
keywayincrankshaft arealigned.
° Positionbladeon thebladeadapter aligning
thetwo (2)holesintheblade with the raised
lugson the adapter.
,, Be surethetrai+ingedge is up towardthe
engine.
• lnstaUthebladeboltwith the rockwasher
andhardenedwasherinto bladeadapter
andcrankshaft
o Use blockofwood between bladeand lawn
mower housingand tightenthe blade bolt,
turningclockwise.
- The recommendedtighteningtorqueis35-
40 ft+lbs.
IMPORTANT: Bladebolt isgrade 8 heat
treated.
11

Blade Crankshaft
adaptor_ay
Brade Key
Hardened ,___, Trailing _daptor
washer LOCI{
washer edge
NOTE: We do notrecommendsharpening
blade- but ifyou do,be surethe bladeis
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Careshouldbe takentokeepthe blade
balanced, An unbalancedbladewiltcause
eventual damagetolawn moweror engine,
• The blade canbesharpenedwith a fileor
on agrindingwheel. Donot attemptto
sharpenwhileonthe mower.
• To check bladebalance,drivea nailintoa
beam or wail Leaveabout oneinchofthe
straightnailexposed. Placecenter hole of
bladeoverthe headofthe nail..If bladeis
balanced,it shouldremainin ahorizontal
position. II eitherendofthe blademoves
downward,sharpenthe heavy enduntilthe
bladeis balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
o The grasscatchermaybe hosedwith
water,but must bedr/when used,
• Check yourgrasscatcheroftenfordamage
or deterioration.Throughnormal useit will
wear. Ilcatcherneedsreplacing,replace
onlywil,ha manufacturerapproved
replacementcatcher_.Givethe lawn mower
model numberwhenordering°
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Useonlyhigh qualitydetergento_ratedwith
API serviceclassificationSF,SGor SH,
Selecttheoi['sSAEviscositygradeaccording
to
NOTE: AIthoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W30,
10W30etc.)improvestartingtncoldweather, .
these multFviscosityotiswillresultinincreased
oilconsumptionwhen usedabove32°F 12
Check yourengineoiltevelmorefrequentlyto
avoid possibleenginedamagefrom running
low on oil
Change the oilafter every25 hoursof
operationor eachseason, Youmay need to
change the oil moreoftenunder dusty,ditty
conditions.
Check the crankcaseoillevelbeforestarting
the engine and altereachfive(5)hours of
continuoususe°Tightenoilplug securelyeach
time you checkthe oillevel
TO CHANGE ESNGINEOIL
NOTE: Beforetippinglawnmowertodrain oil,
drainfueltank by runningengineuntilfuel tank
isempty°
• Disconnectspat',<plugwirefrom spark plug
andplace wirewhereitcannotcome in
contactwithsparkpk_g,
• Removeengineoilcap; layaside on aclean
surface.
• Tip lawnmower onitssideas shownand
drainoil intoasuitablecontainer. Rock lawn
mowerbackandforthto remove'anyoil
trapped insideof engine,
• Wipe off anyspilledoil on lawnmowerand
onsideof engine.
• Fillengfnewith oil Fillonlytothe "FULL"
lineon thedipstick DO NOT OVERFILL
• Replaceengineoil cap,
• Reconnectsparkplugwireto sparkplug
AIR RLTER
Yourenginewi{fnotrunproperlyand may be
damagedby usinga dirtyairfilter.
Replacethe airfiltereveryyear,more oftenif
you mow invery dust,],dirtyconditions..Do not
wash airfiltar_
TO CHANGE AIRFILTER
•Removethe airfiltercover by turning
counterclockwisetothe stopandpullaway
from coflar.
•Removefittarfrom insideofcover.
•CIean the insideofthe coverand the cottar
toremoveany dirtaccumulation.
•Insertnew filterintocover,
•Put alrfittercoverandfilterintocollar
aligningthe tabv_ththe slot
Pushin on coverand turnclockwiseto
tighten.

Turn
counter-
clockwise
to remove
Air filter Tab Turn
Airfiltercover clockwiseto
tighten
MUFFLER
inspectand replacecorrodedmufflerasit
couldcreate a tirehazardand/ordamage.
SPARK PLUG
Changeyoursparkplugeachyeartomake
yourenginestarteasierand runbetter,.Set
sparkplug gap at 030 inch.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance,keep
mowerhousing freeof built-upgrassand
trash Cleanundersideof mower housingafter
each use.
CAUTION: Disconnectspark plugwire from
sparkplugandpiacewire where it cannot
comein contactwith the sparkplug.
• Turnlawnmoweron itsside. Makesure air
tilterand carburetorare up. Clean the
undersideofyou; lawnmower byscraping
toremovebuild-upofgrass and trash,
- Clean engineoftento keep trashfrom
accumulating.. Aclogged engine runs
hotterand shortensengine life_
oKeepfinishedsurfaces and wheelsfreeof
allgasoline,tit, etc._
• We DO NOTrecommendusing a garden
hosetoclean lawnmower unlessthe
electrica!system,muffler,air fitterand
carburetorare coveredto keepwater-out..
Waterinenginecan resultin shortened
engine lile_
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:
• Release control bar.
- 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.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUSTcLFrTINGHEIGHT
See =TOADJUST CUTTINGHEIGHT"inthe
Operationsectionofthis manual,
REAR DEFLECTOR
The reardeflector,attachedbetween the rear
wheelsofyour fawnmower,is providedto
minimizethe possibilitythat objectswill be
thrown out the rearof the lawnmower intothe
operator'smowingposition.
Ifthereardeflectorbecomesdamaged,it
shouldbe replaced.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your'lawnmower handle canbe raisedor
loweredfor yourmowingcomfort_ Four(4)
positionsareavailable: high, mediumhigh,
mediumlowand low. Handles areshipped
mountedin the medium low pos_on,
• To change from medium lowto medium
highposition,the upper and lowerhandle
sectionswill havetobe turned ove.
o Removethecable clips.
. Removethe controls andoperatorpresence
controlbarfrom the upper handle. 13
• Removethe starterrope guidefrom the
lowerhandle,
• Remove hairpincotters.
- Disconnectthe lowerhandle from the
handlebrackets,
."rumthe handleover and reassemblethe
hairpincottersthat have been removed.
• Reassemblethe starterrope guide°
. Reassemblethe controlsand theoperator
presencecontrol barto the upper handle.
CAUTION: The operatorpresence controlbar
must pivotfreelytopermit bladebrake
engagementwhen control baris released Do
not overtightenthe fastenersholdingthe
controlstotheupperhandle.
° To changefrom medium lowto high
positiononlythe upper handlesectionwill
haveto betumed over_
,, To changefrom medium lowto low position,
only the lowerhandie sectionwill have to be
turnedover_
Shipping position
Medium
low Medium

Low
High _
Lowerhandle
ro ovo-
ENGINE
CARBURETOR
Yourcarburetorhasa non-adjustablef_ed
mainjetfor m_ure conLrol,Ifyourengine
doesnot operatepropedydueto suspected
carburetorproblems,takeyourlawnmowerto
anauthorizedservicecenter for repairor
adjustment
ENGINE SPEED
Your enginespeed has been factory seL
Do not attempttoincrease engine speed
orit may resultin personalinjury, If you
believe thatthe engine is running too fast
ortoo slow, take your lawn mower to an
authorized service center for repair and
adjustmenL
Immediatelyprepareyourlawnmower for
storageat the end ofthe seasonorifthe unit
v_]lnot be used for30daysor more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower istobe storedfor a period
of time,clean itthoroughly,removealldirt,
grease,leaves,etc Storein aclean, dry area,
o Clean entirelawnmower (See"CLEANING"
inthe CustomerResponsibilitiessection of
thismanual).
• Lubricateas shownin the Customer
Responsibilitiessectionof thismanual.
•Be surethatall nuts,bolts,screws, andpins
are securelyfastened. Inspect moving
parts fordamage,breakageand wear.
Replaceif necessary.
• Touch upall rustedor _ipped paint
sudacas;sandlightlybeforepainting.
HANDLE
Youcan fold yourlawnmowerhandle for
storage,
•Squeezethe bottomendsofthe lower
handletoward eachotheruntilthelower
handleclearsthehandlebracket,then
movehandleforward,
•Loosenupperhandlemountingbolts
enoughtoallow upperhandletobefolded
back.
IMPORTANT; Whenfoldingthe handlefor
storageor transportation,besure tofold the
handle asshown or you maydamage the
control cables
• When settingupyourhandlefromthe
storageposition,the lower handlewill
automal_callylockinto themo_ng pos'_on
Operatorresencecontrolbar
Upperhand'"_LiLift up"_
Liftu_,_
Mowing
position
Lowerhandie
Lowerhandle
ENGINE
FUELSYSTEM
IMPORTANT: ItIsimportanttopreventgum
depositsfrom forminginess#ntialfuelsystem
partssuchascarburetor,fuelfilter,fuel hose,
ortankduring storage_Also, experience
indicatesthatalcoholblendedfuels(called
gasoholor usingethanolormethanol)can
attractmoisturewhichleadstoseparationand
14

formationofacidsduringstorage,Acidicgas
candamagethefuelsystemofanengine
whileinstorage.
•Drainthefueltank.
•Starttheengineand let itrununtilthefuel
linesand carburetorareempb]_
-Neveruseengine orcarburetorcleaner
productsinthe fueltank or permanent
damagemay occur,
= Use freshfuelnext season
NOTE=Fuelstabilizeris an acceptable
alternativein minimizingthe formationoffuel
gumdepositsduringstorage. Add stabilizerto
gasolinein fueltank or storagecontainer.
Alwaysfollowthe mix ratiofoundon stabilizer
contalner_Runengineat least10 minutes
afteraddingstabilizerto allowthe stabi!Lzerto
reachthe carburetor,.Do not drainthe gas
tankand carburetorifusing fuelstabilizer,
ENGINEOIL
Drainoil (withenginewarm) and replacewith
cleanengineoil, (See "ENGINE"in the
CustomerResponsibilitiessectionof this
manual),
CYLINDER
,, Remove sparkplug
• Pour one ounce(29 ml)of oilthroughspark
plug hole intocylindet_
° PuItstarter'handleslowlyafewtimes to
distributeoi!,,
, Replace with newsparkplug.
OTHER
• Do notstore gasolinefrom one seasonto
another,
• Replaceyourgasolinecan ifyourcan starts
to rusL Rustand/ordirtin yourgasolinewilt
cause problem&
o Ifpossible,storeyourunit indoorsand cover
itto giveprotectionfrom dust and dirt,
° Cover yourunit with asuitableprotective
covetthat does not retainmoisture, Donot
useplastic, Plasticcannotbreathewhich
allows condensationtoform and will cause
your unittorust.
IMPORTANT: Nevercovermowerwhite
engine andexhaustareasare stillwarm.
CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower
with gasoline in the tank ir_sidea building
where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark, Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM
Doesnot start CAUSE
' Dirtyairfilte;
•Out offuel.
oStale fuel
° Water in fuel
° Spark plugwireis
disconnected,
• Bad sparkplug,
•Loosebladeor brokenblade
adapter,
, Controlbarin reIeased
position.
°Controlbardefective
CORRECTION
•Clean/replaceairfilter,
°FiIIfueltank.
. Drain tankand refillwith
freshclean fuel,.
•Drain fueltank and
carburetorand refilltank
with freshgasoline
• Connectwireto plug,
- Replacesparkplug
•Tightenbladebolt or
replaceb]adeadapter
°Depresscontrolbarto
handle.
°RepTacecontrolbar,
15

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
_ssofp0wer ; R_rofia_mowerho_ing ; Seito"Higher0_
or cuttingbladedragging
inheavygrass.
•Cuttingtoo muchgrass,
•Dirtyairfilter,
• Buildupof grass,leaves,
andtrashundermower,
•Toomuchoilinengine,,
position,
• Setto"Higher Cut"
pos'_on.
.ClearJreptaceair filter.
•Cleanunderside ofmower
housing.
I°Checkoli level
Poorcut- uneven
Excessive
vibration
Starterrope hard
topull
Grasscatcher
not filling (ifso
_quipped)
Hardto push
• Walkingspeedtoofast, •Cutatstowerwalking
___, speed,
•Worn,bent orlooseblade. •Replaceblade,Tighten
• Wheelheights uneven
• Lowenginespeed,
° Buildupof grass,leaves
andtrashundermower,
• Worn,bent or looseblade.
• Bentenginecrankshaft,
ti
II
Enginellywheelbraketson
whencontrolbar isreleased.
Bentenginecrankshaft.
Bladeadapterbroken.
Bladedraggingingrass.
.Cuttingheighttoolow
• Lilt onblade wornoff_
•Catchernotventinga_r.
• Lowengine speed.
•Grassistoo high orwheel
heightistoolow-
.Rearoflawnmower
housingor bladedragging
in grass.
°Grasscatchertoo full,
•HandleheightposilJonnot
rightforyou,,
bladeboll
-Set allwheels atsame
height
•Setenginespeed control
infastposition,
•Cleanunderside of
mower housing,
- Reptaceblade.Tighten
bladebolt.
• Contactan authorized
servicecenter.
- Depresscontrolbarlo
upperhandlebefore
pullingstarterrope_
•Contactan authored
servicecenter°
• Replaceblade adapter.
,, Movelawnmower tocut
grassorto hard surface
to startengine,
• Raisecuttingheight`
.Replacebladeo
°Cleangrasscatcher,
• Set enginespeed control
infastposition. ,......................
• Raisecuttingheight.
• Raiserear oflawnmower
housingone (1) setting
higher.
° Emptygrasscatcher.
• Adjust handle heightto
suiL
16

CRAFTSMAN Model No. 917.387261
Garantfa 17 Especificactonesdel Producto 25
Reglas de Seguridad 17 ServIcIo y Adjustes 27
Montaje 19 Almacenamiento 28
Operaci6n 20 tdentificact6nde problemas 30
Mantenimiento 24 Parles de repuesto Vea el manual
Programa de Mantenimiento 24 ingl_s dei dueSo
Orden ds Partes Contratapa
GA_IA LIMiTADA DE DOS ANOS PAPA LA SEGADORAA MOTOR CRAFTSMAN
Pot dos (2)afios, a pa_r de]a fechade compra,cuandoesta Segadora Cra|tsman se mantenga, [ub_ique
yaline segt_nlas instruccionespare laopemci_ny el rnantenimientoen el manuaJdal due5o, Sears
reparar_ gratis todo defecto enel materialy la mano de obra
Sila Segadora Craftsmanse usa paraf_nescomercialeso dearriendo, esta garantfa s51ose aplicapot
noventa (gO)dias a partirde la fecha de compm
Esta Garantfa nocubre:
•Arlfculos que se desgastan durante el usonormal talescomotascuchiIlassegadoras rolatorias,los
adaptadores de la cuchtila las corteas,los filtmsde a_rey lasbujfas
• Reparaciones necesariasdebidoa] abusooa la negligenda dal operador, incluydndose a los
cig0er3alesdoblados y ala faltade mantenimientode]equipo segSnlasinstruccionescluese inc[uyen
en el manual del dueSo
ELSERVICtO DE GARANT_AESTADISPON[BLE a]devotverla segadpra a motor Craftsman al centro/
departmento de sewicio Sears mas cercanoen losestados unidos Estagarantfa se aplica solarnente
mientras el producto este en uso en los EstadosUnidos
EstaGarantfa {eotorga derechostegalesespecificos y puede qua tarnbi_ntonga otrosderechos qua
varfan de estado aestado
Sears, Roebuckand Co., D/817WA,Hoftman Estates, IL 60179 USA
Los estandrares de seguridad exigenla presencia
dal operator en los contmles para reducira un
minlmo elriesgode lestonarse Su unidadviene
equipada con dichos conlroles Pot ningun motk,o
trate de]e[iminar]afunciSr_de loscontrolesque
exigen la pre.senoiade] operador
ENTRENAMIENTO:
•Lea este manuaJdel operadot
cuidadosamente Familian'cesecon los
controtes y aprenda a operat su segadora en
formaadecuada Aprenda a parar su segadora
r_pidarnente
-No perm_aque tosniSosusensu segador_
Nunca permita que losadultos operen ta
segadora sin contar con lasinsttucciones
adecuades
• Mantenga el&tea de operaci6n despejada
degenre, especialmentede niSospequefios
y de animales dom6sticos
• Use ]asegadora soiamente para losfines
propuestospor elfabffcanto y segOn las
expticaciones desorffasen este manual
• No opera tasegadora si se ha caldo oda.Sadoen
cualquiera fonna Siempre repare losdaSos
antes de usada
•Nouse accesorios qua no hayan s{do
recomendados potel fabricante E1uso de dichos
accesorios puedesetpeligreso
• Lacuchillagira cuandoel motor est_
funcionando
PREPARACiON:
•Siemprerevise cuidadosamente el drea que se
va asegar y desp_jela detodes laspiedr,=s,
paIos,a]ambres, huesos y olros objetos
extraf=osEstosobjetos ser&n lanzados con la
cuchi]tay pueden producir lesionesgraves
. Siempreusa anteojos de seguddado pmtectores
deojoscuandoarranque y duranteel tiempo
queuse la segadom
!7

•Vistaseen forms adecuada Nooperela
segadorasin zapatosoconsanda]ias
mientras que el motor es_ funcionando
• Siegue siempre dumnte el d[a o con buena
luz artifirJaL
OPERAClON:
• Mantenga sus ojos y su mente en la
segadora y en el_,raa quese est_ cortando
No permtta que otros inlemses Io distraigan
- No corte c_spedmojado oresba_oso Nunca
corra mientras est,_operando su segadora
Siempre asegOrase de m_tener el equilibdo
mantenga el mango agarrado firmemente y
camine
• No ponga las manes olos pies cerca odebajo
de las partes rotatofias,Mant_ngase
atejado de la abertura de descarga en todo
memento
•Siempre pare el motor cuando so vaya
ocuandono est_ usando su segadora, o
antes de atravesar las entradasparaautos,
lossenderos, caminosy dresscubiertasde
ripio_
• Nunca dirija la descarga delmaterialhacia
los espectadores nlpermitsa nadle cema de
la segadora mientras la est_operando
•Antes de limpiar,inspeccionaro de mparar I
asegadora, pare el motory est6
comptetamente segurode que la cuchtllay
que todaslaspartes que semueven se
hayan detenido Luego, desconecte el
alambm de la bujfa ymant6nga!o atejado de
6sta p.araevitar elarranque peraccidents.
° NOcontin0ehaclendofuncionar su segadora
sile pegs aun objetoextm.6o_Sigael
precedimientodescritoa.nteriotmonte, luego
repare cualquierdafioantesde velveta
arrancar y do operar su segadora.
° No ramble los ajustesdel regulador o
hagaque el motor ands a una velocidad
excesiva,.Se pueden producirdal3os en el
motor y I estones personalos
•No opere su segadora st v_ra fuera de 1o
normal La vibracI6n excasiva es una
[ndicad6n de dafio; pareel motor, revise en
forms segura la causede tavibraci6nyhags
las reparaciones seg0n seanecasario.
• No haga funcionarelmotor en
rectntoscerrados.Los gasesde escapeson
peligrosos,
• Nunca corte elc_spedtirandola segadora
hacia usted, Siegue a travdsde lacam de
laspendientes,nunca haciaaniba o hacia
abajo pues puedoperderelequilibffo.No
steguopendientesdemasiado emplnadas.
Tonga cutdado cuandoopera la segadora en
terranodisparejo o cuandocambie de
diracci6n - mantenga un buenequilibdo
•Nunca opere ta segadora sin las
protecciones adecuadas, las planchas, el
recogedor de c_sped y otres dispositivos de
ssguridaden su lugar.
MANTENIMIENTO Y
ALMACENAMIEN-TO:
°Revise la cuchtliay los pemosde montaje
dot motora menudo, pare asegurarse que
est_n apretados en la forms adecuada
•Revise todoslospemos, tuercasytomillosa
intervatosfrecaentes, pare verificarst est_n
apretados en forms adecuada,y
asegurarseque lasegadora se encuentraen
condicionesde func_onamientoseguro.
.Mantengatodos los dispositivosdo seguridad
en eu lugary tistos parefunc_onar.
•Pare reducir etpeligrode tncendio,
mantenga etmotor sin c_sped, hejas y grass
oaceite en exceso.
• Revise el recogadorde c_spedamenudo
pare vorilicarsi haydeterioreydesgaste y
cambis las bolsasdesgastadasoUse
solamentelas bolsasde repuesto
racomendadasper el fabricante de su
segadora o qua cumplencon las
especificacionesde _ste
=Siempre mantenga uns cuchil]aafilada en su
segsdorao
° Siempra pem'titaque e_motorse snide
antes do guardeda en cuatquierrecinto
carrado_
• Nunca guardata segadora con combustible
en el estanque dentro de un ediflcto endondo
los gases pueden alcanzar una llama
expuesta o una fuente de ignicf6n,tel come el
calentador de ague, la astufa de
calefacci6n, la seceders do mpa, etc_
PRECAUCI6N: Siempre desconecte el
alambre de la buJfay p6ngalodondeno pueda
entrar en contacto con la bujla,para evitarel
arranqueper accidents, durantela preparaci6n,
eltransports, el ajuste o cuando se hacan
reparaciones
PRECAUCI6N: Es conoctdopot el Estadodo
California qua los gases de escape del motor de
este productor contfenanqulmicos loscualesa
ciortosniveles, puedenocasionar,c_ncer,
defectos de nacimiento, y olros defies al sistema
reproductivo_
18

Estosaccesorios estaban disponiblescuandoseprodujola segadora.Tamb]_nest_'l disponib[es en Ins.
tiendasde Sears yen loscentros dese_cio Lamayorfa de ]astiendasSears tambi_n puedan mandar a
padit partesderepuesto parausted,st lesproporcionael nL_merodotmode[o desu segadora_Algunos de
estosaccesoriosta!vez nose apliquen a su segadora_
RENDIMIENTO DE LA SEGADORA
PARASEGADORAS CON DESCARGATRASER_ JUEGOS PARALAACOLCHADORA ESTABf_ZADORES
,,,.IH,Hll, I
RECOREDORpAPA _RECOREDORpAPA
SEGADORAS SEGADORAS
CON DESCARGA CON DESCARGA
TRASERA LATERAL ENVASES
DEGASOUNA
MANTENIMIENTO DE LA SEGADORA
S1LENCfADORES
_1 CUCHILLAS
FtLTROS DE A|RE
+ 0
ADAPTADORF-.,S
DE CUCH_LLA RUEOAS
BUJI'AS
ACBTE
DEL MOTOR
Leaestasinstruccionesyestemanual
completamenteantesde tratardernontaruoperer
su segador_nuev& Su segadomnuew ha sido
montsdaenla f,-_.b_cac_n la excepci6nde aquellas
partes qua se dejamn sin montar potrazones de
env_o..Todaslaspartes como lastuem.as,Ins
arandelas, lospemos, elc,,qua son necesarias
paracompletar e_montaje han sidocolocadasen la
bolsadepartes.Para asegurarseque su segadora
funcioneen formasegura yadecuada, t_s {as
partesylos art[culos de ferretedaqua se monten
tienenqua serapretados seguramente. Usa las
herramientas correctas, como sea necesa=io,para
aseguca_rquase apdelen adecuadamente.
PAPA REMOVER LA SEGADORA
DE LA CAJA DE CARTON
•Remueva Inspartes sueltas quase incluyencon
la segadora_
', Co_e iasdos esquinas de los extremosdela
cajade cad,6ny tienda el panel del ex_remo
piano..
• Remueva todo el mater[a! de empaque, excopto
tac_Jfiaentre el mango superior y _1inferior;y la
cuSaqua sujetafa barra de loscontrol qua exJge
lapn_senciadeloperador junlocon etmango
supedor. .'
• Haga rodat lasegadora haciaafuera de la caja
deca_ldny revfsela cuidadosamente para
vetificar sitodav{a quedan partes sueI_zLs
adidona]es_
COMO PREPARAR SU
SEGADOPA
PARA DESDOBLAR EL MANGO
IMPORTANTE: Despiiegue el mango con mucho
cuidado parano pellizcaro daSarloscables de
controL
• Levant,e losmangos basra qua la secci6n del
mango inferiorse asegure ensu lugar; enla
posiciSnparasegar..
• Remueva la _JSaprolectora, levante la secciSn
del mango superior hastasu lugat enel mango
inferior y apriete ambas manillas dei mango_
• Remueva lacufi_ del mango qua sujetala barra
de loscontrol qua exige la presenda del
operadorjunto con el mango superior..
•E]mango de la segadora puedeajustarse segen
le acomode para segar. Refi6rase a"A3USTE
19

DEL MANGO" en IsSecckSnde Servicioy
Ajustesde estemanual.,
BanedecontrolquaexFgeJa
pmsenctadeloperador
Mangosuperior
In{erio_' _.-_/f Pos[ci6n
/para segar
PAPA INSTALARLOSACCESORIOS
Susegadora rueenv[adar,smpa,=u_rse como
unaacolchadora de capavegetal.Para conve_da
de modo qua puedaensacaro d_r:
• Abra la puer_ traseray remueva la tapon
acolchadora. Gudrdelaen un{ugar segum,
• Ahora puede instalarelrecogedor o eldesviador
de recortes opciona[,
• Para vofvera la operaciSnde acolcharniento con
c_a vegetal,instalela tapon acorchadoraen la
abedurade descargade lasegadora,
PRECAUCION: No hagafundonarsu
segadorasin lataponac_lchadomaprobadaensu
lug_, o sin el desviador de recodes,osin el
recogedor de c_sped,aprobados,ensu fug_
Nuncatratede operar lasegadoracuandoseha
rerr_vidola pue_ traseraocuandoest_ unpo_
abierta_
Taponalcolchadora
20