Craftsman Lawn Mower Manual Model 917

The Craftsman Model 917 is a versatile walk-behind lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, adjustable cutting heights, single-lever height adjustment, easy-start system, durable steel deck construction, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjustment, recoil start, and durable 10-inch rear wheels.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Options	3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Cutting Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5" - 4")
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Start Type	Recoil (pull-start)
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Fuel Tank Capacity	1.1 quarts
Oil Capacity	20 oz (SAE 30 recommended)

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, stones, and toys before starting.
Never operate without the grass bag, mulch plug, or discharge chute properly installed.
Do not mow wet grass or in poor lighting conditions.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and discharge area.
Always turn off engine and remove spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Do not smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets.
Install mulch plug (if mulching): Place into rear discharge opening.
Add oil and gasoline: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil to indicated level. Add fresh unleaded gasoline.

CAUTION! Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation. Check for loose parts.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Deck: 21-inch steel
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Start System: Recoil pull-start
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 40°F), 10W-30 (variable temp)
Weight: Approximately 65 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control bar, height adjustment lever, engine stop lever.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly. Stopping: Release drive control bar, move throttle to STOP, wait for blades to stop.

Operation: Engage drive control bar to self-propel. Release to stop movement. Adjust speed with throttle. Always mow across slopes, not up and down.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop engine and ensure blades are not rotating.
Pull height adjustment lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into place.
Recommended cutting height: 2.5-3 inches for most grasses.

Tip: Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade length in a single mowing.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blades for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean or replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blades, check spark plug
As needed	Clean underside of deck, lubricate wheel bearings
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine maintenance.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via dipstick tube, refill with 20 oz SAE 30.
Air Filter: Remove foam pre-cleaner, wash in soapy water, dry, apply light oil.
Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030 inch. Replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before servicing engine.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage extends mower life.

Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change oil and replace air filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline degrades over time.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Model 917 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gasoline, clogged filter	Check fuel level, use fresh gas, clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old oil	Clean air filter, change oil, check spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or balance blades, check tire pressure.
Vibration/excessive noise	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt, clean deck interior.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn or loose	Inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.