Craftsman Lawn Mower Owner's Manual 917

The Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 is a versatile walk-behind mower designed for residential lawn care. It features a powerful engine, adjustable cutting heights, mulching/bagging/side-discharge capabilities, easy-start system, durable steel deck, ergonomic handle with controls, and safety features including blade brake clutch. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, cutting deck, handle assembly, wheels, grass bag, mulching plug, and control levers.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton or Craftsman engine, 190cc, OHV design
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, or Side Discharge capability
Height Adjustment	Single-lever adjustment for 6 cutting positions (1.5" to 4")
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Starting System	Recoil start with primer bulb
Safety Features	Blade Brake Clutch (BBC) system, operator presence control
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front wheels
Handle	Foldable, ergonomic handle with cushioned grip
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushel grass bag with easy-empty feature

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach Handle: Align handle halves with lower brackets, insert bolts, and tighten securely.
Install Wheels: Slide axle through deck brackets, place wheels with washers, secure with retainer clips.
Attach Grass Bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets, ensure secure latch.
Install Mulching Plug: If mulching, insert plug into rear discharge chute.
Add Oil & Gas: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick). Add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly or in enclosed area. Keep away from sparks or flames.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Clear Area: Remove stones, toys, and debris from lawn before mowing.
Protective Gear: Wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Operator Only: Do not carry passengers. Keep bystanders away.
Slope Operation: Mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid steep inclines.
Blade Safety: Disconnect spark plug before inspecting or servicing blade.
Hot Surfaces: Avoid contact with muffler and engine; they become extremely hot.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck. Never operate without discharge chute, grass bag, or mulching plug properly installed.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917.xxxxxx (varies by specific model)
Engine: 190cc, 4-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled
Fuel Tank: 1.0 gallon capacity
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. (SAE 30, check dipstick)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Wheel Size: Front 7", Rear 8"
Weight: Approximately 65 lbs (without bag)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever, blade control lever, height adjustment lever, speed control.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter handle firmly.

Operating: To mow, press and hold drive control lever to handle. To engage blade, press and hold blade control lever. Release either lever to stop function. Use speed control to adjust walking pace.

Stopping: Release both control levers. Move throttle to STOP. Disconnect spark plug wire for storage or maintenance.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment changes height for all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop completely.
Pull height adjustment lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into position.
Test by rolling mower on flat surface; all wheels should contact evenly.

Tip: For first mow of season or very tall grass, set to highest setting, then lower for subsequent passes.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 5 hours	Check tire pressure, inspect bolts and fasteners
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually), clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, check spark plug, clean underside of deck
As needed	Replace grass bag if torn, lubricate wheel axles and height adjuster

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug. Remove blade bolt (clockwise threads). Sharpen at original angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for storage at end of season or extended non-use.

Run engine to burn remaining fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change engine oil.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Store in clean, dry place, covered to protect from dust.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Store mower away from furnaces, water heaters, or any ignition source.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Model 917 carries a 2-year limited warranty from date of purchase. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, commercial use. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support or an authorized service center.

Parts Diagram

Refer to exploded-view diagram (not shown here) for part numbers and assembly relationships. Common replacement parts:

Blade (Part # 942-0744)
Air Filter (Part # 942-0742)
Spark Plug (RC12YC)
Drive Belt (Part # 144-959)
Grass Bag (Part # 942-0746)

Order parts through Craftsman website or authorized dealers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, spark plug	Add fresh gas, clean/replace air filter, check/choke setting, inspect spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Uneven cut	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, low cutting height	Sharpen/replace blade, inflate tires equally, adjust cutting height.
Vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris in deck	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, tighten blade bolt, remove debris.
Won't drive	Drive belt worn or off pulley, control cable	Inspect drive belt, replace if worn. Check drive control linkage.
Grass not bagging	Wet grass, full bag, clogged chute	Mow when dry, empty bag, clean deck and chute.

Service Support: 1-888-331-4569 or www.craftsman.com