Craftsman Mower Model 917 Manual

The Craftsman Model 917 is a versatile walk-behind lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch cutting deck, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch/bag/side discharge), single-lever height adjustment, easy-start system, durable steel deck construction, and rear-wheel drive. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Safety Information 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Controls and Features 4. Specifications 5. Operation Guide 6. Cutting System Setup 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Information

Read all instructions before assembly and operation. Key safety components: Engine stop lever, blade control handle, safety key, and discharge chute.

Hazard	Precaution
Rotating Blade	Always disengage blade and remove safety key before clearing clogs or performing maintenance.
Fuel Handling	Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use approved gasoline container.
Slope Operation	Mow across slopes, not up and down. Use extreme caution on inclines over 15 degrees.
Debris Projection	Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and other objects. Keep bystanders at least 50 feet away.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and engine during and immediately after operation.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and verify contents against packing list. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Handle Assembly: Attach upper and lower handle sections using provided bolts and wrenches.
Wheel Installation: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
Height Adjustment Lever: Connect to deck and test all height settings (1-7).
Bagging System: Attach rear bagger brackets and bag according to diagram.
Oil and Fuel: Add SAE 30 motor oil to full mark. Add fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not attempt to start engine before completing assembly and adding oil.

Controls and Features

Front Panel: Engine stop lever, primer bulb, choke control, recoil starter. Handle: Blade control handle, drive control lever, height adjustment lever.

Key Features: 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch plug, bagger, side discharge chute), single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), rear-wheel drive with variable speed control, durable 21-inch steel deck, and easy-start system with primer.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 917
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 125cc OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 7 positions (1.5" to 4")
Cutting System: 3-in-1 (Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge)
Drive System: Rear-wheel drive with variable speed
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.0 quart
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Wheel Size: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure:

Check oil level and add fuel.
Move mower to clear area on level ground.
Set height adjustment lever to desired position.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set choke to FULL position.
Pull recoil starter firmly until engine starts.
Move choke to RUN position after 30 seconds.

Stopping Procedure: Release blade control handle, then move engine stop lever to OFF position.

Tip: Always mow at full throttle for best cutting performance.

Cutting System Setup

Configure for desired cutting mode:

Mulching: Install mulch plug in discharge opening. Keep blade sharp for fine clippings.
Bagging: Attach grass bag to rear brackets. Empty bag when 2/3 full.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and install discharge chute. Direct chute away from people and obstacles.

CAUTION! Always stop engine and remove safety key before changing cutting configurations.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 50 hours	Sharpen or replace blade, check wheel bolts and hardware
Season end	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean entire mower, lubricate moving parts

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 125cc OHV Engine Maintenance:

Oil Change: Run engine 5 minutes to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube. Refill with 20 oz SAE 30 detergent oil.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner with soapy water monthly. Replace paper filter annually.
Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030" every season. Replace if electrodes are worn.
Fuel System: Use fresh unleaded gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

Storage Guidelines

End-of-Season Storage:

Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Change engine oil.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, and pull starter slowly to coat cylinder walls.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Store in dry, covered area away from moisture and direct sunlight.

WARNING! Never store mower with gasoline in tank indoors or near open flame.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Model 917 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Always reference model number 917 when requesting service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, stale gasoline, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, water in fuel	Clean air filter, drain and replace fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, clogged deck	Sharpen blade, inflate tires to 15 PSI, clean deck underside
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt (45-55 ft-lbs), replace damaged blade
Loss of power	Clogged fuel line, dirty carburetor, low oil level	Clean fuel system, check oil level and add if needed

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