Craftsman EZ3 917.387380 User manual

Owner's Manual
®
6.0 HORSEPOWER
20" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.387380
o Safety
o Assembly
oOperation
" Maintenance
EspaSo_
Repair Parts
CAUTaON:
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:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
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.
This Warranty gives you specific legat rights, and you may also have other fights which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
oRead this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop
mower,
Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.
= Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets°
. Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this manual.
• 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.
oThe blade turns when the engine is
running.
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 thrown by the blade
and can cause severe injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
• Dress properly° Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
o Check fuel tank before starting engine°
Do not fitl gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
2

hot.Allowtheengineto coolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
o Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running.
• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
light°
OPERATION:
• Keepyoureyesandmindonyourmower
andtheareabeingcut.Donotletother
interestsdistractyour
° Donotmowwetorslipperygrass°Never
runwhileoperatingyourmower,Always
besureofyourfooting-- keepafirm
holdonthehandlesandwalko
o Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder
rotatingparts.Keepclearofthedischarge
openingatalltimes.
• Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveorarenotusing yourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,
andanygravel--coveredareas.
oNever 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 resulL
-Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
• Do not run the engine indoors_ Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing° De not mow exces-
sively steep slopes. Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain
or when changing directions -- maintain
good footing.
o 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.
o 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 replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower°
• 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 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°

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthis
lawnmowerwasproduced,Theyare also
availableatmostSearsretailoutletsand
servicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalso
LAWNMOWERPERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR,D!SCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR D1SCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
, J,iJ,
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
order repair parts for you, when you provide
the model number of your lawn mower.
Some of these accessories may not apply
to your lawn mower_
r , Illll '",,',
MUFFLERS
BELTS
,,,i,,,
BLADES
MULCHER KITS
i HIHH,,, , ,I,
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIRFIg,g,R,S ........
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
STABILIZERi Hll,i
GASCANS w
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions 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 function of the
operator presence controls under any
circumstances.
Read these instructions and 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 placed in the parts bag_ To ensure
safe and proper operation of your lawn
mower, all parts and hardware you as-
semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
o Remove loose parts included with
mower_
• Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flato
o Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control barto upper handle,,
o Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts,,

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables°
° Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
= Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower
handles and tighten both handle knobs,
-Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
. Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and
Adjustment section of this manual,
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up
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.
• You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector,
o To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulcher plug _'_U__
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.
Lower
handle
Mowing
position

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
Iocat__stments. Savethismanual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OFF FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Engine zone control cable
Handle
Grass catcher
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Mulcher plug
Gasoline filler cap
Primer Lawn mower housing
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe Amedcan
National Standards Institute and the U.S,,Consumer Product Safety Commission° The blade
turns when the engineis running, .......................................................................................
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be
held down to the handleto 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_
Niulcher Plug - located atthe discharge
opening must be removed when converting to
bagging or discharging operation_

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeyedamage,Alwayswear
safetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating
yourlawnmowerorperforminganyadjust-
mentsorrepairs.Werecommendawide
visionsafetymaskoverthespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWNMOWER
ENGINESPEEDCONTROl
Theenginespeedwassetatthefactory
foroptimumperformance.Speedisnot
adjustable.
ENGINEZONE CONTROL
CAUTION; Federalregulationsrequire
anenginecontrolto beinstalledonthis
lawnmowerin orderto minimizethe risk
ofbladecontactinjury,,Do notunderany
circumstancesattempttodefeatthe
functionoftheoperatorcontrol.Theblade
turnswhentheengineis running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower°
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for highcut.
- Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels
are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever.Also, g-
position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
Lower Wheels for High CutPlate Tab
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
Lever
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
oClose the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
o Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.
. The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame,
CAUTION: Do not nJnyour lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
Hinge
bracket Grass catcher
frame
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
°To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.
o Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
itwill cause unnecessary wear.
7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped 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 oit
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual
o Pouroil slowly. Do not overfill.
° Check oil level before each use° Add oil if
needed_ Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time°
= Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season° You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
GAS
o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline_
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness_
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer° Drain the fuel tank, start the engine
and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
are empty_ Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage Instructions for additional
information° Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur. Engine oil
cap
Gasoline
filler cap
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
times before trying to starL Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.
o 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: tn 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
o 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 asmall overlap
to collect the clippings on the next pass_
o Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will
help engine air flow and extend engine lifeo
o Pores in cloth grass catchers can become
filled with dirt and dust with use and
catchers wil! collect, less grass° To prevent
this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and let dry before using.
Primer

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 intothe grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass wilf
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action ofthe blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn is the early aftemoonoAt this
time the grass has dried and the newly cut
area will not be exposed to the direct sun.
o 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.
Ifthe lawn isovergrown itwill 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 requirethat an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular 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 nextweek° This
will help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
t/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Check for Loo'se Fasteners ._
i Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
i (tf Equipped) ..... _
MClean Lawn Mower .... . , V _'
O Clean Under Drive Cover{Powe,r:P,topelled Mowers! ..........
Check drive belt/pulleys
E(Power-Propelled Mowers) t
,,C,heck/Sha,rpentReplace Blade
iLubrication Chart
clean Battery/Recharge
{Elec!r cStart Mowers) I
EiCheck Engine Oit Leve! 6f
NChange Engine Oil
!G CieanAirFiffer
: inspect Muffler
i N CIean or Replace Spark Plug
EReplace Air Filter" Paper Cartridge
v'
v'
_ ...! .., v"
J_
v" _,'
v'
v"
_2
SERVICE DATES
.........
1-Change mote often when operating under aheavy _oad or _ _gh ambient temperatures
2- Se_ce mor_ often when opetaling in d}rb/or dusty conditions
3-Replace blades mete oftarlwhen me.nO Insandy soif
4-Cho,_o,_,o.,_.,.ridor,°2,°. LUB RICATION CHART
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS Wheel
The warranty onthis lawn mower does not adjusters
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence.To receivefull t..._____
value from the warranty,operator must _<>_:,
maintain mower as instnJctedin this manual ._.
Some adjustments wilt need to be made /
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments
section ofthis manual should be checked at ', /
leastonce each season.
o Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace
airfilter element and check bladefor wear. A l
new spark plug and clean/new air filter | Engine oil
element assures proper air-fuel mixture and (_) Rear (_) Handle bracket
helps your engine run better and last longer, door
. Follow the maintenance schedule in this hinge mounting pin
manual. (_) SPRAYLUBRICANT
BEFORE EACH USE
o Check engine oil level. (_) SAE30 MOTOROIL..REFERTO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
o Check for loose fasteners. RESPONSIBILITIESSECTION.
LUBRICATION IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
CHART"). 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