Craftsman 917.387240 EZ Mulch Side Discharge Rotary Lawn Mower Owner’s Manual

Craftsman 917.387240 EZ Mulch Side Discharge Rotary Lawn Mower Owner’s

Manual

Model No.
917.387240

CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
https://manual-

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 plugv
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank- shafts 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 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 legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

SAFETY RULES

TRAINING:

• Read 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 manufacturer, Use of such attachments rnay 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, 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.

Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the gas tank.
Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.
Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your mower Never attempt to do this while the engine is running
Mow only in daylight or good artificial 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 all 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 over speed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
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 footings Do not mow excessively 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 mounting 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 deterioration 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.
• 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

ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for your when you provide the model number of your lawn mower Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

ASSEMBLY

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 assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower,
• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat,
• Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.
• 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 handle 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 handle 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 Adjustments section of this manual

OPERATION

FLOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
AD THIS OWNERS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR OWN MOWER, Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself the location of various controls and adjustments„ Save this manual for future symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the duct Learn and understand their meaning.

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 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.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• 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.

CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn mower without mulcher door in locked position, discharge deflector in place, or approved grass catcher in place.

NOTE: Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for mulching operation. To convert to discharging operation, you must install the discharge deflector attachment included with your mower.

TO INSTALL DISCHARGING DEFLECTOR

• Unlock mulching door by lifting door latch as shown
• Lift door upward on its hinge until the deflector frame can be hooked over the door mounting bracket as shown.
• Release the door to rest against deflector frame.
• To return to mulching operation, reverse the above steps and be sure door is in locked position.

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 oil to use, see “ENGINE” in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• 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 seasone You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

MOWING TIPS

• 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 by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
• 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.

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 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, mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel adjuster setting higher than the front.
• 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 gaining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE

STONIER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures
2. Service more often when operating in ditty or dusty conditions
3. Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil
4. Charge 4B hours at end of season

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 bearing so If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and 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

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side, Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
• Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt,
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counter clockwise. Use a 9/16″ box or open-end wrench
• 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

TO REPLACE BLADE
o Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft key way are aligned.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W3(), IOW30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 320F 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

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain Oilt drain fuel tank by running engine untilfuel tank is empty

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a  clean surface.
• 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,
• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine
• Fill engine with oil, Fill only to the “FULL” line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL*
• Replace engine oil cap.

AIR FILTER
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 dustyr dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter,

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
Remove the air filter by turning counter- clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar
Remove filter from inside of cover.
Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumulation,
Insert new filter into cover
Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.
Push in on cover and turn 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.

CLEANING
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

• 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-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 shortening engine life

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:
Release control ban
• 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
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mowing position. If the 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) positions are available: high, medium high, medium low and low. Handles are shipped mounted in the 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
• Remove hairpin cotters
• Disconnect the lower handle from the handle brackets
• Turn the handle over and reassemble the hairpin cotters that have been removed.
• Route cable(s) below crossbar of lower handle and reassemble the controls and the operator presence control bar to the upper handle. presence control bar from 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 holding the controls to the upper handle. a To change from medium low to high position only the upper handle section will have to be turned over.

To change from medium low to low position, only the lower handle section will have to be turned oven

STORAGE

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

Drain the fuel tank.
a Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty
o Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur
o 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. (See “ENGINE” in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual)

CYLINDER

• Remove spark plug
• Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder
• Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil
• 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 warrn,
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

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

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