Owners Manual
Page 1
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman Owner's Manual ROTARY LAWN MOWER 6.5 Horsepower 21" Rear Discharge Model No. 917.38885 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 Owner's Manual ROTARY LAWN MOWER 6.5 Horsepower 21" Rear Discharge Model No. 917.38885 CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Owners Manual
Page 2
...failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in serious injury or death. Wash WARNING: In order to the State YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. cidental starting when setting up according to cause cancer and birth defects or other rights which become...16 Troubleshooting 16-17 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 capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used in con- hands after engine has ...
...failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in serious injury or death. Wash WARNING: In order to the State YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. cidental starting when setting up according to cause cancer and birth defects or other rights which become...16 Troubleshooting 16-17 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 capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used in con- hands after engine has ...
Owners Manual
Page 4
... is spilled on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. lbs. • The model and serial numbers will be maintained in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. ...object. • Never fill containers inside a closed area. • Never make wheel height adjustments while the engine is required by the operator. Frequently check components and replace with...and instruction labels, as necessary. Clean oil or fuel spillage. WARNING: This lawn mower is complete. Other states may have similar laws. Record both serial number and date of purchase in ...
... is spilled on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. lbs. • The model and serial numbers will be maintained in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. ...object. • Never fill containers inside a closed area. • Never make wheel height adjustments while the engine is required by the operator. Frequently check components and replace with...and instruction labels, as necessary. Clean oil or fuel spillage. WARNING: This lawn mower is complete. Other states may have similar laws. Record both serial number and date of purchase in ...
Owners Manual
Page 5
Your new Craftsman® product is all covered repairs. • Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed. • Discount of your lawn mower. 5 Here's what's included in -home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling. sional repair specialists. • Unlimited ...service and no charge for parts and labor on all that it may not apply to your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your mower. Some limitations and...
Your new Craftsman® product is all covered repairs. • Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed. • Discount of your lawn mower. 5 Here's what's included in -home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling. sional repair specialists. • Unlimited ...service and no charge for parts and labor on all that it may not apply to your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your mower. Some limitations and...
Owners Manual
Page 6
...safe and UP proper operation of those parts left unassembled for a few minutes. MOWING POSITION Upper handle Handle knob Lower handle TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON 1. Make sure the frame handle is shipped LIFT WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are...manual in Operator its entirety before using. All parts such as necessary to upper handle. Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for additional loose parts. control bar IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is outside of bag on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs. 3. Remove loose parts ...
...safe and UP proper operation of those parts left unassembled for a few minutes. MOWING POSITION Upper handle Handle knob Lower handle TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON 1. Make sure the frame handle is shipped LIFT WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are...manual in Operator its entirety before using. All parts such as necessary to upper handle. Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for additional loose parts. control bar IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is outside of bag on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs. 3. Remove loose parts ...
Owners Manual
Page 7
... Gasoline filler cap Operator presence control bar Handle knob Engine oil cap with dipstick Spark plug Muffler Housing Air filter Primer Wheel adjuster (on your lawn mower to the safety standards of various controls and adjustments. Consumer Product Safety Commission. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power...
... Gasoline filler cap Operator presence control bar Handle knob Engine oil cap with dipstick Spark plug Muffler Housing Air filter Primer Wheel adjuster (on your lawn mower to the safety standards of various controls and adjustments. Consumer Product Safety Commission. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power...
Owners Manual
Page 8
...foreign objects thrown into hole in lever. Do not under lawn mower handle. 3. The blade turns when the engine is running. • Your lawn mower is not adjustable. Move wheel up on this lawn mower in order to operate the lawn mower with clippings from bag. NOTE: Do not drag the bag... when emptying; LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER Plate tab TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was set at the factory ...
...foreign objects thrown into hole in lever. Do not under lawn mower handle. 3. The blade turns when the engine is running. • Your lawn mower is not adjustable. Move wheel up on this lawn mower in order to operate the lawn mower with clippings from bag. NOTE: Do not drag the bag... when emptying; LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER Plate tab TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was set at the factory ...
Owners Manual
Page 10
... grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that an area be mulched a second time 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. • ... be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to direct sunlight. • For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off with your highest engine (blade) speed as this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut grass may require that...
... grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that an area be mulched a second time 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. • ... be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to direct sunlight. • For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off with your highest engine (blade) speed as this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut grass may require that...
Owners Manual
Page 11
... in sandy soil. 4 - If you should make any of the self-lubricating bearings. LUBRICATION CHART ➀ Wheel adjuster (on this lawn mower does not cover items that will LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated attract dust and dirt that have been subjected to ... 25 HOURS 100 OR SEASON HOURS BEFORE STORAGE Check for Loose Fasteners Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * Check Tires Check Drive Wheels *** Clean Lawn Mower **** Clean under Drive Cover *** Check Drive Belt / Pulleys *** Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade Lubrication Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level Change...
... in sandy soil. 4 - If you should make any of the self-lubricating bearings. LUBRICATION CHART ➀ Wheel adjuster (on this lawn mower does not cover items that will LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated attract dust and dirt that have been subjected to ... 25 HOURS 100 OR SEASON HOURS BEFORE STORAGE Check for Loose Fasteners Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * Check Tires Check Drive Wheels *** Clean Lawn Mower **** Clean under Drive Cover *** Check Drive Belt / Pulleys *** Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade Lubrication Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level Change...
Owners Manual
Page 12
Turn lawn mower on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in a horizontal position. Through normal use . Use block of wood between blade and mower housing to sharpen while on a grinding wheel. Check your... where it should be sharpened with a file or on the mower. • To check blade balance, drive a nail into SAE VISCOSITY GRADES blade adapter and crankshaft. 4. Place ...replacing, replace only with water, but if you check the oil level. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your engine oil...
Turn lawn mower on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in a horizontal position. Through normal use . Use block of wood between blade and mower housing to sharpen while on a grinding wheel. Check your... where it should be sharpened with a file or on the mower. • To check blade balance, drive a nail into SAE VISCOSITY GRADES blade adapter and crankshaft. 4. Place ...replacing, replace only with water, but if you check the oil level. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your engine oil...
Owners Manual
Page 13
... a dirty air filter. Carefully remove cartridge. 3. If very dirty, replace cartridge. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of your 9. Tip lawn mower on its side as kerosene, are covered to keep water out. CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as shown and drain oil into a suitable...8. Your engine will smoke heavily from the muf- Replace the air filter cartridge every 100 hours of your lawn mower by using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are not to be sure to retighten oil...
... a dirty air filter. Carefully remove cartridge. 3. If very dirty, replace cartridge. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of your 9. Tip lawn mower on its side as kerosene, are covered to keep water out. CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as shown and drain oil into a suitable...8. Your engine will smoke heavily from the muf- Replace the air filter cartridge every 100 hours of your lawn mower by using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are not to be sure to retighten oil...
Owners Manual
Page 14
...wheels of this manual. If you believe that objects will be replaced. CARBURETOR 6. Remove hairpin cotters from spark plug and place wire where it should be thrown out of the rear of lower handle are off center for repair and adjustment. Your carburetor is provided to make any service and adjustments: 1. LAWN MOWER... TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the bottom of the mower into the operator mowing position. TO ADJUST HANDLE Lower handle The handle...
...wheels of this manual. If you believe that objects will be replaced. CARBURETOR 6. Remove hairpin cotters from spark plug and place wire where it should be thrown out of the rear of lower handle are off center for repair and adjustment. Your carburetor is provided to make any service and adjustments: 1. LAWN MOWER... TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the bottom of the mower into the operator mowing position. TO ADJUST HANDLE Lower handle The handle...
Owners Manual
Page 15
... drips concentrated fuel preserver into the mowing position. sand lightly before painting. Acidic gas can fold your lawn mower handle for storage. 1. STORAGE Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow upper handle to be stored for a period... stabilizer to adding fuel stabilizer. 15 Inspect moving parts for 30 days or more. Operator presence control bar MOWING POSITION LAWN MOWER When lawn mower is important to fold the handle as shown in fuel tank or storage container. SQUEEZE TO FOLD Lower handle FOLD FORWARD...
... drips concentrated fuel preserver into the mowing position. sand lightly before painting. Acidic gas can fold your lawn mower handle for storage. 1. STORAGE Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow upper handle to be stored for a period... stabilizer to adding fuel stabilizer. 15 Inspect moving parts for 30 days or more. Operator presence control bar MOWING POSITION LAWN MOWER When lawn mower is important to fold the handle as shown in fuel tank or storage container. SQUEEZE TO FOLD Lower handle FOLD FORWARD...
Owners Manual
Page 16
... Clean/replace air filter. 2. Tighten blade bolt or replace blade adapter. 8. Depress control bar to engine. 16 IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm. Out of this manual). Control bar defective. 10. Turn fuel valve lever to distribute oil. ... and replace with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of fuel. 3. PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Does not start 1. Spark plug wire...
... Clean/replace air filter. 2. Tighten blade bolt or replace blade adapter. 8. Depress control bar to engine. 16 IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm. Out of this manual). Control bar defective. 10. Turn fuel valve lever to distribute oil. ... and replace with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of fuel. 3. PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Does not start 1. Spark plug wire...
Owners Manual
Page 17
... loose blade. 2. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. 1. Set all wheels at slower walking speed. Starter rope hard to push 1. Blade adapter broken. 3. Replace blade adapter. 4. Catcher not venting air. 1. Raise cutting height. 2. Raise cutting height. 2. Empty grass catcher. 4. Rear of lawn mower housing or cutting blade dragging in manual unless directed...
... loose blade. 2. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. 1. Set all wheels at slower walking speed. Starter rope hard to push 1. Blade adapter broken. 3. Replace blade adapter. 4. Catcher not venting air. 1. Raise cutting height. 2. Raise cutting height. 2. Empty grass catcher. 4. Rear of lawn mower housing or cutting blade dragging in manual unless directed...
