Craftsman EZ3 917.387270 User manual

Owner's Manual
5.5 HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387270
oSafety
oAssembly
°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 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°
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase°
This Warranty does not cover:
° Expendable items which become worn dudng normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, be_ts,air c}eaners and spark plugo
• 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 on}y while
this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you sRecific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state. '_
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/8t7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully°
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly_ Leam how to quickly stop
mower_
- Do notallow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instnlctions.
o Keep the area of operation dear 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-
,,i.
turer_ Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
° The blade turns when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires,t_ones, and other foreign objects_
These objects will be thrown by the blade
andcan cause severe injury°
o Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or weadng 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
engine is running or when the engine is
2

hoLAllowtheenginetocoo!forseveral
minutesbeforefiltingthegastank..Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
° Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running°
. Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
•Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area being cut. Do not let other
interests distract you.
° Do not mow wet or slippery grass'._Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
° Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts, Keep clear of the discharge
opening at alt times.
° Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks; roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
° Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
mower while you are operating it.
° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting°
- Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mower,
- Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine_ Engine damage or
personal injury may resu[to
° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally_ Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required°
o 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
tightened properly.
° Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
•Keep all safety devices in place and
working..
° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil
•Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacementbags that are
recommended by and compty with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower_
° Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
°Allowengine to coosbefore storing in any
enclosure_
. Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as ahot 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 repairs,.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm°
3

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthis
lawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealso
availableatmostSearsretailoutletsand
servicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalso
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
. FOR,REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
order repair parts for you, whenyou provide
the model number ofyour lawn mower.
Some of these accessories may not apply
toyour fawn mower,,
MULCHER KIT S .............................
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADF.-_ ENGINF. OIL
AIR RLTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
IMPORTANT: Thfs cutting machine is
capable of amput_.ting hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety ir_structions could result in
serious injury or death.,
Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your unit is equipped with such controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the functionof the
operator presence controls under any
circumstances.
Read these instructionsand this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower. Your new
lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been piaced inthe parts bag°To ensure
safe and proper operation of your lawn
mower, all partsand hardware you as-
semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessaryto ensure proper
tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts includedwith
mower,
•Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flato
oRemove al! packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holdingoperator
presence control bar to upper hand_e.
•Roll lawn mower out ofcarton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts°
4

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so
as not to pinch or damage controlcables.
•Raise handtes untillower handle section
locks intoplace in mowing position.
• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handte section intoplace on lower
handles and tighten both handle knobs,,
= Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle°
oYour lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfo_ Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and
Adjustment section of this manual
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 sate place
= You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
° To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug intodischarge opening of
mower°
Mutcherplug
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 pl'opped open.,

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOURLAWN
MOWER°Compa_retheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe
Iocatio,n,,,o,f,variousco,£trols,,,andadjustments.Savethismanualforfuturereference.............
These symbolsmayappearonyourlawn mowerorin literaturesuppliedwiththe
producLLearnand understandtheirmeaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEPHANDS
OR WARNINQ ON OFF AND FEE"TAWAY
Operator presence control bar
Starter Engine zone controlcable
Handle
Grass catcher
Air filter
MulcherpTug
En_
with dipstick
Lawn mower housing
Wheeladjuster
(oneachwheel)
MEETS CPSC SAF_ REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe American
NationalStandards Instituteand the U,S,,Consumer Product SafetyCommissioE: The blade
turns when the engine is running.
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be
helddown tothe handietostart the engineo
Releasetostopthe engine.
Primer- pumpsadditionalfuel from the
carburetortothe cylinderfor usewhenstarting
acoldengine.
StarterHandle-usedforstartingtheengine,
MulcherPlug-locatedatthedischarge
openingmustbe removedwhenconvertingto
baggingordischargingoperation.

The operation of any lawn mower can resultin
foreignobjectsthrown into the eyes. which can
resultin severe eye damage_ Alwayswear
safetyglasses or eye shieldswhile operating
your lawnmower or performing any adjust-
ments or repairs, We recommend a wide
vision safetymask over the spectacles or
standard safetyglasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance+ Speed is not
adjustable,
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire
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 contro!,,The blade
turns when the engine is running,,
° Your lawn mower isequipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requiresthe operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to startand
operatethe lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
= Raisewheels for towcutand lower wheels
forhigh cut°
.Adjust cuttingheight to suityourrequire-
ments+Mediumpositionisbest for most
lawns+
-Tochangecuttingheight,squeeze adjuster
levertowardwheel Movewheel upor down
tosuityourrequirements Be sure all wheels
are inthesame setting,
NOTE: Adjuster isproperlypositionedwhen
platetab insertsinto hole in tever.Also. 9-
positionadjusters(ifso equipped)allow lever
tobe positionedbetween +.heplatetabs°
LowerWheelsfor HighCut
_Lever
RaiseWheelsfor LowCut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
• Closetheflip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
°Uft the reardoor onthe mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame ontothe
formedtabs on the rear door hinge bracket.
• The grasscatcher issecuredto the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered ontothe grass catcher frame.
CAUTION; Do not runyour lawnmower
withoutdipping deflectoror approved grass
catcher in place, Never attempt to operate the
lawnmower with the rear door removed or
proppedopen,
Hinge
bracket Grass catcher
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• To remove grasscatcher, release operator
presence control+barto stop engine,
= uft up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle,
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
itwill cause unnecessary wear,,

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmower is shipped withoutoitin the
engine.
'Be suremower isleveland areaaroundoil
fillisclean.
• Remove engineoilcapwidipsI_ckandfillto
the full Iineonthedipstick..
• Use 20 ozs.of oil. For type and grade ofoil
to use, see "ENGINE"in Customer
Responsibilitiessection of this manual.
• Pouro11slowly. Do not overfit!.
• Check oil levelbefore each use.Add oiIif
needed FIllto full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level,tighten engine oilcap
eachtime.
• Reinstallengine oilcap and tighten.
• Change the oil afterevery 25 hours of
operationor-each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirtycondWons.
GAS
• Fitlfueltank. Use fresh,dean, regular
unleaded gasolinewith a minimum of87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline..
Purchasefuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuelfreshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (cafl_d gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol)can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system Shouldbe
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer, Drain the fuel tank, start the engine
and let it run unti! fuef tines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fueI next season,
See Storage instructions for additionaI
information. Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur,
TO START ENGINE
•To startacotd engine, push primer five(5)
times before t_ng to start. Use a firmpush.
This step isnot usually necessary when
starting an engine Whichhas already runfor
a fewminutes.
• Hotdoperator presencecontrol bardown to
the handle and puUstarter handle qui_Jy.
Do not allow starter rope tosnap back.
• To stop engine, reteaseoperator presence
control bar.
NOTE: tncoolerweather it may be necessary
torepeat p_mingsteps. Inwarmer weather
over priming may cause floodingand engine
will not start.Ifyoudo flood engine, waita few
minutes beforeattempting to startand do not
repeatprimingsteps_
MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as verytall
grass, itmay be necessary to raisethe
heightof cut toreduce pushing effort and to
keepfrom overloading the engine and
leavingdumps of grass cfippings..
- For extremely heavycutting, reducethe
width of cut and raisethe rear of thelawn
mower housing one (1)wheel adjuster
settinghigher than the front for better
dischargeof grass.
,, When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moist,heavy grass,ctumps of cutgrass
may not enter the grasscatcher. Reduce
ground speed (pushing speed) and/orrun
the lawn mower over thearea a second
time,
•Ifa trailof grassclippingsis left onthe fight
side ofarear'discharge lawn mower, mow
ina clockwise direction with a smalloverlap
tocoltect the clippings on the next pass.
- Keep top of engine around starterclear and
dean of grassclippings and chaff.This will
help engine air flow and extend engine tire.
• Pores in cloth grass catcherscan become
titledwith dirt and dust wiLhuse and
catchers will collect lessgrass. To prevent
this, regularlyhose catchers offwith water'
and letdry 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 bladewi!lrecurthe
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that asthey fallonto the
lawnthey will disperse into the grassand
not be noticed. Also,the mulched grasswill
biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor
the lawn.Always mulch with yourhighest
engine (blade) speed asthiswiltprogidethe
best recuttingaction ofthe blades°
• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet.Wet
grasstends toform clumps and interferes
with the mulching action_The best time to
mow your lawn isthe early aftemoonoAt this
time the grass has dried andthe newly cut
area will not be exposed to the directsun
° For best results, adjustthe lawn mower
cutting height sothat the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-thirdofthe grassblades.,
Ifthe lawn isovergrown it wiltbe necessary
to raisethe height ofcut to reducepushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumpsof mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduceyourwidth ofcut, mowslowly and
raisethe rear ofthe lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higherthan the front°
, Certain types of grassand grassconditions
may requirethat an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings,When doinga second cut, mow
acrossor perpendicularto the firstcut path.
, Change your cuttingpattern from week to
week. Mow north to southone week then
change to east to westthe next week°This
will help prevent matting and gran_ngofthe
lawno
MAX 1/3

CheckforLooseFestaners I V" [
Cie_:vlnspect Gr_ss Catcher
(if Equipped) V"
iC(ean Lawn Mower t_
OCto_nUndero_=v0cecal
(Pawer.p_opelled Mowers)
Check drive baR/pulleys
g{P.pwm':P topelladM.pwe r6)
R Check/Sh_rpe_Fleplac aBlade
Lubrication Chert
Clean Batt_l_/Reche_'_e
,I_le:lri_Stwt,M_we_e/............... V',,,
E Che_kEng!,ao=IL_vel V'
NCheerio Eng lee O! t €,'#1=
GCteen AI_"Rller :
Iinspect Muf]ler
a CIear_ or Replace Spark Plug
EReplace Air Filler Paper Cartridge
I,-Che_ more Qri_ v_h_ogoraSnff m_d4r _ he.svy _oad or _hlgh a_3bi_ltt tompere!_¢=_,
2"_e ry_-_ n_m alien when c.pemlJn_ _d_t'_ or d_s'_'ytonalitY=
3,* Rgp|_tc_ bhv_o= _:=m o_an W_an Triow_ 0bl _l_dy so_
4 - C_[go 4B _U_ at ettd Oi S_O_,
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyonthislawnmowerdoes not
coveritemsthat have been subjectedto
operatorabuse or'negligence.Toreceive fuil
value from the warranty;,operator must
maintainmower as instructedin this manual
Some adjustmentswill need to be made
periodicallyto properly maintainyour unit.
A_Iadjustmentsin the Service and Adjustments
section ofthis mendel should be checked at
leastonce each season.
, Once ayear, replacethe sparkplug,replace
air lifterelemenFandcheck blade fat wear.A
new sl_arkplug and clearVnewairfifter
elementassures proper air-fuelmixture and
helps yourengine runbetterand last longer.
• Fotiowthe maintenanceschedule in this
manual
BEFORE EACH USE
•Checkengine oil level
•Checkforloose fasteners_
LUBRICATION
Keep unitwellIubdcated(See"LUBRICATION
CHART=)_
iv'
v'
If ......... ::: . .......
V',
I
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjusters
(_) Brake spring
bracket
ne oil
(_) Handte bracket
(_) Rear
door
hinge mountingpin
(_ SPRAY LUBRICANT
(_) _"_;AE30 MOTOR OIL REFER TO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIB/UTIESSECTION..
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel beadngs_ Viscous lubricants will
attract dust and dirt titat wii! shorten the
lifeof the serf lubricating beadngs_ If you
feel they must be lubricated, use only a
dry',powdered graphite type lubricant
sparingly
lO

PRODUCT SPECIRCATnONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.387270
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY! TYPE:
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):
OiL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION J19LM
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: -004 - °008
EXHAUST: .004 _.008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decat attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housingRecord both sedal number and date of purchase in space
5.5
11o5CU_ IN,
1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32_F)
20 OZSo
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety ruleswhen performing
any maintenance,
TIRES
•Keeptires freeof gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicalswhich can harm rubber,
°Avoid stumps, stones, deepruts,sharp
objectsand other hazards that may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results,mower blade must be kept
sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades_
TO REMOVE BLADE
•Disconnectsparkplug wire from spark plug
andplace v'_rewhere itcannot come in
contactwith spark ptugo
-"rumlawn mower on its side. Makesure air
filterand carburetor areup.
-Use a woodblock between blade and
mower housing to preventblade from
tumingwhen removingbtade bolt.
•Protectyourhands with gloves and/orwrap
bladew_hheavy dot,h.
-Remove blade boltby turningcounter-
clockwise.Use a9/16"box or open-end
wrench.
•Remove bladeand attachinghardware
(bolt,lock washerand hardenedwashe D,
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key insidehub ofblade adapter.
The key must be in good condition towork
properly, Replaceadapter if damaged_
TO REPLACEBLADE
o Pos_on the bladeadapter on the engine
crankshaft, Besure key inadapter and
keyway in crankshaftare aligned.
-Pos_on bladeon theblade adapter
aEigningthe two (2)holes in the blade with
the raised lugson the adapter**
°Be surethetrailingedge ls up toward the
engine.
°tnstatlthe blade boltwiththe lockwasher
and hardened.washerinto blade adapter
andcrankshaft,,
°Use block ofwoodbetween blade and
lawn mower housingand tighten the blade
bolt, turningcEockwise.
°The recommended tightening torque is35-
40"it. Ibs_
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt isgrade 8 heat
treated.
1t

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade- but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced
TO SHARPEN BLADE o
Care shouldbe takentokeepthe blade
balanced.An unbalanced btadeWillcause
eventual damage to lawn mower or engine°
o The bladecan be sharpened with afile or
on agdndingwheel. Do not attempt to
sharpenwhile on the mower'.
= Tocheck blade balance, d_e a nailinto a
beam or wall Leave about one inchof the
straightnail exposed,Place center hole of
bladeover the head of the nail.If blade is
balanced,it should remainin ahorizontal
position ifeither end ofthe blade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe
bladeis balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
*The grasscatcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used,
o Check your grasscatcher often for damage
or deterioration Through normal use itwill
wear°Ifcatcher needs replacing,replace
onlywith amanufacturer approved
replacementcatcher Givethe lawn mower
modelnumber when ordering,
Blade Crankshaft
adaptor ,_ f___ >ay
B,ade_ Key.,__
Bolt "/ _ _ " "Cra
\'\Z,o
washer Trailing adaptor
edge
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use onlyhigh quality detergent oil rated
withAPI serviceclassificationSF, SH or
SG. Select the oil'sSAE viscositygrade
according toyour expected operating
temperature°
NOTE: Nthough multi--viscosity oils
(5W30,t0W30 etc,)improvestartingin
coldweather,thesemulti_viscosity oils
willresultinincreasedoilconsumption
whenusedabove32°F_Checkyour
engineoillevel morefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefrom runninglow
on oil,
Change the oil after every 25 hours ofopera-
tion or at least once ayear ifthe lawn mower
is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain
oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until
fuel tank is empty.
,, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug,
• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface,
• Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil
into a suitable container, Rock lawn
mower back and forth to remove any oil
trapped inside of engine
• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
t
and on slde of engine_
• Fill engine with oil. Fil! only to the "FULU'
line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER
FILL.
• Replace engine oil cap.
•Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug,
Container
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properlyand may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter,
Replace the air filter every year; more
often if you mow In very dusty, dirty
conditions. Do not wash air filter,
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
° Remove the air filter cover by turning
counterclockwise to the stop and pull
away from coUar.
• Remove filter from inside ofcover.
• Clean the inside of the cover and the
12

collar to remove any dirt accumulation°
-Insert new filter intocover_.
• Put air filter cover and filter intocollar
aligning the tab with the sloL
- Push in on cover and turn clockwise to
tighten.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a
fire hazard and/or damager
SPARK PLUG
Change your spark ptug each year to
make your engine start easier and run
better.,Set spark plug gap at ,030 inch_
Collar_.
Slot
Air filter cover
Tum
counter-- lo
remove
Tumclockwise
totighten
CLEANING
IMPORTANT= For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built--up
grass and trash.. Clean underside of
mower housing after each use..
CAUTION; D!sconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with the spark
plug
•Turn lawn mower on its side.. Make sure
air filter and carburetor are up. Clean the
underside of your lawn mower by
scraping to remove build--u p of grass
and trash.,
° Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc..
• We DO NOT recommend using a
garden hose to clean lawn mower
unless the electrical system, muffler, air
tilter and carburetor are covered to keep
water out, Water in engine can result In
shortened
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 ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in
the Operation section ofthis manual
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the
rear wheels of your lawn mower, is
provided tominimize the possibilitythat
objects willbe thrown out the rear of the
lawn mower intothe operator'smowing
position,,
If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it
should be replaced.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your lawn mower handle can be raised or
lowered for your mowing comfort_ Four
(4) positionsare available: high. medium
high, medium low and low. Handles are
shipped mounted inthe medium low
position°
°To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower
handle sections will have to be turned
over.
, Remove the cable clips.
= Remove the controls and operator
presence control bar from the upper
handler
•Remove hairpin cotters_
• Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets.
°Turn the handle ever and reassemble
the hairpin cotters that have been
removed,
•Reassern'ble the controls and the
operator presence cont_6l bar to the
upper handle.
CAUTION: The operator presence control
bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake
engagement when control bar is released°
Do not over tighten the fasteners herding
the controls to the upper handle.
= To change from medium low to high
positiononly the upper handle section
will have to be turned over.
13

•To Change from medium low to low
position, only the lower handle section
will have to be turned over Squeezeto
remove
Medium Low MediumHigh
Low
Lower Handle
Handle
Bracket
HairpinClip
ENGINE
CARBURETOR
Your carburetorhas a non-adjustable fixed
main jet for mixture control If your engine
does notoperate properly due to sus-
pected carburetor problems, take your
lawn mower to an authorized service
center for repair or adjustment°
ENGINE SPEED
"Yourengine speed has been factory set,
Do not attempt to increase engine speed
or it may result in personal injury° If you
believe that the engine is running too fast
or too slow, take your lawn mower to an
authorized service center for repair and
adjustment.
immediately prepareyour la_n mower for
storage attheend ofthe seasonor ifthe unit
will not be usedfor 30days or more
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is tobe stored for apetied
of time,dean itthoroughly,remove;alldirt,
grease, leaves,etc Store inaclean,dry area
•Cleanentire lawn mower (See"CLEANING"
inthe Customer Responsibilitiessectionof
this manual)
• Lubricate as shown in the Customer
Responsibilitiessectionofthismanual
•Be surethat all nuts,bolts,screws, and pins
are securelyfastened Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage andwear
Replace ifnecessary
•Touch upall rustedorchippedpaint
surfaces;sand ligh_ybefore painting
HANDLE
You can fold your lawnmower handle for
storage.
• Squeeze the bottom endsof the lower'
handle toward each other untilthe lower
handle dears the handlebracket, then
move handle ronsard;
• Loosen upperhandIemounting bolts
enoughto allow upper handle to be folded
back_
IMPORTANT: When folding the handle
for storage or transportat{on, be sure to
fold the handle as shown or you may
damage the control cables
• When settingup your handle from the
storage position,the lower handle will
automaticai?ylock intothemowing position
.oo,o
Squeezetofold_'_
Y.-//_._/ Hairpin
Cotter
Operator Presence
Control Bar
Upper H_
Fold Forward
14 For Storage
r"r"_ol'Y'/_Ba¢k,,_vard
MowingPosition
LowerHandle

ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: It isimportant to prevent
gum deposits from forming inessen_al
fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel
filter, fuel hose_ ortank during storage..
Also, experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation
of adds during storage. Acidic gas can
damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage, _,
= Drain the fuel tank°
° Startthe engine and letit rununtilthefuel
linesand carburetorare empty.
. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
° Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizeris an acceptable
alternative in minimizing theformationof fuel
gum deposits during storage. Add stabil_er to
gasoline in fuel tank or storagecontainer,
Always followthe mix ratiofound on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10minutes
after adding stabilizerto allow the stabilizerto
reach the carburetor, Do not drain thegas
tank andcarburetor ifusing fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with
cleanengine oil. (See "ENGINE, inthe
Customer:Responsibilities section ofthis
manual).
CYMNDER
oRemove spark plug,
• Pour one ounce (29ml) of oilthrough spark
plug hole into cylinder.
. Pull starter handle slowly afew times to
distributeoil,
. Replace with new spark plug.
OTHER
• Do not store gasolinefrom one seasonto
another.
° Replaceyour gasoline can ifyour canstarts
to rust Rustand/or dirt in your gasoline will
cause problems:
° if possible,store your unit indoorsand cover
itto give protection from dust and dirt.
•Cover your unit with a suitableprotective
coverthat does not retainmoisture. Do not
use plastic.Plasticcannot breathe which
allows condensation tofoi_ and wiltCause
yourunit to nJsL
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while
engine and exhaust areas are stitl warm.
CAUTION: Never stor_t.heVlawnmowerwith
gasolinein the tank Inside abuilding where
fumes may reach an open flameor spark.
Allowthe engine to coolbefore storing inany
enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
Does not start •Dirtyair filter.
° Out of fuel.
• Stale fuel.
° Waterinfuel.
•Sparkplugwire is
disconnected,
• Bad sparkplug
• Loose btadeor brokenblade
adapter.
• Controlbar in released
position.
• Controlbardefective.
CORRECTION
- Clean/replace airfiiler,
-Fillfuettank.
•Draintank andrefillwith
fresh clean fuel.
• Drain fuel tank and
carburetor andrefilltank
with freshgasoline,
°Connect wire to plug
• Replacespark plug
° Tighten blade bolt or
replace bladeadapter.
• Depress control barto
handle_
° Replacecontrol bar.
15

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM CAUSE
_ss of power -Rear oflawn mowerhousing
or cuttingblade dragging
in_avygrass.
•Cuing too muchgrass.
_oorCUt- uneven
Excessive
_ibtation
_tarter rope hard
:opult
•Dirtyairfitter..
•Buildupofgrass,leaves,
andtrash undermower,
•Too muchoil inengine.
° Watk_ngspeed toofast.
-Worn, bentorloose blade°
•Wheelheights uneven.
• Buildup ofgrass, teaves
and trashunder mower:.
Wom, bentor loose blade.
Bent enginecrankshaft.
• Engineflywheel brake ison
when controlbar isreleased.
i Bent engine crankshaft,Bladeadapterbroken.
Bladedragging tngrass.
•Cuttingheight toolow.
• Lifton bladeworn off,,
Catcher not ventingair.
Grass istoo highor wheel
height istoo low,
Rearoflawn mower
lousingor blade dragging
ingrass.
•Grasscatchertoo full
• Handle height positionnot
rightforyou..
Grasscatcher
!orfilling(ifso
quipped)
-lardtopush
CORRECTION
•Setto"HigherCut"
position,
•Setto =HigherCut"
position,
•Clean/replace airfilter.
°Clean underside ofmower
housing.
• Check ottlevet.
•Cut atslower walking
speed,
•Replaceblade._ghten
blade boil
• Set ai! wheelsat same
height
• Clean Undersideof
mower'housing.
• Replaceblade_ghten
bladebolt.
• Contact an authorized
sewice center:
• Depress control barto
upper handlebefore
pulling starte_rope.
Contact an authorized
servicecenter:
• Replace blade adapter.
°Move lawnmowerto cut
grass orto hard surface
to startengine_
• Raise cutting height,,
-Reptace blade.
•Clean grass catcher,
,Raisecutting helght_
•Raise rear oflawn mower
housing one(1) setting
higher,
•Empty grasscatcher.
° Adjust handle heightto
su'_.
16

CRAFTSMAN Model No. 917.387270
Garantfa I7 Especificaciones de! Producto 25
Reglas de Seguridad 17 Servicio y Adjustes 27
Montaje 19 Almacenamiento 28
Opereei6n 20 IdentificaciSn de problemas 30
Mantenimiento 24 Partes de repuesto Vea el manual
Programa de Ma_3tenimiento 24 ingles del duef,o
Orden de Partes Contratapa
GARANTIA LIMITADA DE DOS AltOS PARA LA SEGADORAA MOTOR CRAFTSMAN
Por dos (2) af,,os0a partir de la fecha de compra0cuandoesta Segadora Cmltsman se mantenga, lubrique
y aline seg0n las instrucciones para la operaciSn y elmantenimiento en el manua! del dueSo,Sears
reparar&gratis tododefecto en e_materialy la mano de obm
Si ta SegadoraCraftsman se usa para lines comerciales odo aniendo, esta garant_as61ose aplicapor
noventa (90) d{asa partirde tafecha decompra+
Esta Garantia no cubre:
• Arliculos que se desgastan dursnta el uso normal talescomo los cuchiltas segadoras rotatorias,los
adaptadores de ta cuchilla,las oorreas, los fitlres deaire y los buj_as
• Reparaciones necesatias debido al abuso oa la negligencia del operador, tneluy_ndosealos
cig0e6alesdoblados y a la falta de mantenimiento del equipo segSn los ios_Jcoiones qua se ineluyen
en el manual del duefio
EL SERVIClO DE GARANTfA ESTA DISPONtBLE al devo_verla segadpra amotor Craftsman al centroi
departmento de servicio Sears mas cemano enlos Estados Unidoso Esta garentia se aplica solamente
mientras elproducto este an uso en los Estados Unidos
Esta Garant(ateotorga derschos logo!as especificos, y puede qua tarnbi_ntenga olres dere_os que
varfan de estado a estado
Sears. Roebuckand Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, EL60179 USA
Los estandraresde segurid_dexigenla presencia
deloperator en los controlesparareducir a un
rninimo el riesgode lesionarse_Su unidadviene
equipada cond_choscontmles.Par ningun moWo
iratedel eliminar la trunciSnde los controles qua
exigen la presencta do!operador.
ENTRENAMIENTO:
. Lea esta manual dot operador
cuidadosamente Fam_ian'cesecon los
controles y aprenda a operar su segadora en
forma adecuada Aprenda aparar su
segadora r_pirlarnenteo
• No permita qua los nif,os usen su segadora
Nunca permita que los adultos operen la
segadora sincontarcon losinstrucciones
adecuadaso
• Mantenga el ,_.reade operaci6n despejada
de genre, especialmente de niSos pequefios
y de anima?esdom_sticos
• Use la segadorasotamente para_os
fines pmpuestospotel fabricante y
seg_n Fase_licaciones descritasen
este manual
•No opere lasegadorasise ha cafdoo daSado
en cuaJquieraforma Siempre repare losda_os
antes de usarla
• No use acoesoriosqua nohayan sido
recomendados pot el fabricanta. El uso de
diehosacoesorios puede set peligroso
• La cuchilla giracuando el motor est_
funcionandoo
PREPARAC|6N:
•Siempre revise cuidadosamenta el _rea clue
se va a segary desp_jela de todas laspiedras,
palos, aJambres,huesos y otms
objetos extraSos Estos objetos
ser&n lanzados con la cuchitlay pueden
producir lesionos graves°
• Siempre use anteojos deseguridad o
protectores de ojos cuando anenque y du-
ranta el tiempo qua use la segadors
• Vistase en forma adecuada No opera la
segadora sin zapatos o con sand_ias
abieries Use solamente zapatos sStidoscon
buena tracci6ncuando siegue
17

• Vistase en fen"haade_ada. Noopera la
segadora sin zapatos o con sanda]ias
mientrasqua el motor estAfuncionando,
°Siegue siempre durante el dfa o con buena
_uzartificial
OPERAOI6N:
•Mantenga sus ojos y su monte en la
segadora yen el _rea qua se est&cortando.
No permita qua otms intereses Io distratgan
o No cortec_sped mojado omsbaloso. Nunca
corra rnientras est_ operando su segadora.
Siempre aseg_rese de mantener el equi[ibrio
- mantenga el mango agar_ado firmemente y
camine_
•No ponge las manes otos pies cerca odebajo
de las partes rotatorias. Ment_ngase
alejado de la abertuta de descarga en todo
memento
•Siempre pare el motor cuendose vaya
ocuando no estd usando su segadora, o
antes de atravesar _asentradas pare autos,
los senderos, caminos y dreas cubiertas de
ripio
• Nunca dirija la descarga de! material hacia
los espectadores ni pem_itaa nadie cerca de
la segadora mientras la est_ operando
• Antes de limpiar; inspe_onaro de reparar i
a segedora, pare el motor y est8
comptetamente seguro de qua la cuchilia y
qua redes lee partes qua se mueven se
hayan detenido Luego, desconecte el
aiambre de la butte y mant,_ngelo alejado de
_sta pare evitar el arranque peraccidents
- No continSe haciendoJuneionarsu segadora
sile pega a un obJetoextraSo. Siga el
procedimiento descdto anter[ormente, luego
repare cualquier dose antes de velvet a
arrancar yde operar su segadora.
• No cambie los ajustes del regulador o
hagaque el motor ands a une velocidad
excesiva. Se pueden productr daSos en el
motor y I esiones personales,
° No opera su segadora si vibra fuera de _o
normal. La wbr_cldn exceslva as una
indicaci6n de daSo; pare el motor, revise an
forma segura la causa de la vibraci6n y haga
tas reperac{ones segdn sea necesedo.
°No haga funcioner el motoren
recintoscerrados.Los gases de escape son
petigmsos.
•Nunca code at c_sped tirandola segadora
hacia usted. Siegue atrav_s de fa cara de
laspendientes, nunca hacia aniba o hacia
abate puss puede perder el equilibdo. No
siegue pendientes demasiado empinadas.
Tonga cuidado cuandoopera la segedcra en
terreno disparate o euando cambte de
direcci6n - mantenga un buen equi]ibrio.
=Nunca opera la segadora sin las
protecciones adeeuadas, las plenchas, el
recogedor de c_sped y otms dispositivos de
seguridad en su lugar:
MANTENIMIENTO Y ALMACENAMIEN-
TO:
° Revise la cuchilia y los pemos de montaje
del motor amenudo, pare asegurarse clue
est_n apretados en la forma adecuada.
•Revise todos los pemos, tuercas y tomillosa
intervalos frecuentes, peravsdfiear si est:Jn
apretados en forma adeeuada, y
asegurarseque la segadora se encuentra an
condiciones de funcionemientoseguro.
° Mantenga lodes los dispositivos de segur_dad
en su lugar y listos pare funcionar:
°Para reducir el pe]igro de incendio,
mantenga et motor sin c_sped, hojas y grasa
oaceite an exceso
•Revise el recogedor de c6sped a menudo
para veriticar st hay dsterioro y desgaste y
cambie los bolsas desgastades. Use
solamente las bolses de repuesto
recomendadas per el fabrieente de su
segadora o qua cumplencon las
especificacionesde _ste_
• Siempre mantenga une ouchillaafifede en su
segadora
•Siempre permita qua el motor se enfde
antes de guardarta en cualquier recinto
cerrado
• Nunca guards la segadora con combustible
en el estanque dentro de un edificioendonda
los gases pueden alcanzar une llama
expuesta ouna fuente de ignici6n, tel come el
calentador de ague, la estufa de
calefacci6n, la secadora de ropa, etc°
PRECAUCI6N: Siempre desconecte et
elambre de la buj[a yp_ngalo donde no pueda
entrar an contacto con la bujfa, pare evitar e!
arranque per accidents, durante la preparaci6n,
el transports, el ejuste o euando se bacon
reparac|ones.
PRECAUCl6N: Esconoc{doperelEstadode
Californiaqualosgasesde escapedotmotorde
esteproductorconttenenqut'micoslos eualesa
ciertosniveles,puedenocasionar,c_ncer,
defectosdenacimiento,y otmsdaSosal sistema
reproductive,
18

Estos accesorios estaban disponibles cuando
se produjo la segadom Tambi_n estdn
disponibtes en la mayoda de las tiendas de
Sears yen los centros de servicio La mayoda
RENDIMIENTO DE LA SEGADORA
DESVIADOR DE RECORTF_
='ARA SEGADORAS CON DESCARGA TRASERA
RECOREDOR
PARA
SEGADORAS
CON DESCARGA
TRASERA
MANTENIM|ENTO DE LA SEGADORA
SILENCrAOORES
L,JJ,
CORREAS CUCHILLAS
de tas t_endas Sears tambidn pueden mandar a
pedir partes de repuesto para usted, si las
proporciona el nSmero del modelo de su
segadora° Algunos de estos accesorios tai vez
no se apliquen a su segadora
JUEGOS PARA LA ACOLCHADORA
RECOREDOR
PARA
SEGADORAS
CON DESCARGA
LATERAL
RL"rROS DE AIRE
DE CUCHILLA RUEDAS
ESTAB|UZADORES
ENVASES
DE GASOLtNA
BUJ[AS
AcEn'E
DEL MOTOR
Lea estas inst.."ucdonesy este manual
completamente antes de trstar de rnonlar uoperar
so segadoranueva, Su segadoranueva ha sido
montada en lafi_bricaconta excepci6n deaquellas
partesqua se dejaronsin montar porrazones de
envfo.Todaslas partescomolastuercas,ias
arandetas, los pemos,etc°,quo son necesarias
para comptetar el montaje hart stdocolocadas en la
bolsado partes Paraasegurarse quo su segadora
fundone en forrnaseguray adecuada, todas las
partes y los artrcuk_sde ferretedaquose monten
tienen qua set apretados seguramente Use las
henamientas¢or_ctas, como sea necesario, para
asegurar qua se aprieten adecuadamente
PARA REMOVER LA SEGADORA DE
LA CAJA DECARTON
•Remueva las pades sueltas qua se incluyencon
la segadora
. Coda las dosesquinas delos extmmosde la
caja do cart6n y tienda etpanel delextremo
planoo
• Remueva todoel matedal de empaque,excepto
lacuF_aentree[mango supedory dtinferior, y la
cuSaqua sujeta tabarra de loscontrol quaextge
lapresenciade!operador juntocon e_mango
supedor
Haga rodar la segadora haciaafuem de la caja
de cartSny rsvfsela cuidadosamente para
vedficar si todavla quedan pades sueltas
adicionales
COMO PREPARAR SU SEGADORA
PAPA DESDOBLAR EL MANGO
tMPORTANI_: Despliegue el mango con mucho
cuidado para no pellizcaro da_ar loscabtes de
control
•Levante los mangos basra qua lasecoi6n del
mango inferiorse asegure en su lugar, en la
posic_6npara segar
• Remueva lacuSa prolectora,[evantela secdSn
del mango superior hastasu tugaren el mango
Inferior y apriete ambas manUlasde! mango.
• Remueva lacuSade! mango qua sujeta la bama
de loscontrolqua ex_gela presenda del
operador juntocon el mar,gosuperior
°El mango de la segadom puede ajustarse seg6n
leacomode parasegar. RefiSrasea "AJUSTE
DEL MANGO" en la Secci6n de Seniicio y
Ajustes de este manual
19

Barra de controlque exlge la
presencia del operador
vantar
tl
parsseger
PAPA tNSTALAR LOS :JCESORIOS
Susegadom rueenviada lista _arausarse come
unaacolchadora de capa vegetaJ Pars conve_rla
de modo_quepueda ensacar o descargar:
. Abralapuertatraseray r_muevalatapon
acotchadora, Gu_rdela'eh un lugarsegum.
• Abets puede insia_areIrecogedor oeI desviador
de recortes opcionaL
• Paravolver ala operad6n deacolchamiento con
capa vegetal,instalslatapon acolchadora en la
aborters de descargade la segadora,
PRECAUCION: No t'_ga (unc_onarsu
segadora sinla tapon aco[chadora aprobada en su
lugar' o sin el de..wiadorde recortes, o sin et
recogedor de cdsped, apmbados, ensu lugar.
Nunca irate de sparer la segadora cuando sa ha
removidolapuertatraserao cuandoest_ un poco
abterta_
Teponalcolchadora
FAMILIARICESE CON SU SEGADORA
LEAESTE MANUAL DEL DUEI_O YLAS REGLAS DESEGURtDAD ANTES DE OPERAR SU
SEGADORA_Compare las_ustraciones consu segadora pars familiarizarse con la ubicaci6nde los
d'rve,tsoscon!,m!esy ajustes. Guardsestemanualpatareferenciaen eifuture.
Estos s{mbolos pueden apareser sobre su segadora oen la literature pr0porcionada conei ....
productoo Aprenday=comprenda sue significados.
i iiiiiiiiiii .......... iiii, i
Cable de control de la
velocidad del motet-
Recoge_ordel
c6sped'"
i_ Barre de conb'olque exlge|a
presencia deloperador
Msnttta del mango
Tepa dot rellene de la
gasoline
Cebedor
Taponde la Flitrodelairs
acolchadera estadordela rueda(on
Tapsde!deposits desceite del cadsreeds)
motorconvsdllalncficadorade
ntvel Caja
Lassegadoras a motor, qus se conducendesde la partsdo arras, rotatodas, Sears, cumplencontoe
est_dares do seguddadde|AmericanNationa_StandardslnstiMe yde la US. ConsumerProductSafety
,,C,ommL_sion,La_uc,hiI{agi'racuando el motoresf,_fundonando,
Barradb control que exige la presencia del Cord6n arrancadqr--se usapara hacerarmn_i: ....
operador_ tiene que sujetarse abajo,juntocon el el moron
mango, pars hacer arrancar el motor. Sudlte[apara Tapon de la ar._Ichadora-- permitsla conversidn
parer elmotor, parsla operad6n de descarga o ensacado.
Cebsdor m bombsa combustible adicional deeds el
ca_buradoratciI[ndropars us(} cuandose necesita
hacerarrancar un motor fn'o,
20