Craftsman 37948 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN

55 HORSEPOWER 22 REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379480

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit ourCraftsman website:www.sea rs.com/craftsman

Warranty .............................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2

Assembly ............................................. 4

Operation ............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ....................... 10

Maintenance ........................................ 10

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 workman- ship.

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 plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications ......................... 11

Service and Adjustments ..................... 14

Storage ................................................ 16

Troubleshooting .................................. 17

Repair Parts ......................................... 37

Parts Back Cover

Safety standard's require operator presence controls to mimimize the risk of

injury. Your unit is equipped with such controls. Do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator presence controls under any circumstances.

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 manufac-

turer. Use of such attachments may 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.Donot 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 dis-

charge 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 proce-

dure outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating your mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or

overspeed 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 footing. Do not mow exces- sively 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 deteriora- tion 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.

A,Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions It,means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!t! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_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.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced, are not shipped with your mower. They are also availableat most Sears retailoutletsand service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

,f(.vi.l_=*,. -

MULCHERK_S

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAFrERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

without oil or gasoline in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as- sembled at the factory with the exception of

those parts left unassembled for shipping

purposes. To ensure safe and proper olberation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened

securely. Use the correct tools as neces- sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces- sary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TOREMOVE LAWNMOWERFROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cutdowntwoendcomersof cartonand layendpanadownfiat

• Remove all pacldng 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.

HOWTO SETUPYOUR LAWNMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

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 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 Adjustment section of this manual.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

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

• Open rear door and remove muleher plug.

Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now installcatcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of mower.

Operator presence control

bar

Upper handle _ _

• ,fup/

Lower handle

Mulcher plug ,__

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without mulcher plug in place or approved clipping deflector or grass

catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

Mowing position

_NOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself

with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGfNE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEPHANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone controlcable

Throttle control

Grass catcher_,

• Mulcher plug Engine oil ca_:

)resence control bar

_Drive control

lever

Handle knob

Housing

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped without oilor gasoline in the engine.

, Wheel adjuster

(on every wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S, Consumer ProductSafety Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the en_]ineis running,

Operator presence control bar - must be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine. Starter handle- used for starting the

engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to

convert to bagging or discharging operation.

Throttle control - Used for starting the engine and allows you to select either fast

or slow engine speed.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign

objects thrown into the eyes,

which can result in severe eye damage.

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower

or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

ENGINE SPEED The engine speed is controlled by a

throttle control located on the side of the

upper handle. Choke position is for

starting a cold engine and fast position

is for normal cutting, trimming, and better grass bagging. Slow position is for light

cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

FAST _ _ SLOW

CHOKE '" "'" ' ""

•.-,; ,,,; .

#11 L II

Lower Wheels for High Cut PlateTab

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame

hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Pivot _ins

Rear door

Grass catcher

handle

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 _awn 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 require-

ments. 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.

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

• Remove 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

_rass

catcher

*frame

handle

ga¢

handle

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the

handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks;then release the drive

control lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine,

release the operator presence control bar

slightly until the drive control disengages.

Hold operator presence control bar down

to handle to continue mowing without self-

propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when turningcomers, push down on handle and liftfront wheels off ground while turning

lawn mower.

Operator presence

controlbar

Drive Drive control control

To engage Drive control drive control disengaged

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 and fill to the full line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 18.5 ozs. of oil. For type

and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance 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 season. You may need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane(Use of leaded gasoline will

increase carbon and lead oxide

deposits and reduce valve life). Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness.

AWARNING: 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. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of 30 days or longer, Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_IbCAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck, Do not overfill, Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

filler cap

Oil filler cap

__ __-Oil filler cap/dipstick

Lowerlimit----_ -Upper limit

TO START ENGINE

•Tum fuel valve to ON position.

• To start a cold engine, move handle

mounted throttle/choke control lever to choke position.

• Hold operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

• Slowly move throttle control lever to

fast position after engine starts.

• To start a warm engine, move throttle

control lever to fast or slow position

8 then follow steps above.

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar. Wait until blade

and all moving parts have stopped and

turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do

not intend to restart the engine soon.

Fuel Valve lever

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. It may also be necessary to

reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second

time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

• 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 a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small

ovedap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• 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. See =Cleaning" in

MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recutthe

grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall ontothe

lawn they will disperse intothe grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biedegrade quickly to provide nutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide

the best recuttingaction of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the eady aftemcon. 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 cutto 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

by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass condi- tions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings.When doing a second cut, mew across or perpendicular tothe firstcutpath.

• Change your cutting pattem from week to

week. Mow northto south one week then change to east to west the next week. This

willhelp prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILLIN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners !/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) ¥/ _

oM Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover (Power-Propelled Mowers)

W Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers} ¥/

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade . .Ip#.3

Lubrication Chart I_ If#

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectric Start Mowers I I/ 1/14

NE Check Engine Oil Level !/

Change Engine Oil I/1.2

Inspect Muffler ....

Clean Air Filter _2

N; Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I/2

I - Change mote often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Servicemoreoftenwhenoperatingin dirtyOrdusty conditions.

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy SOIL

4 - Charge48 hours at end orseason.

,ll

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 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. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,

"replace air filter element 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.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in

this manual.

(_ Spay lubricant

(_) Refer to MAINTENANCE "ENGINE"

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

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 bearings. If you

feel they must be lubricated, use only a

dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

SERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel Adjuster

ine oil

(_ Rear door

(_) Handle bracket hinge

mounting pin

section.

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