???Read this operator's manual carefuUy 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, especia!ly small children and pets.

???Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de- scribed 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.

oDo not use accessory attachments that are not recommended

by the manufacturer.. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

,The blade turnswhen the engine is running

PREPARATION:

oAlways thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of aU 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 orwhen 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 dam- age before restarting and operating you mower.

??Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may resutt

???Do not operate your'mower if it vibrates abnormally. Exces- sive 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 danger- ous,

??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 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:

oCheck 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 condi- tion

???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.

portant safety precautions. It means LookCAUTION!!tfor this BECOMEsymbol toALERT!!!point outYOURim-

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

r,

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

&plug wire arid place wire where it can- not contact spark plug in order to pre- vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making repanrs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn Mower. it has been designed, engineered and manufac- tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service CentedDepartment. We have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual?? The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower properly?? Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL

NUMBER 917.387830

SERIAL

NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

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

o Remove loose parts included with mower.

oCut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flaL

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

oRoll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor- ougHy for additional loose parts_

HOW TO SET U P YOU R LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

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 handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

oYour 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

CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. t

LY

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

(See Fig. 2)

Your' lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher, To convert to bagging or discharging:

oOpen rear door' and remove mulcher plug, Store mulcher plug in a safe place,

??You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec- tor.

oTo return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug into discharge opening of mower,.

MULCHER PLUG

FIG. 2

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug in place or ap- proved clipping deflector or grass

catcher in place, Never'attempt to op- erate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or'propped open.

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

,Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag,

NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the tubular frame,

,u,ii ,111,,11,,i,,, ,,,,i,i,iii1,11

BLY

LOWER

FRAME

oWhen frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,

immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag as shown in inset??

oSlide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open- ingo

TUBULAR

FRAME

//

oAssemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown, Be

sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully seated as shown in inset,

???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.

???Close the flip lid,, Flip lid must be closed while operating lawn mower.

oLift the 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,,

without clipping deflector or approved

FIG. 3B

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

\

FIG, 3C

REAR DOOR

grass catcher in place. Never attempt AAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open,

HI

BRACKET

GRASS

CATCHER

FRAME

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

HEM

\\

J

FORMED

TABS

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_

MULCHER PLUG -located at the discharge opening must be removed when converting to bagging or discharging operation

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 con- trol. The blade turns when the engine is running.

???Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres+ ence 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 (See Fig. 5)

??Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut+

???Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements Me- dium position is best for most lawns

=To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to- ward 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 hote in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) atlow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs

LOWER WHEELS

;OR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS

FOR LOW CUT

FIGo 5

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 6)

o Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

oRemove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle,

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

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

FIG+ 6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL (See Fig. 7)

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 ful! 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,.

o Pour oil slowly_ Do not over fill.

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

oAfter the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil, and every 25 hours thereafter_ You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions

GAS (See Fig, 7)

??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 gasohot or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of ac,ids 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 stor- age 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 Instruc- tions for additional information,. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent damage may occur,

_. FILLER CAP

w??,Ps-r,c,,

FIG, 7

TO START ENGINE

To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) 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,

???Hoid operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulJ 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 wil! not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps??

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

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.

??If atrail of grass clippings is left on theright side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow in a clockwise direction

with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

???Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of

grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

??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 catchers off with water and let dry before using.

MULCHBNG 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 clip- pings 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 witl biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for*the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed

as this wilt 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 (See Fig 8) If the lawn is over- grown 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 re- quire that an area be mulched a second time to com- pletely hide the clippings When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

oChange 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..

MAX 1t3

FIG. 8

e/

e,'

................................

t

t - 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.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season

GENERAL RECO[',fliVlNDATION S

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual.

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) WHEEL

ADJUSTER

???Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter elemeht and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.

o Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

???Check engine oil level.

???Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT

(_) SAE30 MOTOR OIL,, REFERTO ENGINE- CUSTOMER RESPON _

SlBIMTtES SECTION.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PLASTIC WHEEL

BEARINGS. VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT

DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE SELF LUBRfCATING BEARINGS. IF YOU FEEL THEY

MUST BE LUBRICATED, USE ONLY A DRY, POWDERED

GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT SPARINGLY

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance.

TIRES

oKeep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi- cals which can harm rubber.

oAvoid 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 blade&

TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig. 9)

???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,

oRemove 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 darnaged

TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 9)

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

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

??Be sure the trailing edge is up toward the engine.

??install the blade boftwith thetockwasher and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

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

o The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft, lbs. IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT lS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED

B

FIGo 9

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

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

oTo 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

GRASS CATCHER

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

oCheck your grass catcher often for damage or deterio- ration. 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,,

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF or SG. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature,.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc??) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils wiii 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 the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter 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,

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 dusty, dirty conditions?? Do not wash air filter_

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER (See Fig,, 11)

oRemove the air filter cover by turning counterclockwise to the stop and pull away from collar

o Remove filter from inside of cover

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

o Insert new filter into cover.

oPut air filter cover and filter into coilar aligning the tab with the slot,.

o Push in on cover and turn clockwise to tighten,

COLLAR

COUNTER-

CLOCKWISE

TO REMOVE

SLOT

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig, 10)

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

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

??Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface??

??Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil into a suitable container, Rock iawn 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 FILLo

???Replace engine oil cap,

???Reconnect spark plug wire to spark ptugo

CONTAINER

FIG, 10

TAB

URN CLOCKWISE

AIR FILTER COVER TO TIGHTEN

FIGo 1t

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 UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING

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 upo 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.

oWe 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

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing position.

If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be re- placed.

TO ADJUST HANDLE (See Figs. 12 Thru 14)

Your lawn mower handle can be raised or lowered for your mowing comforL Four (4) positions are available: high, medium high, medium low and low. Handles are shipped mounted in the medium low position??

oTo change from medium lowto medium high position, the upper-and lower'handle sections will have to be turned over (See Fig.. 12B)_

??Remove the cable clips_

oRemove the controls and operator presence control bar from the upper handle,.

??? Remove the starter rope guide from the lower handle?? o Remove hairpin cotters.

. Disconnect the lower handle from the handle brackets (See Fig. 14)_

oTurn the handle over and reassemble the hairpin cotters that have been removed_

???Reassemble the starter rope guide.

???Reassemble the controls and the operator presence control bar to the upper handle.

CAUTION: The operator presence con-

trol bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake engagement when control bar is

released. Do not over tighten the fas- teners holding the controls to tile up- per handle.

???To change from medium low to high position only the upper handle section will have to be turned over (See Fig_ 13A),

oTo change from medium low to low position, only the lower handle section will have to be turned over (See Fig. 13B).

ENGINE

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control. If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your'lawn

mower to an authorized service center for repair or adjust- ment.

LOW

HIGH

HAIRPIN CLIP

FIG. 14

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory seL Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury, tf you believe that the engine is runningtoo fast ortoo slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and adjustment.

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_

LAWN MOWER

When lawn mower is to be stored fora period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

oClean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual)..

oLubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual??

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

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

HANDLE (See Fig. 15)

You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage_

???Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower handle toward each other until the lower handle clears the handle bracket, then move handle forward

???Loosen upper handle mounting bolts enough to allow upper handle to be folded back_

IMPORTANT: WHEt',]FOLDING THE HAt.IDLE FOR

STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION, BE SURE TO FOLD

THE HANDLE AS SHOWN OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE

CONTROL CABLES..

??When setting upyour handtefromthestorage position, the lower handle will automatically lock into the mowing position,

LOWER HANDLE

HANDLE

BRACKET

SQUEEZE TO

FOLD

HAIRPIN

COTTER

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

FOLD FORWARD

FOR STORAGE

FOLD BACKWARD

MOWING

POSITION

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: IT tS 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

o Drain the fuel tank

oStart the engine and let it run until the fue! iines and carburetor are empty.

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

??Use fresh fuel next season

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing tl_e formation of fuel gum deposits during stor- age.. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.. A_ways 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 _vithclean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

CYLINDER

o Remove spark p.lug_

???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 WARM

with gasoline in the tank inside a build- ing where fumes may reach an open

flame or spark?? Allow the engine to

I'i 'cAuTION: Never store the lawn mower cool before storing in any enclosure.

0

??0

w

!

II

rrl- ff.

l.IJ

_d

_z

J

0 ol

Z

<

I--

I,I,,

R

W

o

L_

CO

v

x00

>

<

CRAFTSMAN 4=CYCLE ENGnNE

9OO

135

t30

101

126

416

120

t19

125

174

182

185 /

239

245

238250

MODELNUMBER143.974506

(_--370K

298

lg5

72

6.Walking speed too fast

-,,, m

I Set in"Higher Cut" position

2Set in "Higher Cut" position

3Cleanlreplace air filter

4, Clean underside of mower housing,,

5Check oil level

6Cut at slower walking speed,

1 Replace blade Tighten blade bolt 2, Set all wheels at same height

3 Contact an authorized service center/department

4 Clean underside of mower housing

1 Replace blade. Tighten blade belt

2.Contact an authorized service center/department,

1Depress control bar to upper handle before pulling starter rope.

2. Contact an authorized service center/department

3 Replace biade adapter

4Move lawn mower to cut grass or to hard surface to start engine

1, Raise cutting height 2, Replace blade

3 Clean grass catcher

4.Contact an authorized sewice centerldeparlment

OWNE 'S

UAL

MODEL NO. 917.387830

IF YOU NEED

REPAIR SERVICE

OR PARTS:

FOR REPAIR SERVICE, CALL

THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER:

1-800-4-REPAIR

(1-800-473-7247)

FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS

INFORMATION AND

ORDERING, CALL THIS

TOLL FREE NUMBER:

1-800-FON-PART

(1-800-366-7278)

??

4.5 HORSEPOWER

20" REAR DnSCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Each lawn mower has its own rnodel number. Each en- gine has its own model number'.

The model number for your'_awn mower will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower'housing.

The model number for your engine will be found on the btower housing of the engine.

All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears, Roebuck and Co_ Service Center/Department and most Retail Stores=

WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE

FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

= PRODUCT- LAWN MOWER

???MODEL NUMBER - 917.387830

???ENGINE - CRAFTSMAN - MODEL NO. 143.974506

,, PART NUMBER

???PART DESCRIPTION

Your Sears merchandise has added value when you consider'Sears has service units nationwide staffed with

Sears trained technicians._ professional technicians specifically trained to insure that we meet our'pledge to you, we service what we sell.