Craftsman 917.37248 User Manual
SEARS
®
MODEL NUMBER
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
917.372480 OWNER'S MANUAL
- Adjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUGWIREAND PLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOT CONTACTSPARK &
REPAIRS.
IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLS TOMINIMIZETHE RISKOFINJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH
CONTROLS. DONOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLS 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 de-
scribed 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 manufacturer. 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. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
o 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 afirm hold
on the handles and walk.
. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge 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 procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you 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. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely checkfor the cause ofvibration and repair as required.
• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
° Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down oryou might
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively 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 ANDSTORAGE:
• 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 condi-
tion.
• 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 deterioration 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.
I
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!t BECOME ALERTH! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
I
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Craftsman Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible de-
pendability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-
ter!Department. Sears has competent, well trained tech-
nicians 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 lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 12.04 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1 quart
(Unleaded)
OIL (20 oz. Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
5W30 (Below 32°F)
MODEL
NUMBER 9! 7.372480
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIALNUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPtN A SAFE
PLACEFORFUTUREREFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this OwneCs Manual
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.):
(0.76 mm)
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .008 in.
Exhaust: .008 in.
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0!25 in,
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-Ibs,
Champion
RJ19LM or
Sears z_ 33312
or STD 361458
or STD 360950
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 wilt repair free of charge any
defect in material or 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 neg!igence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to
maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained inthe 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, IL 60684
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................. 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........................ 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 3, 12-14
WARRANTY ................................................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ................... 5
ASSEMBLY .................................................... 6
OPERATION ................................................... 7
INDEX
A
Accessories ............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 16
Drive Control Cable ................... 15
Handle Height ............................ 16
Height of Cut ................................ 9
Air Filter:
Service ........................................ 14
Assembly:
Handle .......................................... 6
Grass Catcher .............................. 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ................................. 13
Replacement .............................. !3
C
Controls:
Operator Presence Control Bar .7
Drive Control ............................... 7
Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 12-14
Air Filter ...................................... 14
Blade Care/Replacement .......... 13
Drive Wheels .............................. 13
Engine ........................................ 14
Gear Case ................................... 13
Lubrication ................................. 12
Spark Plug ................................. !4
E
Engine:
OH Change ................................. 14
Oil LeveJ ..................................... 14
Oil Type ...................................... 14
Starting ....................................... 10
Storage ....................................... 17
Fuel:
Type ............................................ 10
Storage ....................................... 17
Handle:
Adjustment ................................. 16
Assembly ..................................... 6
Lubrication:
Engine ........................................ 12
Brake Spring Bracket ................ 12
Rear Door Hinge ........................ 12
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin .. 12
Wheel Adjuster .......................... 12
Maintenance Agreement .................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ..................... 12
Mowing Tips .......... ,........................... 11
Mulching!Mowing Tips ....... ,............. !1
Oil:
Engine ........................................ 10
Storage ....................................... 18
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower ............... 7
Drive Control ................................ 9
Operator Presence Control Bar ......... 7
Options:
Attachments ................................. 5
SERVICE AND ADJ USTM ENTS .................. 15
STORAGE ..................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................. 27
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ......... 18-22
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...................... 23-25
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE. BACK COVER
F
Repair Parts
Lawn Mower .................. ........ 18-22
Engine ................................... 23-25
H
L
M
Responsibilities, Customer ....3, 12-14
Safety Rules ........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 16
Drive Control Cable ................... 15
Drive Belt ................................... 15
Engine Speed ............................ 16
Handle ........................................ 16
Spark Plug ......................................... 14
Specifications ..................................... 3
Starting the Engine .......................... t0
Stopping the Engine ........................ 10
Storage .............................................. 17
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 27
0
Warranty .............................................. 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 7
P
R
S
T
W
ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets,
catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number' of
your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER
if lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
_
GAS CAN ENGINE OiL STABiLiZER
DUST SHIELD
CLiPPiNG DEFLECTOR
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
BLADE
ADAPTER
WHEELS LAWN MOWER
SiDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
COVER
5
BLY
Your lawn mower has been assembled at the factory
except for the grass catcher bag and the grass catcher
frame.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
* Remove loose parts included with mower.
o Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
* Remove all packing 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 thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
Raise handles until tower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
* Raise upper handle section intoplace on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
= Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
o 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 ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(See Fig. 2)
- Put grass catcher frame intograss bag with stiff part of
bag on the bottom.
Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes, if bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
LOWERHANDLE
FiG. 1
CATCHERFRAME
\
FRAME OPENING
FiG. 2
6
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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. Savethis manual
for future reference.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASSCATCHER
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRtVE CONTROL LEVER
GASOUNECAP
PRIMER
,ENGINESPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
WHEELADJUSTER
(ON EACHWHEEL)
FIG, 3
HOUSING
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held down
to the handle to start the engine, Release to stop the
engine,
PRIMER- pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used for sta_ing the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER o used to engage power-pro.-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which a!lows you to select either "HIGH" (_) or
"LOW" (._) engine speed.
7
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTION: Do notrunyourlawn mower
without muicher plate in place and door
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector or graescatcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open,
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 4)
The engine speed is controlled by a !ever (red knob)
located on the side of the engine. "HIGH" ('_IY) position
is for starting the engine, normal cutting, and better grass
bagging. "LOW" (_) position is for I ght cutting trim-
ming and fuel economy.
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 net un-
der any circumstances attempt to de-
feat the function of the operator centre!,
The blade turns when the engine is
running.
ENGINESPEED
CONTROL _LEVER
FIG, 4
\
REAR DOOR
- Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO iNSTALL ATTACHIVlENTS
(See Figs. 5 & 6)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To installattachments for bagging or discharging:
Open rear door and remove mulcher plate.
, You can now install catcher oroptional clipping deflec-
tor,
, "To return to mu!ching operation reverse the above
steps. BE SURE MULCHER PLATE IS INSTALLED
BEFORE USING FOR MULCHING OPERATION.
TO INSTALL GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)
• Liftthereardooronthelawnmowerhousingandplace
the grass catcher frame onto the formed up tabs on the
rear door hinge bracket.
The grass catcher issecured to the !awn mower when
the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame,
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
HINGE /:/ )OOR
GRASSCATCHERFRAME
FiG. 7
8
OPERATION
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)
• To remove grass catcher, release operator presence
control bar to stop engine.
° Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the
handle.
, Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)
• 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 lever.
• Forward motion wilt stop when the operator presence
controlbar is released. To stopforward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control
bar slightly unti! the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.
• To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.
FIG. 8
OPERATORPRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 10)
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns,
, To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
setting.
DRIVECONTR__
FiG. 9
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT RAISE WHEELS
FIG, 10
FOR LOW CUT
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