Craftsman 917372810 Owner’s Manual

®

EL 917.37281

oAssembny
oOperation

oCustomer

Responsibilities

oService

OWNER'S MANUAL

Convert! bee

oAdjustments
oRepair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

146303 10/11/94

Printed in U.SoA°

SAFETY RULES

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREAND PLACEWIRE WHEREITCANNOTCONTACT SPARK
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTINGWHEN SETTING UP,TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING

REPAIRS_

iMPORTANT

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY° YOUR UNIT ISEQUIPPED WITH
SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES°

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.

o Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially

small children and pets.'

o Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-

scribed in this manual

o Do not operate mower' if it has been dropped or damaged in

any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.

o Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended

by the manufacturer'. Use of such attachments may be
hazardou&

Be aware that the mower 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..

o Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or

wearing open sandals Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.

= 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 lighL

OPERATION:

o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being

cuL 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 part& 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.

o Never direct discharge of materiat 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.

o Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign o_jecL

Fotlow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower..

o Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the

engine Engine damage or' personal injury may resuiL

o Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally.. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required..

o Do not run the engine indoors Exhaust fumes are danger-

ous.

o 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 - maintain good footing=

o Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,

grass catcher' or other' safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o 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,

o Keep all safety devices in place and working,
° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves

or excessive grease and oil.

o 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,.

° Atways keep a sharp blade on your mower'.
° Mow 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.

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

2

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual° The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES'L

MODEL
NUM BER 9'! 7.372810

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOU SHOU LD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

PRODUCT SPECUFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6,0
DISPLACEMENT: 12,56 CU, IN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1,5 QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 28 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM

(GAP: _,030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .,008 IN.,

EXHAUST: _,008IN

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: o0125 IN,,

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT, LBSo

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product, Contact your nearest Sears store for details°

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

o 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 owner's manual°

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

Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower isused for commercial or rental purposes, thiswarranty 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 plugo

° Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts 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
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS 1NUSE 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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3, 9-11

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 5

OPERATION .................................................................. 6

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 9

iNDEX

A

Accessories ...................................................5

Adjustments:

Carburetor .....................................13

Drive Belt .............................................12

Engine Speed .......................... 13

Handle Height ...............................13

Height of Cut ....................................7

Air Filter:

Replacement ...................................11

Service ..................................................11

Assembly .................................................5

B

Blade:

Sharpening ............................ 10

Replacement .......................... 10

C

Controls:

Engine Zone Control ....................7

Engine Speed Control ....................6

Operator' Presence

Control Bar ..............................................6

Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 9-t t

Air Filter .................................... t 1

Blade Care!Replacement ............10

Drive Wheels ..............................10

Engine ................................................11

Lubrication ......................................11

Spark Plug .................................i 1

Cutting Levels .........................................7

Engine:

Air Filter'. .................................. 11

Oil Change ............................. 11

Oil Level ...................................................11

Oil Type .................................... 11

Starting ..........................................8

Stopping ................................... 8

Storage ..............................................14

Fuel:

Capacity ................................................................3

Storage ............................................14

Type ...........................................................................8

Handle Adjustment:

Assembly ..........................................5

Cutting Height ......................... 13

Lubrication:

Engine ....................................... 11

Lawn Mower ............................ 9

Maintenance Agreement ................ 3

Maintenance Schedule ................... 9

Mowing Tips ........................................8

Oil:

Engine .................................................11

Storage ........................................14

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 12

STORAGE ................................................................... 14

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 23

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 15-19

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 20-22

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 24

E

F

H

L

M

O

Operation:

Drive Control ...............................................7

Engine Control ..........................................7

Grass Catcher'. ................................10

Mower ...............................................................7

Operator Presence

Control Bar ..................................................7

Options:

Accessories ..................................................5

R

Repair Parts:

Engine ............................... 20-22

Lawn Mower ............................15-19

Responsibilities, Customer ........3, 9-11

S

Safety Rules ..............................................2

Service and Adjustments ............... 12

Carburetor. .......................................13

Drive Belt ........................................I2

Engine Speed ...................................13

Handle ............................................13

Spark Plug ...............................................11

Specifications ................................... 3

Speed Control:

Engine ....................................................12

Starting the Engine .......................... 8

Stopping the Engine ..........................8

Storage .................................................14

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 23

W

Warranty .........................................................3

4

LAWN E ACC ES

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced° They are also available at most Sears retail outlets

and service center& 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 GASCAN

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

ENGINE OIL

IlUlUl,UlIll Ul,Ul,

i ii ii

STABILIZER

BELT BLADE BLADE

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn

mower° Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled

for shipping purposes° All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etco,necessary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the parts bag, To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you

assemble must be tightened securely., Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness°

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.

o Remove all packing materials except padding be-

tween upper and lower handle and padding hotding
operator presence control bar to upper handle,

o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for additional toose parts,

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

= Raise handles until lower handte section locks into

place in mowing position,

WHEELS LAWN MOWER

ADAPTER

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,

remove protective padding and tighten both handle

knobs,

. Remove handle padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle,,

. Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your

mowing comfort,. See "TO ADJUST HANDLE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual,,

COVER

MOWING POSITION

5

OPERAON

...................... 1 ,,,l,,i

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWF.R

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER_ Compare the
illustrationswithyourlawn mower tofamiliarizeyourseffwiththelocationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments_Save this

manual for future reference°

OPERATOR PRESENCE

ZONE CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

CONTROLBAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE KNOB

CABLECLIP

ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER

DISCHARGE GUARD

MULCHER PLATE

WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)

.................................................................. i i i i i ii_ ,_ i,iil,l,,_l,l,,,i

GASOLINE FILL CAP

ENGINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK

DRIVE COVER

HOUSING

PRIMER

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the UpS°Consumer Product Safety Cornmission_ The blade turns when the engine is runhing.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held down
to the handle to start the engine° Release to stop the

engine°
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine,

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower.

PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor' to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER * located onthe side
ofthe engine which allows you toselect either high (_) or
low (-4_) engine speed.

MULCHER PLATE - located at the discharge opening,
must be removed when convertingto bagging or discharg-

ing operation.

6

OPERA 0

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN iVIOWER

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 2)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engine_ High ('_) position is for starting engine,

normal cutting and better grass bagging. Low (-4_)
position is for light cutting, trimming 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 not
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
trol The blade turns when the engine is
running.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER PRIMER

FIG. 2

• 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 ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 3)

= Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
° Wheels are set in tow cut for shipping,. Adjust cutting

height to suit your requirements_ Medium position )s
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°

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 4)

° 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,.

o Forward motion will stop when the operator presence

control baris released,, To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control

bar slightly until the drive control disengages, Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-

tinue mowing without self-propellingo

° To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,

push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower..

TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING MOWER
(See Fig. 5)

Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a mulcher_ To
convert to bagging or discharging:

o Lift discharge guard and remove mulcher plate..
° Mower can now be used for side discharging or op-

tional grass catcher can be attached.

° To returnto mulching operation, simplyreinstall mulcher

plate as shown°

LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 3

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR

DRIVE
CONTROL CONTROL

TO ENGAGE,

DRIVE CONTROL

FIG. 4

DISENGAGED

without discharge guard, approved

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower !

grass catcher or mulcher plate inplace.

::: iiiiiiiiii i,i ,_ .............

_ MULCHER PLATE

FIG. 5

7

OPERATION

i , ,, i ,, ,i, ,! ! I ,, L ,, I i,,11 I,,IIL,!IIII,, L I I

BEFORE STARTgNG ENGBNE

OIL (See Fig. 6)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine..
. Be sure mower' is level and area around oil fill isclean_

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line
on the dipstick_

o Use 28 ozs,.of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual

. Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill..
. Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed., Fill

to full line on dipstick,

o To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time_
° Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

° After- the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil,

and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to
change the oi! more often under dusty, dirty conditions_

GAS (See Fig. 6)

° Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline..

DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVER FILL TANK_

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage.. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor-
age of 30 days or longer.. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run untii fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season° See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur..

TO START ENGINE

° To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)times before

trying to starL Use a firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine which has already

run for a few minutes_
° Move engine speed control lever to high ('_) position.
° Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle

and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back.

° To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps_ In warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. Ifyou do flood engine wait

a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat

priming steps.,

IVIOWING TIPS

° Under'certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may

be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and tokeep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.

° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the widthof cut by

overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly_

° For'better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,

the engine speed should be set in the high ('_)

position.

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting ina counter_
clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area
to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and
puts less load on the engine, To keep clippings off of
walk'ways, flower beds, etc.., make the first cuts in a

clockwise direction,,

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

ENGINEOIL CAP

W/DIPSTICK

FIG. 6

° Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt

and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass°
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water
and let dry before using_

o Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of

grass clippings and chafL This will help engine airflow
and extend engine tife_

MAX 113

FIG. 7

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP
MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND

TRASH_ SEE "CLEANING" IN CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION OF THIS MANUAL,
= The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip-

pings many times and reduce them in size so that as
they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass
and not be noticed° Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed
as this will provide the best recutting action of the

blades.

° Avoid cutting your lawn when it is weL Wet grass tends

to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action_
The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon.
At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area
will not be exposed to the direct sun,

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height
so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third

of the grass blades (See Fig. 7)_ If the lawn is over-

grown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the

engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your' width of cut by

overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.,

° Certain types of grass and grass conditions may re-

quire that an area be mulched a second time to corn-
pletely hide the clippings, When doing a second cut,
mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

° Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow

north to south one weekthen change to east to west the

8

next week_ This will help prevent matting and graining
of the lawn_