Craftsman 917372230 Owner’s Manual
llllllll ___" " ll,l_,,irll,........
Caution:
ReadandFoflow
allSafet'yRules
andJnstruclions
BeforeOperating
ThisEquipment
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
ServiceandAdjustment
RepairParts
...................................... iiiii i i iiill
SEARS,ROEBUCKANDCo., Chicago,IL. 60684 U.S.A.
............ i i_llql .................
SAFE RULES
_ CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE _
WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STAR.
TING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
IMPORTANT
FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQU IRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE TH E
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.
• BE CAREFUbWHEN THE ENGINE IS RUN-
NING THE BLADE IS TURNING.
o Please read your owner's manual. Only allow
persojns who know the safety rules to use your
mower.
o DO NOT tie the operator presence control bar
to the handle. Control must be free to permit
brake engagement when handles and control
are released.
° DO NOT allow children to use your mower'.
• Check your mower over before each use.
Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc.
• Remove all sticks, stones, wires, cans, boards,
etc. from area to be mowed. These objects can
be thrown by the blade_
o DO NOT allow children, bystanders or pets in
the area while mowing.
o Always wear shoes when mowing. DO NOT
operate mower' when barefoot or wearing
open sandals.
o Always wear safety glasses or' eye shields
before starting your lawn mower and while
mowing.
o Always shut off engine before trying to adjust
whee/heights.
o When engine is running, DO NOT put hands
or feet under' mower or in the discharge chute,
nor' make any adjustments.
o Stay clear of discharge opening at all times°
o Do not fill gas tank when engine is running,
when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow
engine to cool for several minutes before fill-
ing gas tank_ Clean off any spilled gasoline
before starting engine.
• Mow only in goodlight.
° Always stop blade when not cutting grass or
when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or
roadway.
o DO NOT continue to run your' mower if you
hit a foreign object. Stop the engine, discon-
nect the spark ptug wire from the spark plug,
inspect the mower for damage and make
repairs as required.
• DO NOT use a damaged mower'. Always have
damage repaired before mowing_
• DO NOT run your mower if it vibrates too
much_ Stop engine and make repairs, Vibra-
tion is an indication of damage.
° Never' use your"mower without proper guards
or' deflectors in place_
• Always mow across a slope or inclined area.
DO NOT mow up or down a slope or inclined
area.
o DO NOT mow in wet grass° Be careful of
footing when mowing in wet grass, use shoes
with good traction.
o DO NOT run with the mower_
o DO NOT run your mower indoors. Exhaust
gases are deadly poison.
o Always disconnect the spark plug wire from
spark plug to prevent accidental startin_ when
transporting or storing your mower alter" the
mowing season.
o DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed above
factory settings. Engine damage or personet
injury may result.
o If a grass catcher is used on your mower, check
the catcher often for damage or deterioration.
It will wear through normal use, Use only a
recommended replacement catcher,
° Always stop blade to remove or install catcher.
o DO NOT store your mower or gasoline where
fumes may reach an open flame and cause a
fire.
o DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your mower
before transporting your mower inside your car
or other vehicle.
LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLTOPOINTOUTIMPOR-
TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT MEANS.--ATTEN-
TION!!! BECOMEALERT!!!YOUR SAFETYiS
INVOLVED.
CONGRATULATIONSon your purchase of a Sears Craft-
sman 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 easi-
ly remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Ser-
v°iceCenterlDepartmento 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".
I II _,,,,,_ _,,_. , i,,11,I i1,,111 _1 '11']_
MODEL
NUMBER 917,372230
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE MOWER HOUSING,
PRODUCTSPEaHCATUONS
......... ii ,i,
RESERVE POWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY:
i _,l,ll, illlllJ_l
OIL (21 oz. Capacity):
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 ino):
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake:
I II ii1,1, i, I I'1/1'11
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP:
.................... !!,! ,,i,i I I '1 ,i,1,,,,,11,1 .......
BLADE NUT TORQUE:
Exhaust:
70-75 fl_-Ibso
4.0
9.98 cu0 in.
,1.0,quart
(umeaaeaj
SAE 30W
(SAE10w3o)
Champion
RJ 19.LM
(Sears 71333 t2 or
STD 361458)
,llll_l:: I I I ill
.008 im
.008 in.
I I IIII ,,11111,
.0125 in.
i i
i ill i ,,
YOU SHOLILD RECORDBOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATEOF PURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
i ii1,,,,i,i 1!111, I IIII r ............
MAONTENANCEAGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on this
product. Contact your nearest Sears store for
details.
CUSTOMERRESPONSIBWTIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your mower.
o Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.
i ,lli,i
...................VE R PowEe,MOWERLIMIT :DWARR, Nf oNCRAFTSMAN
For one year from the date of purchase, when thisCraftsman Lawn Mower ismaintained, lubricated and tuned-up
accordinfl to the instructionsm the owner's 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 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 CENTERIDEPARTMENT 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 may vary from state
to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. Department 698/731A Sears Tower, Chicago, I11o60684
3
TABLEOFCONTENTS
SAFETY RULE............... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES 3
WARRANTY ............... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............ 4
INDEX ............... 4
MOWER ACCESSORIES , 5
ASSEMBLY ....... 6
OPERATION 7,8,9
Adjustments:
Carburetor
Engine Speed
Handle Height
Height of Cut
Wheel Adjusters
Air Filter:
Cleaning
Paper Cartridge
Replacement
Assembty:
Handle
Accessories
B
Blade:
Replacement
Sharpening
Controls:
Engine Control . . 7,8
Operator Presence Control Bar 7
Speed Selector.., 7.8
Customer Responsibilities 3
Cutting Levels 8
Engine:
Control 7,8
Oil Cap .7
Oil Change 8.11
Oil Level 8_11
Oil Type 8
Starting .9
Storage 15
Filter, Air 12
Fuel:
Type _8
Storage 15
14
t4
14
8
8 Handle:
12 Assembly
12 Bracket
12 Knob
6
5
10 L
t0
Gasoline
Adjustment
Height, Cutting
index
Lubrication:
Engine
Front Wheel Adjuster
Maintenance:
Agreement
Air Filter •
Air Filter Pope._ Cartriclge
Blade CarelReplacement
Engine
Grass Catcher
Lubrication
Spark Plugs
Mowing Tips
Oil:
Cold Weather Conditions ,
Engine
Storage
Operation:
Operating Mower 7.8,9
Starting the Engine _ 9
Stopping Your Lawn Mower 9
Operator Presence Control 7
Options:
Attachments 5
MAINTENANCE 1O, 11,12
STORAGE ................. 15
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT .......... 13, ] 4
TROUBLE SHOOTING ........... 17
REPAIR PARTS-MOWER ........... 18-21
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ......... 22-24
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ........... t 6
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .......... 28
6
Parts 18-2
Primer 8
R
14 Repair/Replacement Parts 28
. . 6 Responsibilities, Customer 3
15
7
8 S
Safety Rules 2
Service and Adjustments:
Blade t 0
Carburetor 14
Cutting Level 8
Engine .8.9
Handle 6, t 4
Service Recommendation _6
.16
7,8
m
.3
12
12
10
11
6,8
16
12
Spark Plugs 12
Specifications 3
Speed Control:
Engine . • 8
Starting the Engine:
Starter Rope 9
Stopping the Mower .9
Storage ..... 1S
I
Table of Contents , , .4
Trouble Shooting Chart 17
9
W
0
Warranty
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters
9
11
15
3
8
4
These accessories were available when the mower was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail
outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you, when you provide the
model number of your mower.
[NGINE
SPARKPLUG
If mower is an electric start
MUFFLER AIR FILTER GASCAN ENGINEOIL STABILIZER
MOWERPERFORMANCE
REARBAG
OPTIONAL
A[PLACF_ENT
BAGFORRI[AR
D|_HARG[
MOWiRS
,HA,O,, OAn,,,
DUSTSHIELD LEAFCATCHER CLIPPINGDEFLECTOR
FABRICBAG
PERMANEXCATCHER
OPTIONAL
CATCHERFOR
SiDEDISCHARGE
MOWER
:._.,: ,,,
MOWERMAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE _ MOWERCOVERBLADEADAPTER WHEELS
SIDEDISCHARGECATCHER
......................... m............... i1,1,1,1,,, ii,i,1,11,,i,i1,11,i,i,i,i
Your lawn mower has been completely assembled
at the factory except for the grass catcher bag and
the grass catcher frame.
TO RWOV[ _OWER FROM C_RTOH UFr u_
Remove loose parts if.included with mower, (i.e.
grass catcher, catcher frame, hardware pack,
etc.).
• Cut down corners on one end of carton and lay
end down flat,
o Remove packing material.
.e Roll mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
LOWER NDLE
!HGWTOSiT-UPYOURL Wfl MOWER
TOUNFOLDHAHDLE
qG POSITION
FIG. I
Remove tape and paper holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle,
o Hold down operator presence control bar to up-
per handle to allow handle to move to mowing
position_
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks in-
to place in the mowing position (See Fig. 1).
o Raise upper' handle section intoplace on lower
handle and tighten one (1) handle knob.
° Release operator presence control bar and
tighten remaining handle knob.
= Your mower' handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE"
in the Service and Adjustment section of this
manual°
TOASSF.MBL[AHDTO ATTACHGRASSCATCHER
° Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with stiff
part on bottom (See Fig_ 2)°
o Slip vinyl bindings over frame (See Fig. 2).
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in
warm water for' a few minutes, tf bag gets wet, let
it dry before using.
= Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place
the grass catcher frame onto the formed up tabs
on the rear door hinge bracket (See Fig. 3).
o The grass catcher is secured to the mower hous-
: ingwhen the rear' door is iov_ered onto the grass
catcher frame.
CATCHER FRAME
\
\
FRAME OPENING
FIG. 2
HINGE BRACKET / DOOR
FORM_ED UP TABS
GRASS FRAME
FIG. 3
..........c uTIo.:'®.oT.u.Your. "MOWE.I
° Never attempt to operate the mower with the rear'
door removed or' propped open.
6
KHOWYOURMOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING "fOUR ROTARY MOWER°
Compare the illustrations with your Rotary Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference,
'_--"OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
Z(
CONTROL
GRASS(:
BAG
ENGINE 5
SELECTOR LEVER
MUFF
CONTROL LEVER
KNOB
ENGINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
PRIMER
WHEEL ADJUSTER
I
AIR FILTER HOUSING
FIG. 4
.,,,,,._...:,,...,.=..._,_........................... L=L.:=................................. -..L..,_m.,_._ ..................................... J .i z L!J__J.L_m,m_....... ..............................................:._ :::.__.................... ==============================.................................... ; .=. --..--_.: :._ •-..: ........... :::
MEETSCPSCSAFETYREQUIREM|HTS
Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Stan-
dards institute and the U oS. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running,
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be
held down to the handle to start the engine° Release
to stop the engine.
ENGINE SPEED SELECTOR LEVER- located on the
right side of the engine which allows you to select
either "HIGH" or T'LOW" engine speed.
PRIMER - pumpsadditional fue! from thecarburetor
to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER ROPE - used for starting the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER-used to engage power.
propelled forward motion of mower.
T
HOWTOUSEYOURMOWER ............................................................................................................................................................
ENGaNESPEEDSELECTOR
The en_line speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)
iocatedon the right side of the engine_ "HIGH" posi-
tion is for' starting engine, normal cutting and better
grass bagging. "LOW" position is for light cutting,
trimming and fuel economy (See Fig. 5).
DRIVE CONTROL
o Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the ham
die and pushing the drive control lever forward
until it clicks; then release the lever (See Fig 6)_
o Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released. To stop forward
motion without stopping the engine, release the
operator presence control bar' slightly until the
drive control disengages_ Hold operator presence
control bar down tohandle to continue mowing
without self-propelling_
o To keep drive control engaged when turning cor-
ners, push down on handle and lift front wheels
off .qround while turning mower_
NOTE: When your mower is new, the drive wheels
may rotate without the drive control engaged when
the wheels are lifted off the ground. This is normal
and should stop after the first few hours of operatiom
TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER
SELECTOR LEVER
FIG. 5
OPERATOR PRESENCE
,.€-_.ZONE/ENGtNE
CONTROL CONTROL
rO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
FIG. 6
o To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine_
o Lift up rear' door' and remove the grass catcher
by the handle (See Fig. 7).
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will
cause unnecessary wear.
TO ADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for
high cut.
o Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cut-
ting height to suit your requirements_ Medium
position is best for most lawns.
o To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever
toward wheel. Move wheel up or' down to suit
your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting (See Fig. 8)_
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL:
o Remove engine oil cap with dipstick and fill to the
"FULL" line on the dipstick. Use about one (1)
pint or 1t2 liter of Sears 30W oil or equivalent.
SAE 10W 30 oil can also be used° DO NOT
FIG. 7
use SAE 10W 40 oil. The total oil capacity of
your engine is 21 oz. or 0.62 liters° Fill only to
the full line on the dipstick. DO NOT overfill. 1'he
first fill on a new engine uses about one (1) pint
of oil. Check oil level and add oil as needed to
bring to the proper" level.
o Pour oil slowly - DO NOT overfill.
GAS:
o Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean unleaded
gasoline. DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER FILL TANK (SEE
FIG,4).
Loading...