Craftsman 900370510 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRAFTSMAN,+

120 Volt

CONVERTIBLE MULCHING

MOWER

Model No. 900.370510

+

CAUTION:
Before using this product, read

this manual and follow all its

Safety Rules and Operating
instructions.

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

Visit our Craftsman web page: www.sears.com/craftsman

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts

• Espa_ol

Warranty 2 Maintenance Schedule 13
Safety Instructions 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Maintenance 4 Storage 14
Assembly 5 Troubleshooting 15

Operation 8 Illustrated Pads List 16
Product Specifications 14 Espar3ol 18

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Power Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the

owner's manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship free of charge.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from Ihe date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, and belts.

• 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 in the United States. This warranty applies only while this
p_oduct is hr use in tile United States,

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state Io state

Sears. Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates. II 60179 USA.

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this mower until you thoroughly read and
completely understand all instructions, safety rules, etc. contained in this manual. Failure

to comply can result in accidents involving fire, electric shock, or serious personal injury.
Save Owner's Manual and review frequently for continuing safe operation and instructing

others who may use this mulching mower

Safety standards require an Operator
Presence Control Switch to minimize the

risk of irrjury. Your unit is equipped with
such a Control Switch. Do not attempt to
defeat its function under any circum-

stances

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become famitiar with the controls and

know tlow to operate your mower
properly I earn how to quickly stop

mower

• Avoid dangerous environments. Do not
use your mower in the rain or in damp or

wet locations. Do not operate it in
gaseous or explosive atmospheres.

Motors normally spark and sparks may
ignite fumes.

• 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 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 operate mower without the

recommended extension cord. Ensure
that the cord is in good condition before

starting mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended in this manual.

Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.

• The blade always turns when the motor
is running.

• Avoid accidental starling. Do not play

with the Operator Presence Control
switch when mower is not in use.

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 starling and while using

your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before starling your mower. Do not
attempt to do this while the mower is
running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Do not plug mower in until it is ready to
be used.

• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust
mask if mowing operation is dusty.

• Remove all adjusting wrenches from
mower before turning it on.

OPERATION:

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 visron
safety mask over the spectacles or

standard safety glasses with side
shields, available at Sears.

• 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 pads. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.

• Always stop the motor 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 or allow anyone near the

mower while you are operating it.

• Guard againsl electric shock Repair or

replace damaged mower cord or

extension cord immediately.

• Don't abuse the cord. Never pull
lawnmower by the cord. Disconnect by

gently pulling the plug, eel the cord.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing

your mower, stop the motor and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving

parts have stopped. Then unplug the
cord to prevent accidental starling.

• If lawn mower strikes a foreign obiect,
follow these steps:

i) Stop lawn mower. Release the switch.
it) Unplug power cord.
iii) Inspect for damage.
iv) Repair any damage before restarting

and operating the lawn mower.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the motor and
safely check for the cause of vibration
Repair as required.

• Do not run the motor indoors.

• 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

excessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven

terrain or when changing directions -

n

maintaingoodfooting.

•Neveroperateyourmowerwithout
properguards,platesorothersafety

devicesinplace.

• Don't force the mower. It will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it is

designed. When mowing on rough
surfaces or in high grass, select a higher

cutting position.

• Don't overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all time.

• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing
and use common sense. Do not operate
mower when you are tired. Do not run or

rush when mowing.

• Do not operate mower while under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or any

medication. Attempting to do so can

result in serious injury.

• Keep away from blade area. Be aware of

the risk of injury. Keep hands and feet
away from the blade.

• DANGER: DO NOT attempt to remove

cut material or unclog debris from under
mower deck while blade is moving, or

you will be seriously iniured.

• If mower stalls, release operator
presence control switch and wait for
blade to stop rotating. Unplug cord
before attempting to remove anything
from under mower deck. Thoroughly
inspect and have any damage repaired

before restarting and operating mower.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the motor 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 motor

free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.

• Always keep the blade on your mower

sharp

• Allow motor to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

• Keep mower dry and clean. Always use

a clean damp cloth when cleaning

Never use brake fluids, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, solvents, or

water to clean mower.

• Do not mow if switch does not turn
mower on and off. Have defective switch

replaced at Sears Service Center.

• Check damaged pads. Before further
use of the mower, a guard or other part

that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate

properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving

parts, binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, and any other conditions that
may affect mower operation. A guard or
other part that is damaged should be

properly repaired or replaced by a
qualified service technician.

• When servicing use only identical

Craftsman replacement parts. Servicing
of this mower should be performed only
by a qualified service technician. For

repair service we suggest you return
mower to your nearest Sears Service

Center.

• When replacing blade, use only identical
Craftsman replacement blade. Use of

any other blade may result in serious
personal injury or damage to your

mower.

• Store mower inside. When not in use,

mower should be stored indoors in a
garage, basement, etc. Storage area

should be a dry, locked-up place - out
reach of children.

• Maintain mower with care. Keep blade
sharp and clean for best and safest

performance. Follow instructions for

lubricating and changing accessories.

DOUBLE INSULATION

Your Mower is DOUBLE INSULATED to

give you added safety. This means that it

is constructed throughout with TWO

separate "layers" of electrical insulation, or
one DOUBLE thickness of insulation

between you and the tool's electrical
system.

Tools built with this insulation system are

not intended to be grounded. As a result,
your mower is equipped with a two-prong
plug which permits you to use extension
cords without concern for maintaining a
ground connection.

NOTE: DOUBLE INSULATION does not

take the place of normal safety

precautions when operating this mower.
The insulation system is for added
protection against injury resulting from a
possible electrical insulation failure within

the tool.

CAUTION: Repair or replace damaged
cords immediately. Use only identical
Craftsman replacement parts.

POLARIZED PLUG

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
mower has a polarized plug (one blade is

wider than the other). This mower must be
used with a suitable polarized 2 wire or 3

wire extension cord. Polarized connections
will fit together only one way. Make sure

thai the receptacle end of the extension
cord has large and small blade slot
widths. If the plug does not fit fully into the
extension cord receptacle, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a suitable

extension cord. If the extension cord does
not fit fully into the outlet, contact a

qualified electrician to install the proper
outlet. Do not change the tool plug or

extension cord in any way.
EXTENSION CORDS

Double-insulated tools have 2 wire cords,

and can be used with 2 wire or 3 wire

extension cords. Only round jacketed
extension cords should be used, and we

of

recommend that they be listed by
Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.)

WARNING: To prevent electric shock use
only with an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use, such as SW-A, SJOW-A,
SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A,

SJTW-A or SJTOW-A.
An extension cord must have adequate

wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge)
for safety, and to prevent loss of power
and overheating. The smaller the gauge
number of the wire, the greater the

capacity of the cable; that is, 16 gauge

has more capacity than 18 gauge. When
using more than one extension to make
up the total length, be sure each individual

extension contains at least the minimum
wire size.

To determine the minimum wire size
required, refer to the chart below: (Refer

to your mower's nameplate to find the
Ampere Rating)

NOTE: Using any other length or rating or
cord will diminish the performance and
possibly the life of the electric motor.

MINIMUM GAUGE FOR CORD SETS

MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE RECOMMENDATIONS
VOLTS 25 FT 50 Ff 100 FT

16 16 14

120 AWG" AWG* AWG"

• AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

The replacement blade is stock # 33243
and is available at Sears Retail Stores and

Service Centers.

Stock# 33243

E_,.-lr,.-]=[_1.-]_

CARTON CONTENTS

• Mulching Mower (Shipped with Mulch
Insert installed)

• Grassbag

• Grasscatcher frame

TO REMOVE MOWER

FROM CARTON

Your mulching mower has been complete-
ly assembled at the factory except for the

Grasscatcher.
CAUTION: Do not lift the lawnmower off

the ground by holding the height
adjustment finger grip.

• Remove the Grasscatcher frame,
Grassbag and cardboard fillers.

• Remove the mower from the carton and
place all four wheels on the ground or

floor.

• Check the carton thoroughly and make
sure there are no loose parts.

To Unfold Handle

Raise the handle section into place and

secure by tightening the two knobs. See
figure below.

WARNING: For your own safely DO NOT
use this mower without either the

Grasscatcher or Mulch Insert in operating
position.

Knobs Handle

@ clip b

KNOW YOUR MULCHING MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

MULCHING MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your mulching mower to
familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this

manual for future reference.

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

DA| !

CAUTION

OR WARNING

J"_""-" DANGER, KEEP HANDS
I _, AND FEET AWAY

GRASSCATCHER ASSEMBLY

• Slide the grassbag onto the grasscalcher
frame. (See Fig. A)

• The grassbag has attachment clips sewn
around the bag opening.

• Attach the two top clips to the frame,
then altach the side clips, and lastly the
bottom clip. (See Fig. B)

• Refer to "To Install Grasscatcher"
instruction before attaching to mower.

TO INSTALL GRASSCATCHER

• Reach down between the mower handle
and raise the rear door to a vertical

position. (See Fig. A)

• Remove the mulch insert. See page 10
To Remove Mulch Insert.

• Pick up the grasscatcher by the handle
and lower the grasseatcher between the

lawnmower handles. Position the
grass- catcher hanger hooks on the

metal rod under the rear door.
(See Fig. B).

• Release the rear door.

WARNING: Never operate the mower

unless the hanger hooks on the

grasscatcher are seated properly, and the

rear discharge door rests firmly against

the top of the grasscatcher.

Grasscatcher

Door

Operator

Presence
Control
Switch

Height

Indicator

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the US. Consumer Product Safety

Commission.
WARNING: The blade always turns when the motor is running.

Operator Presence Control Switch - Must be held to the handle to slad and run the
motor. Release to stop the motor.

Door - Allows conversion from mulching or bagging operation.
Height Adjustment Control -- Allows for simple one touch height adjustmenl of all

four wheels at one time.

TO STOP MOWER

To stop mower fully release your grip on
the operator presence control switch.

ATTACHING EXTENSION
CORD TO MOWER

DO NOT connect the extension cord to
power source until you have finished

reading this manual and you are ready to

start mowing. Reod the Polarized Plug

se<:tionon poge ,5before plugging the
extension cord into the switch housing as

shown in figure below.

1.The extension cord must be polarized
and will only plug in one way. Orient the

wide slot with tile wide blade in the

switch housing and plug in.

2. Make a )oop in the extension cord.

3. Push the loop up through the hole in the
switch housing.

4. Place the loop over the strain relief tab
on the switch housing. Pull the
extension cord so the loop draws down

around the strain relief tab as shown in
the detail. Double check to see that you

did nol loosen the extension cord plug.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Before making any adjustments, turn off,
unplug mower and wait for blade to stop

rotating.

• Use the Height Adjustment Control to
raise deck for high cut and lower deck

for low cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your

requirements. Medium position is best

for most lawns

• To raise or lower the cutting height, rest
the palm of your hand on the palm rest

and with your fingers, squeeze upward
on the finger grip and hold.

pointer _-_

Scale

• While holding the finger grip up you can

raise or lower the cutting height. The

mulcher has eight blade height
adjustment positions. Refer to the scale
and pointer at the front of the mower.

The pointer will give you the height
setting for cutting your lawn. This setting

can be a reference for the next time you
want to cut your lawn at the same

height. When you have the mower at the
height you like, simply release the finger
grip to lock the height in.

NOTE: To ensure that the deck is securely

rocked in one of the eight positions, press
down on the palm rest after releasing the

finger grip.

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL SWITCH

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an
Operator Presence Control Switch to be

installed on lawn mowers in order to
minimize the risk of blade contact injury.

DO NOT under any circumstances attempt

to defeat the function of this switch.

Ramem-ber that the blade always turns

when the motor +srunning.

The Operator Presence Control Switch is
a lever that you pull back to start and run

the mower. The switch requires you to be
positioned behind the mower handle for
mower operation.

To operate the switch, insert your finger
into the opening (A) and push the lever

out so that you can grab it with your other

hand. Pull the lever back to turn the unit

on and hold it against the mower handle
to keep it running. To turn the mower off,
just release the lever. The spring loaded
"SNAP ACTION" lever will quickly turn the

mower off.

SAFETY SHIELD & REAR DOOR
The safety shield is designed to minimize

the throwing of stones or other objects by

the mower blade backward from under the

mower deck. The shield, along with the

rear door, minimizes the possibility of
accidental foot contact with the blade. DO

NOT operate mower without the safety
shield and rear door in place.

Handle
Pocket

M_lch

WARNING:

• For your own safety DO NOT use this
mower without either the gresscatcher or
mulch insert in operating position.

• Do not operate the lawnmower if the rear

door is not under spring tension. Take

your mower to the nearest Sears Service

Center for repair,

]

MOWING PROCEDURE

• Inspect area where mower is to be used
and remove all stones, sticks, wire,

bones, and other debris which might be
thrown by the rotating blades.

• Place most of the extension cord close
to the electrical outlet, out of the path of

the mower.

CAUTION: Do not plug extension cord
into receptacle outlet while standing in

water or when hands are wet.

• Begin mowing in the area closest to the
outlet. Always mow forward in a back

and forth pattern across the lawn. Keep
the cord on the cut portion of the lawn.

MOWING TIPS

• Mow across the face of slopes, never
up-and-down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes. Do

not mow excessively steep slopes.

Always maintain good footing.

• Release switch to turn mower "OFF"

when crossing any graveled area
(stones can be thrown by the blade).

• Set mower at highest cutting height

when mowing in rough ground or in tall

weeds.

• From time to time turn off mower and

9