CRAFTSMAN 917.388620 (01) PDF Document

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.

Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.

Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor).

If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower.

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

Never allow children to operate the machine.

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

– Use only an approved container.

– Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.

– Never refuel the machine indoors.

– Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

Never run a machine inside a closed area.

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine (motor) is running.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar – must be held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer – pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Starter handle – used for starting the engine.

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut. Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

To change cutting height, squeeze 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, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

REAR BAGGING

Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

To convert to mulching operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in Maintenance section of this manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

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.

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 gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) 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.

2. 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. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

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. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See “Cleaning” in MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

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 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 next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

1 – Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 – Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

3 – Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

Keep unit well lubricated (See “LUBRICATION CHART”).

Lubricate the following points with spray lubricant:

• Wheel adjuster

• Brake spring bracket

• Handle bracket mounting pin

Engine oil should be maintained as per the “Engine” section of the manual.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade – but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See “Add Oil” in the Operation section of this manual.)

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

Use SAE 30 for temperatures above 32°F. Use SAE 5W-30 for temperatures below 32°F.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the 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.

Your engine will not run properly and 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.

1. Remove the air filter by turning clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumulation.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn counter-clockwise to tighten.

MUFFLER: Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG: Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and run better. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up 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 filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

The handle on your lawn mower has three (3) height positions – adjust to height that suits you.

Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes (High, Med, Low).

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. When lawn mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

1. Clean entire lawn mower (See “CLEANING” in the Maintenance section of this manual).

2. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.

3. Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.

4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting.

1. Loosen the two (2) handle knobs on sides of the upper handle and allow handle to fold down to the rear.

2. Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle toward each other until pins in handle clear the brackets and pivot entire handle assembly forward and allow it to rest on mower.

When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle will require manually locking into the mowing position.

IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for storage or transportation, be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may damage the control cables.

IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank 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 acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

1. Drain the fuel tank.

2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL: Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil.

CYLINDER:

1. Remove spark plug.

2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.

3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.

4. Replace with new spark plug.

OTHER:

Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.

If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt.

Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust.

IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm.

CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.