Craftsman 917372330 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

SEA/

ANUAL

MODEL NO.

"917.372330

CRI:IFTSMRN,

0 RESERVE POWER

THIS MOWE.q -. m. ,,:-. ? . _,, TO DEPREf-L: --- "_,' " "

FOR FUf;-:EF 5" ." " •

POWER-PROPELLED

LAWN MOWER

"- . -,J. "- ._A" O"-: EFCECTI",,"E J'JNE 30 t9S2 TO sm;..,€{"r _H-..£ E',_GtNE :T IS NECESSAR'r

." _ "..5 - :. '4D:',._.';. _EHIND THE MOVVER BEI:ORE _L'-'.- NL": 0'_ :'HE STARTER ROPE

' "_ "r_l,S MANL.,AL

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.,

Part No 87000 Re,,," 0 :2. 2..-; £6

CHICAGO., IL

6O684 U.SA.

CRAFTSMAN quality LAWN CARE equipment.

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from the date of purchase, when thisCraftsman power mower is maintained, lubricated and

tuned-up according to the instructionsin the,owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect

in material and workmanship. If this Craftsman power mower is used for commercial or rental pruposes, 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 crank-shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscontained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE

NEAREST SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT 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 698/731A Sears Tower, Chicago, III. 60684

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE ON THIS PRODUCT. CONTACT YOUF

NEAREST SEARS STORE FOR DETAILS.

CUSTOMERS RESPOSIBILITIES

Read and observe the rulesfor safe use. Always usecare When usingyour fawn mower. Keep away frorr

moving parts.

DO NOT work on your Jawnmower with engine running. Atways keep .your mower cleon. Follow a r.:.aular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower. A well cared for mowel

will run an_ last longer. Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sectionsof *his Owner's Manual.

Blade, blade flange, air cleaner!a;r filter, spark plug are expendable parts which are your responsibility

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY ..................................................

KNOW YOUR CR,a.FTSMAN MOWER ............. -..........................

RULES FOR SAFE USE ..............................................

HELP YOUR LAWN MOWER LAST LONGER ..................................

HOW TO SET-UP YOUR MOWER ......................................

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ................

HOW TO USE YOUR MOWER ............

MAINTENANCE ..........

STORAGE ....................

REPAIR P_TS ENGINE REPAIR PARTS

TROUBt E SHOOTING

KNOW YL,)UR RAP1-SMAN MOWER

- CONTROL BAR

ZONEIENGINE_DRtVECONTROL CONTROL

CABLE CLIP /

HANDLE KNOB

GRASS

HANDLE BRACKET

AIR FILTER

PLATE

ENGINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK

•_OLINE FILLER CAP

WHEEL ADJUSTER

ON EACH WHEEL)

DRIVE COVER

HOUSING

FIG. i

MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

SPECIFICATIONS TOOLS REQUIRED

Oil: Use SAE 10W30 motor oil. SAE 30 motor oil can also be used.

Gasoline: Use unleaded automotive gasoline. Regular automotive gasa!ine can

also be used. DO NOT use oreT:um gasoline, or gasoline containing _,ce,_o_

Sears Rotary WaEk-Behmd Pov_e_ ,%_.ower: -_::,c",_ '- '-,-, --:.T:,., ":'"':. _- .... e _".," :L: _ %.:':,.",.a L_rc_a,'_ras I,_sf,tu{e. Outdoor

Power Equipmen, Institute and U S Cons_rr'e _ P'-_.:. " _,,",", -2," .... <s:,:,c o..':.::-o,:_:z.e

= L

FOR CATCHER ASSEMBLY

3!8 and 71t6 ' wrench or

adj}Js,able ,,vrench

Medium t!ot blade screwdriver

FOR BLADE REMOVAL

S'c;,c:a__ :5,'_'" box e_ open

e ,d .re-,oh

RULES FOR SAFE USE

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONN_:CT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN

SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRSTO YOUR MOWER.

IMPORTANT

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE ENGINE CONTROL INSTALLED ON THIS MOWER IN ORDERI THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ATTEMPT TO DEFEA

TION OF THE OPERATOR CONTROL.

I. Please read your owner's manual.

Only a!_ow persons who know the safety rules to use your mower.

2. DO NOT tie the control bar to the handle. Control must be free to per-

mit brake engagement when handles

and control are released.

3. DO NOT allow children to use your mower.

Check your mower over before each time you mow. 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.

6. DO NOT allow children, bystanders, or pets in the mowing area.

7. BE CAt_EFUL-WHEN THE ENGINE

tS RUNNING THE BLADE IS TURNING.

Always shut off engine before trying to adiust wheel heights.

When engine is running, DO NOT put hands or feet under mower or in the

discharge chute, nor make any adjustments.

Stay clear of discharge opening at all times.

Check gasoline before each use. Do

not fill _as tank when engine is run- ning, wnen indoors or when engine is

hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes before filling gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before star- ting engine.

12.

Mow only in good light.

13.

Wea,- "_nJysoi;d shoes ,..,,henmowing.

DO NOT operate mower when

barefoot, or wearing open sandals

Disengage drive control on power propeJied mowers befcre starting

engine.

15. DO NOT use a damaged Always have damage r_

before mowing.

t6. Always stop engine when no

grass or when crossing graw sidewalk, or roadway.

17. Never pull mower towarc always follow mower to cut

18. Never use your mower with per guards or deflectors in

19. Always mow across a slope ed area. DO NOT mow up

a slope or inclined area.

20. DO NOT mow in wet grass, r:! run with the mower. _!

21. DO NOT run your mower} Exhaust gases are deadly

22. DRAIN THE GASOLINE tad J

transporting your mower ins_ car or other vehicle, i

23. DO NOT run your mower if if too much. Stop engine a_

repairs. Vibration is an indi damage.

24.

DO NOT change the engin nor settings to over-sp engine--damage or injury c

25.

If a grass catcher is used mower, check the catcher

damage or deterioration.

normal use it will wear. recommended replacemen

Always stop engine to catcher.

26. DO NOT store your rr gasoline where,fumes may i open Flame .--:hacause a fii

27 A:ways .v_ar safety glass_

shields oerore ;._artmg y_ mower and while mow,ng!

SAFETYGLASSES

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 before starting your lawn mower and while mowing. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available

at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores.

ACCESSORIESTO HELPYOU GETTHEMOSTFROMYOURMOWER

CI'IPPING DEFLECTOR: Converts rear bagging mowers to side discharge to disperse clippings safely and eventy. HIGH WHEEL KIT: A pair o_ 12-inch rear wheels improves handling on soft, spongy lawns and uneven terrain. NOTE:

If the 71 33721 High Wheel Kit is purchased as an accessory, the cutting height range will be reduced to five (5) different

positions; from 1 I/2" to 3 1/2". MOWER COVER: Sears Tyvek_cover protects mower from weather when stored outdoors. GAS CAN: A new gas can keeps rust and dirt out of fue! systemfor longer engine life and improved performance. Crafts- man gas cans have built in filters to keep impurities ou_of your engine.

THESE ACCESSORIES WERE AVAILABLE AT MOST SEARS STORES AND THROUGH THE CATALOG ATTHE TIME THIS MANUAL WAS PRINTED.

IMPORTANTTIPSTOHELPYOURLAWNMOWERSTARTFASTER,RUN AND PERFORMBETTER

1. USE UNLEADED GASOLINE: It burns cleaner and leaves less residue in the engine. Regular gasoline can also be used. DO NOT usegasoline containing any alcohol or with any additives.

2. DRA1N OR RUN-OUT ALL GASOLINE FROM TANK AT THE END OF THE SEASON: DO NOT leave gasoline in your mower when stored for tong periods. It will "GUM" your engine. Run engine until the gasoline runs out.

3. START EACH MOWING SEASON WITH FRESH GASOLIN E: DO NOT keep gasotine in your can. If your gasoline

can is starting to rust, replace can.

4. CHANGE YOUR SPARK PLUG EVERY SPRING: An old corroded spark ptug prevents fast starting and smooth running engine.

5. REPLACE YOUR AIR CLEANER OR F_LTEROFTEN: Dirt, along with heat can harm your engine, the cleaner or

filter will clog up, preventing clean air from reaching your engine. See "Air Cleaner/Filter ' section of this manual for replacing air cleaner or filter.

6. USE SAE 10W30 OIL: DO NOT use SAE IOW40 oil.

7. CHANG_E OIL AS RECOMMENDED: IMPORTANT - change oil after the first two (2) hours of use, then every 25

hours of use.

8. REPLACE THE BLADE WHEN NEEDED: You can sharpen the blade, but we do not recommend it. Erosion from

hitting foreign obiects can damage the blade. Replace blade with one specifically designed for your mower.

9. AT THE END OF THE SEASON, CLEAN YOUR MOWER: IMPORTANT - first disconnect the spark plug wire. If

possible, store your mower in a well ventilated area and protected from moisture.

10. FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE SUGGESTIONS IN YOUR OWNERS MANUAl: Read your manual and keep it in a convenient place for easy reference.

11. DO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THE OIL OR GASOLINE: DO NOT US£ GASr_HOL, or gasoline containing

any alcohc:.

NOISE RATING

88 DECIBELS iA ' 'EIGHT :

Noise levei ._::n ,ar z d_,e to ,'nan _foc_._r'_,g ,,ariance, eng,ne s_:'e, .._.qd olc_de ._ _=. - -,,. :. -,_;,::- _,_.cc.:'-

ditions ard 'ype of operation. Thi,_-o]se rat._g "s based .jpon mea_ureme_ _ 'r:_e_ q_ "__ :'Oera"Or': _ar on a representative sample(s) and is subiect to verif!catJon by a,_ indecerden* :es_.r:c,acorctorv.

Your lawn mower has been completely assembledat thefactory, except for thegrass catcher and grass catcher fr To set-up and attach grass catcher, follow the steps under "GRASS CATCHER".

The following parts are included not assembled;

I Grass Catcher Frame

1 Grass Catcher Top

1 Grass Catcher Bottom

1 Hardware Package

1 Catcher Handle

HOWTOSET-UPYOURMOWER

TO UNFOLDHANDLE

I. Raisethe handles until the lower handle isin mowing

position (See Fig. 2).

NOTE: Thelower handle automatically locks into mow- ing position when raised from shipping to mowing

position.

2. Raisethe upper handle intopositiononthe lower han- dle and tighten the two (2) handle knobs.

3. The handle can be moun*ed in high or low position to suitthe comfort of the user. The handles are ship-

ped mounted in the high position.

4. If the handle feels too high for you: a. Remove the two [2) screws, one (I] bolt and

and Iocknut holding the trimplate and rope guide

to lower handle. Keep for re-assembly (See Fig.

I).

b. Remove the handle knobs and bolts from upper

and lower handle.

c Remove the hairpin cotters (See Fig. 3).

d. Turnhandle aver, position handle levers in place

{See Fig. 4).

e. Put handle back on mounting pins (See Fig. 3). f. Put springsand hairpin cotters back in mounting

pins (See Fig. 3).

g. Put upper handle on lower handle using handle

bolts and knobs previously removed.

h . Puttrimplate and rope guide back on lower han-

dle, removed in (a) above. Tighten the two (2)

screwsand ane (1) bolt {See Fig. I).

i. Snap cable clip over cable and lower handle (See

Fig. 1).

5. Tofold handle for storage., squeeze the handle levers until lower handle clears handle brackets, then move

handle forward (See Fig. 3).

i ,,, i i ii i ii iiiiii i

JCAUTION: WHEN FOLDING HANDLE FOR i I TRANSPORTING OR STORAGE, BE SURE TO FOLD I

IHANDLE AS SHOWN IN FIG. 5. IF YOU FOLD HAN- | IDLE THE WRONG WAY, YOU MAY BEND THE CON.|

ITROLCAB,LES. ..... I

TO ADJUSTHEIGHTOFCUT

NOTE: The wheels are set in a low cut position for ship- ment. and shouJd be adjusted far the cutting height desired before use NOTICE: Lowering wheels raises the height

of cur.

CAUTION: DO NOT change the height of cut with ;ne

eng._e runm'na

t Th= _ee/ad;_'5:ers g,ve vau seven [7) differen" cut-

",rig po_.t_ons _edium cu!! ;s the best ;or most lawns

2r High cut is approximately 4-- medium cut is appr

imately 2 t/2"' and low cut is approximately ! 3,

"There are four (4) other positions. Pick the posi_

which suits you for best cutting (See Fig, 6).

3. The wheel adjusters on your lawn mower can be ea adjusted as shown in Fig. 7. To change the heigh

cut, squeeze adjuster lever toward the wheel, m ing up or down to selected height. Be sure al! wh_ are in the same setting (See Fig. 6).

4. When cutting in heavy o_ moist grass, the rear of lawn mower may be raised one setting higher *o all

better a;schcrge of :he Grass.

NOTE' tf the -" 3372 ! High Wheel Kit is purchasea an accessory, the cutting height range witl be reducec

five (5) different positions,, from ! 1/2" to 3 1/2"

FIG. 2

tOW£_

SPRING

MOUNTING PiN

HAIRPIN COTTER

FtG. 3

FIG. 4

HAN

HOW TOSET-UPYOURMOWER(CONT'p)

REARDEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of

,our lawn mower, was assembled at the factory and re-

quires no assembly.

TO ASSEMBLEGRASSCATCHER

NOTE: The grass catcher for your mower is supplied

unassembled. To assemble your grass catcher follow steps

below.

SCREWS ACTUAL SIZE

1/4-20 x 3/4" #/0.24 x 5/8

SCREW SCREW

I. Position clamp onto catcher frame as shown in (Fig.

8) and close ends of clamp.

NOTE: When closing clamp be sure the holes in"clamp are in line.

2. Putgrass catcher frame with clamp installed into cat- cher top as shown in Fig, 8).

3. Put one(!) # 10-24 x 5/8 truss head screw into hole in catcher top and clamp and install # 10-24 Iocknut.

DO NOT TIGHTEN (See Fig. 7).

4. Put three (3) # 10-24 x 5/8 truss head screwsinto the catcher frame and install #10-24 tocknuts.

5. Locate and position the catcher handle on top of cat-

cher top as shown in fig 8.

6. Install two (2) #10-24 x 5,8"" truss head screws thru

handle and catcher top. See Fig. 8.

7. Install two # 10-24 Iocknutson the screws. SeeFig. 8. Use a flat blade screwdriver to drive screws while

holding the Iocknuts with adjustable or 3/8" wrench (See Fig. 8).

8. Position baffle inside of catcher top as shown in (Fig.

9). Put#wo (2) # 10-24 truss head screws into holes with two (2) #10-24 Iocknuts. Use a flat blade

screwdriver to drive screws while holding the Iocknuts

with adjustable or 3/8" wrench.

9. Position top haft of catcher on the bottom half (See

Fig. !0).

I0. Align the holes in sidesof top and bottom halves of

catcher.

1!. Install the eight (8) 1/4-20 x 3/4" trusshead screws,

starting at the right front of catcher as shown in Fig.

10.

12. Instal the right front truss head screw thru the cat-

cher and install one (1) stiffener on the screw.

13. Install the _,/4'" locknut on the screw.

14. Instafl the other seven(7) screws and nuts, on the last or seventh screw install the stiffener and ]ocknut.

5. Use a medium flat blade screwdtiver to tighten the screws while holding the "'Keps'" nut with adjustable

or 7/I6"" wrench.

NOTE: Check a!Jscrewsand nuts to be sure they are tight.

LOW I li! ! _._

WHEEL ADJUSTER LEVER

_'C SHOWN W_TH WHEEL REMOVED

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

TRUSS HEAD SCREWS--___.__

#10-24 x 518"_,_ "'_ _._

{'__!_/_/_// CATCHER

--_15_ -,. ', " FRAME

CATCHER TOP _ e ._ -" ._.

,v CLAMP

HOW TOSET-UPYOURMOWER(CONT'D)

TO ATTACHGRASSCATCHER

1. Place the catcher frame into the slots of the hinge

bracket.

2. Depress the door latch tab and slide the frame into position at the end of the slot (See Fig. 11).

3. Release door latch tab to lock frame into place.

4. To remove grass catcher, stop blade, lift up on back of grass catcher with one (I) hand and press down on thedoor latch tab withtheotherhand (See Fig. 11).

5. When grass catcher frame is unlatched, remove cat- cher from the rear of the mower and empty.

6. When grass catcher is removed from the mower, the rear door closes for safety.

NOTE: YOUR REAR BAGGER MOWER IS NOT A MULCHING MOWER. DO NOT OPERATE YOUR MOWER WITHOUT AN APPROVED GRASS CAT-

CHER OR OPTIONAL CLIPPING DEFLECTOR IN PLACE.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THE MOWER WITH

THE DOOR REMOVED OR PROPPED OPEN.

SLOTTED HEAD SCREWS CATCHER BAFFLE

CUTAWAY OF CATCHER TOP LOCKNUTS

FIG. 9

KEPS NUTS

1/4-20 x 3/4"

TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER

1. Liftgrass catcher, by grasping the handle on top of grasscatcher and on therear of catcher(See Fig. 12).

2. To empty the grass clippings,shake the catcher, with

the open end overt or into suitable container for disposal (See Fig. 12).

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE

I. Remove engine oi! cap wit.h dipstickand fill to the

"FULL ""lin_ on the dipstick,using about I pint or 0.5

liters of Sears IOW30 oil or equivalent. 5AE 30 oil can also bE.u._ed(See Fig. 13). DO NOT use SAE

lOW,_O oil.

The total oil capacity of your engine is 21 oz. or 0.62

liters. Fillonly to the "FULL'" line on the dipstick. DO NOT

over fill. The first fill on a new engine use about I pint

or 0.5 liters. Checkoil level and add asrequired to bring

to proper level.

2. Pour oil slowly, DO NOT over fill.

NOTE: On a new engine some oil ma X be left in the

engine, as each engine is run for operational checks

before shipping.

3. AFTER THE FIRST TWO (2) HOUR50FMOWING CHANGE THE OIL. See "To Change Oil" section

under maintenance.

Use only oil ",_'ithautomotive classifications SF, SE, 5D

or SC markings on ai; container.

4. Fill the goso/;ne "ank ",_;t/:. about one and one haft (I

I.2) qda, "t: :z ;_esh c:ean unleaded automotive

gasoline .Rec. _" "e_eu gaso.ne co,_.;;so _e used

(See F'g "3")

DO ,_.'01-_,seo_aor stale aosohne which has been kept

from oric _c.a_.on "c ,:;_o,_,.'.,r _'_:,ng problems can result.

• PsNuTs

ST_IFFENERS

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE

ICAUTION. DO NOT USE GASOLINE CONTAINING IANY AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL, AS IT CAN CAUSE.

SERIOUS DAMAGE OR CAN .SIGNIFICANTLY

,?EDUCE ENGINE PERFORMANCE:

I DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE .....

IDO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THE OIL OR IGASOLINE.

I Be sure your gasotine can is clean and Free of rust and dirt.

Rep,,laceyour can ff it has storied to rust.. " "

iiii i WUL_

,HOW TO USEYOURMOWER

IMPORTANT

ENGINECONTROL

CAUTION: THE BLADE TURNS WHEN THE ENGINE

IS RUNNING. YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPERATOR ZONE ENGINE CONTROL WHICH REQUIRES THE

OPERATOR TO BE POSITIONED BEHIND THE

MOWER HANDLE TO START AND OPERATE THE MOWER.

THE CONTROL BAR MUST BE DEPRESSED TO THE HANDLE TO STARTAND RUN THE ENGINE, RELEAS- ING THE CONTROL BAR WILL STOp .THE ENGINE.

AN INTERNAL ENGINE BRAKEASSIST5 THE BLADE tN STOPPING QUICKLY.

WHEN THE OPERATOR LEAVES THE NORMAL

MOWING POSITION TO REMOVE THEGRASS CAT-

"HER, CHANGE THE CUTTING HEIGHT, PICK UP

,JTICKSOR OTHER OBJECTS IN THEMOWING PATH,

THE. ENGINE WILL AUTOMATICALLY STOP WHEN THE CONTROL BAR 15 RELEASED.

GASOUNEFILLERCAP

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

FIG. 13

ENGINE CONTROL LEVER .........

CAUTION: FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE

.ENGINE CONTROL INSTALLED ON THIS MOWER IN

ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJUR Y. DO NOT UNDER A N Y CIRCUM5 TANCE A T- TEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE

OPERA TOR CONTROL.

ENGINECONTROL

The engine speed is controfled by a lever (red knob) located on right side of engine. It has "HIGH" and

"LOW"positions. "'HIGH" position isfor starting engine, : heavy cutting and better grass bagging. "'LOW" pod-

tion is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy (See

Fig,l,#.

TO STARTENGINE

THE CONTROL BAR MUST BE DEPRESSED TO THE HAN_DLE TO START .¢_ID RUN THE ENGINE.

NOTE: Thec_rburetor ha- a fixed fuel mixture and has

a primer re .___.'._is__._:_r*'n,",=,

Check oil :eve . c_ec;, gasol;ne _ank for goso/ine; and

make sure spar_ o/ua wire ;s attached.

2. Pushlever f_r*,ard to "HIGH'" nosition (See Fig. 1.4).

, t,

. CO:JIROL -4

':"\.€.,

"t!,_. ,'----- ZONE, ENGIN£

")_ CONTROL

TO ENGAGE

DRIVE CO",iT RC'L

FIG. 15

3. When,starting a cofd engine, push the primer five (5) times before pulling starter rope. Use firm pushes

when pushing primer, watt several seconds between each push _See Fig. 14).

4. Repeat step 3 above as req,fired.

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

' NOTE: In cooler weather the ,'_eed fo repea tpriming pro-

cedures ,'nay be neces.:ary ;,.her .veatheri_ warm.er over priming may result _ HOO__.'"

- HZ_

If you do fJooc ena:ne ,.'.-.'t a r_, n;mutes before repeating printing Foc_ J .'res.

tt -s not nece;:,::rv :2 . ,_ ": ...... .-.- _ _ m engine.

+ 19 hidden pages

Craftsman 917372330 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual