Owner's Manual ROTARY LAWN MOWER 6.75 Horsepower Power-Propelled 21" Multi-Cut Model No. 917.378920 · Español, p. 19 CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman TABLE OF CONTENTS Warranty ...................................................2 Safety Rules ..........................................2-4 Product Specifications ..............................4 Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................6 Operation.............................................7-11 Maintenance Schedule ...........................12 Maintenance ......................................12-15 Ser vice and Adjustments...................15-16 Storage ..............................................16-17 Troubleshooting .................................17-18 Repair Parts.......................................36-43 Sears Service .......................... Back Cover WARRANTY LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not cover: · Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug. · Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual. Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is used 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, IL 60179 SAFETY RULES 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. Look for this symbol to point out impor tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas. 2 I. GENERAL OPERATION · 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. II. SLOPE OPERATION 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. III. CHILDREN 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. IV. SERVICE · 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. 3 · 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 ser vicing them. · Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Serial Number: Date of Purchase: Gasoline Capacity / Type: Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): Oil Capacity: Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Blade Bolt Torque: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) 20 Ounces Champion RJ19LM or J19LM 35-40 ft. lbs. · The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above. Repair Protection Agreements Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Craftsman® product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation. Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourself from unexpected hassle and expense. Here's what's included in the Agreement: · · · · Expert service by our 12,000 profesional repair specialists. Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs. Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed. Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive maintenance check. · Fast help by phone ­ phone support from a Sears technician on products requiring in-home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling. Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service appointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5 million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today! Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional information call 1-800-827-6655. Sears Installation Service For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. 4 ACCESSORIES These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower. 5 ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. Operator presence control bar Upper handle LIFT UP LIFT UP Mowing position Lower handle TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON 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. TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER 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. HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables. 1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position. 2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs. 3. 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 Adjustments section of this manual. Catcher frame handle Vinyl bindings Frame opening TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual. 6 OPERATION KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the ...