INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
MODELNO.
900.370260
CRRFTSMRN
CAUTION:
ReadandFollow
allSafetyRules
andInstructions
BeforeOperating
ThisEquipment
SEARS,ROEBUCKANDCo.,Chicago,IL 60684U.S.A.
18"DOUBLEINSU___T_ELECTRIC
3-1N-1CONVERTIB_
MULCHINGLAWNMOWER
Assembly
Operation
CustomerResponsibilities
ServiceandAdjustment
RepairParts
158756-00
WARNING: When using Electric Tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
IMPORTANTSAFETYRULES
IMPORTANT
FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE
CONTACT INJURY. YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF
THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
• KNOW YOUR MOWER - Read the manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of your mower.
• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT - Don't use your mower in
the rain or in damp or wet locations. Don't operate it in gaseous or
explosive atmospheres. Motors normally spark and the sparks might
ignite fumes.
• USE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - Wear safety spectacles or
goggles while mowing (regular eyeglasses are not safety glasses).
Use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. Safety spectacles are
available at your Sears dealer.
• KEEP GUARDS AND SHIELDS IN PLACE - and keep in working
order.
• GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK - Repair or replace dam-
aged mower cord or extension cords immediately. To prevent discon-
nection of mower cord from the extension cord during use, thread the
cord through the cord control hanger, as shown in Figure 10.
• DANGER: KEEP AWAY FROM BLADE AREA - Risk of cut - Keep
hands and feet away from blade. Don't attempt to remove cut material
or unclog chute when blade is moving.
• DISCONNECT TOOL - Release switch lever to turn off mower and
unplug cord from receptacle or extension cord when tool is not in use,
before making adjustments, before servicing, cleaning and when
changing blade.
• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY- All visitors should be kept a safe distance
from work area.
• STORE IDLE LAWN MOWER INDOORS - When not in use, tool
should be stored indoors in a dry place, locked-up - out of reach of
children.
• DON'T FORCE THE MOWER - It will do the job better and safer at
the rate for which it was designed.
• USE RIGHT TOOL - Do not use tool for any job except that for which
it is intended.
• DRESS PROPERLY - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They
can be caught in moving parts. Use of substantial rubber soled
footwear is recommended.
• DON'T ABUSE CORD - Never carry tool by cord or yank it to
disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp
edges.
• WARNING - To reduce the risk of electric shock hazard use only with
an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Always connect exten-
sion cords to a fused line or one protected by a circuit breaker.
• DON'T OVERREACH - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE - Keep blade sharp and clean for
best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.
• AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING - Be sure switch is off when
plugging in.
• OBJECTS STRUCK BY THE LAWN MOWER BLADE can cause
severe injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully
examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing.
• IF MOWER STRIKES A FOREIGN OBJECT follow these steps: (a)
Release switch lever to turn off mower, (b) Unplug power cord, (c)
Inspect for damage, (d) Repair any damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
• USE IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT BLADES ONLY.
• WHEN SERVICING - Use only identical replacement parts.
• READTHISINSTRUCTION MANUAL CAREFULLY. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE A POWER MOWER.
• KEEP THE AREA OF OPERATION CLEAR of all persons, particu-
larly small children and pets.
• THOROUGHLY INSPECTTHE AREA where the equipment isto be
used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign
objects that could be thrown by the blade.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT WHEN BAREFOOT OR
WEARING OPEN SANDALS. Always wear substantial footwear.
• NEVER A'I-FEMPT TO MAKE A WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
WHILE THE MOTOR IS RUNNING or while the mower is plugged in.
• MOW ONLY IN DAYLIGHT OR IN GOOD ARTIFICIAL LIGHT.
• NEVER OPERATETHE EQUlPMENTIN WETGRASS. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
• DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET NEAR OR UNDER ROTATING
PARTS. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• RELEASE SWITCH LEVER TO TURN MOWER OFF when crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.
• IF THE MOWER STALLS, be sure to release switch lever to turn
mower off and unplug the cord and wait for the blade to come to a full
stop before attempting to unclog the chute or remove anything from
under the deck.
• AFTER STRIKING A FOREIGN OBJECT, release switch lever to
turn mower off and unplug the mower, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and oper-
ating the mower.
• IF THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD START TO VIBRATE ABNOR-
MALLY release switch lever, unplug the mower and check immedi-
ately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• RELEASE SWITCH LEVER to turn mower off and unplug the mower
"and wait for the blade to come to a full stop whenever you leave the
equipment, before unclogging the deck or chute, or cleaning the
mower housing, and when making any repairs or inspections.
• WHEN CLEANING, REPAIRING, OR INSPECTING, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
• SHUT THE MOTOR OFF AND WAIT UNTIL THE BLADE COMES
TO A COMPLETE STOP before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
• MOW ACROSS THE FACE OF SLOPES; NEVER UP AND DOWN.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not
mow excessively steep slopes.
• NEVER OPERATE THE MOWER without proper guards, plates, or
other safety protective devices in place.
• EXERCISE CAUTION Use extreme caution when backing up with
the mower.
LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTOPOINTOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS- AT]'ENTION!!!BECOMEALERT!!!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED.
CONGRATULATIONSon your purchase of a Sears Craftsman Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to
give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy,
please contact your nearest Sears Service Center/Department.
We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools
to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable
you to assemble and maintain your mower properly. Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 900.370260
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON A
DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
MOWER HOUSING.
MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product.
Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Followaregularschedule inmaintaining,caringforand using
your mower.
• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities"
and "Storage"sections of this instructionmanual.
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
RATED AMPS: 9.0
RATED VOLTS: 120 VAC
YOU SHOULD RECORD THE DATE OF PUR-
CHASE AND KEEP THIS INFORMATION IN A
SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BLADE NUT TORQUE: 25-35 ft. Ibs.
ONEYEARLIMITEDWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANPOWERMOWER
For one year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained according tothe instructions in the
instruction manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material and workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90days from the
date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use such as the mower blade.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence including the failure to maintain the equipment
according to the instructions contained in the instruction manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING YOUR CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THE 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, ROEBUCK AND CO. Department D/731CR-W Sears Tower, Chicago, III.60684
3
TABLEOFCONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................ 3, 10
WARRANTY ............................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................... 4
INDEX ..................................................................... 4
ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 5
INDEX
A
Adjustments:
Height of Cut .............................. 8
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 8
Assembly:
Grass Catcher ............................ 5
Handle ...................................... 5
B
Blade:
Replacement ......................... 9, 10
Sharpening ................................ 9
C
Cleaning ......................................... 11
Customer Responsibilities .................... 3
Cutting Levels ................................... 8
E
Extension Cords ........................ 7, 8, 9
G
GrassCatcherAssembly..................... 5
H
Handle:
Assembly ................................... 5
Knobs ....................................... 5
Removal ................................... 11
I
Index............................................... 4
Lubrication...................................... 10
Maintenance:
Agreement ................................. 3
Blade Care/Replacement ......... 9, 10
Lubrication ................................ 10
Mowing Tips .................................. 8, 9
Mulching .......................................... 9
Operation .............................. 6, 7, 8, 9
Repair/Replacement Parts ............ 12, 13
How to Order ............................ 16
Responsibilities, Customer..: ............ 3, 10
Safety Rules ..................................... 2
Safety Shield/Discharge Chute .......... 7, 8
Service and Adjustment:
Blade.................................... 9, 10
Cutting Level .............................. 8
Specifications .................................... 3
Storage .......................................... 11
Switch ............................................ 7
Table of Contents .............................. 4
OPERAT ON .............................. 6, 7,8, 9
SERVlCEAND ADJUSTMENTS .............................. 10,11
STORAGE .............................................................. 11
REPAIR PARTS................................................... 12,13
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 16
L
Warranty .......................................... 3
Wheels:
M
O
R
S
T
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 8
W
4
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKINGANDASSEMBLY
• Your mower carton contains the mower and 1 plastic bag.
The bag contains 1 curved head bolt, the two plastic knobs,
3 star washers and the cord strap required for assembly.
These parts are shown in Figure 1.
Note: Only 2 star washers are required; the third is a spare,
1 CURVEDHEAD 2 PLASTIC KNOBS
BOLT O
2 STAR I__CORD S
WASHERS O TRAP
FIGURE 1
Carefully roll the mower out of the carton and place it on the
floor or ground.
Insert the ends of the lower handle half through the rubber
flaps at the sides of the mower shroud, as shown in Figure 2.
Under the rubber flaps are steel pins. You may have to
manually open the flaps in order to see the pins. Push the
handle half firmly against the pins until you feel it snap into
place.
Install the curvedhead bolt from the outside of the handle on
the other side, as shown in Figure 2. Install the remaining star
washer and plastic knob on the threaded end of this bolt.
Examine the mower to ensure that both plastic knobs and star
washers are on the inside of the handle and the eye bolt is on
theoutside (on the same side of the mower as the switch) and
the head ofthe curvedhead bolt is on the outside ofthe handle.
Compare closely with Figure 2.
Use the plastic strap from the bag to hold the power cord
against the lower handle half. Just above the mower shroud
there is a small hole on the inside surface of the lower handle
half. Wrap the plastic strap around the power cord and insert
the post into the hole in the handle, as shown in Figure 3. Push
firmly and you will feel it snap into place.
NOTE: The use of this strap is very important to prevent the
power cord from being trapped between the handle and the
mower deck.
\
PLASTIC POWER
STRAP CORD
FIGURE3
FIGURE2
Fasten the upper and lower handle halves together using the
eye bolt (already installed on the power cord) and the
curvedhead bolt. Install one of the star washers and one of the
plastic knobs onto the threaded end of the eye bolt such that
the eye portion of the bolt is on the outside of the handle, as
shown in Figure 2. Tighten the knob firmly.
GRASSCATCHERASSEMBLY(OPTIONAL)
For a neat, finished appearance to your lawn, Sears offers a Grass
Catcher Assembly (Catalog No. 33089) at extra cost. (See Fig. 4.)
The bag captures grass clippings and other light debris for a great
looking lawn.
FIGURE4
5