Craftsman 917372830 Owner’s Manual
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_._ODEL NUMBER 9!7,372830 OWNE£'SMANUAL
oAssembly
o Operation
oOustomer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
o Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
ai_ Safety Rules
and _nstructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
146847 10/05/94 Printed in U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACEWIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING ORMAKING
REPAIRS.
iMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED 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.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small chiidren 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. Atways have damage repaired before using
your mower.
Do not use accessory attachments that are not recom_
mended by the manufacturer. Use of such atfachments may
be hazardous.
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 wili be thrown by the btade and can cause
severe injury.
Always wear safety gtasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower.
Dress properly, Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandais, Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
Check rue! tank before starting engine. Do not filI gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for severai 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 wheneveryou leave or are not using
you rmower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any graveFcovered 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 piug to prevent
accidental starting.
Do not continue to run your mower if you hit aforeign object.
Foltow 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 check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.
Do not rue the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger°
ous.
Never cut grass by pu!ting 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 siopes.
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 AND STORAGE:
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 att 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 fue! 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.
& FORTRISSYMBOLPOINTOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.
I IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED I
I
2
€ONGFIATULAT!ONS 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, wel!-
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".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.372830
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPEClFICAT|ONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 12.6 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE(API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32_F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM
GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE _GNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL A_ACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING I
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND t
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACEI
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
t
l
I
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FF.LBS.
J
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 raies.
Fotlow 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 instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wilt repair free of charge any
defect in materiat 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 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/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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-t4
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12
INDEX
A
Accessories .................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 16
Drive Belt ............................... 15
Engine Speed ........................ 16
Handte Height ........................ 16
Height of Cut ........................... 9
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... !4
Service ................................... 14
Assembly ........................................ 6
B
Bfade:
Sharpening ............................ 13
Replacement .......................... 13
C
Controls:
Drive Control ............................ 8
Engine Zone Control ................ 8
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 8
Customer Responsibilities ... 3, 12-14
Air Filter ................................. !4
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 13
Drive Wheels ......................... 13
Engine .................................... 14
Lubrication ............................. 14
Spark Plug ............................. 14
Cutting Levels ............................ :..,, 9
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 14
Oil Change ............................. 14
Oil Level ................................. 14
Oil Type ................................. 14
Starting .................................. 10
Stopping ................................ 10
Storage .................................. 16
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage .................................. 16
Type ....................................... 10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 6
Cutting Height ........................ 16
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 14
Lawn Mower .......................... 12
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................. 12
Mowing Tips ................................. 10
Oil:
Engine .................................... !2
Storage .................................. 16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 15
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 20-24
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-27
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 28
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Drive Control ..: ......................... 9
Engine Control ......................... 9
Grass Catcher ...................... L.. 9
Mower ...................................... 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 9
Options:
Accessories ............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ............................... 25-27
Lawn Mower ..................... 20-24
Responsibilities, Customer .. 3, 12-14
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .............. 15
Carburetor .............................. 16
Drive Belt ............................... 15
Engine Speed ........................ 16
Handle ................................... 16
Spark Plug .................................... 14
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ...................................... 8
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..................... 10
Storage ......................................... 16
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 19
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can atso order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of you r lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER
If [awr_ mower is aF_ elect[i€ 5ta_t
AIR FILTER
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
m
GAS CAN ENGINE OiL STABiLiZER
DUST SHIELD
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FABRmC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE
BLADE
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
WHEELS LAWN MOWER
ADAPTER
SiDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
COVER
5
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, etc., 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.
Cut down two end corners of carton and fay end panel
down flat.
Remove alt packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handIe and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor°
ough!y for additiona! loose parts.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. i)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
Remove handle padding hetding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
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 iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
Open rear door and remove mufcher plate. Store
mulcher plate in a safe place.
You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.
To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plate
into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
SLOTS
MULCHER PLATE
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place or ap-
catcher in piece. Never attempt to op-
proved clipping deflector or grass
erate the tawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
MOWING POSITION
F_G. 1
\
TABS
FiG, 2
6
ASSEMBLY
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4C )
To assemble tubular frame to grass bag, work sewn
hem of bag out through the front opening of beg to
expose the hem.
Thread tubular frame into hem and gather material at
top of frame as shown.
Push frame inside bag through the opening until only
the ends of frame are exposed out of the front.
NOTE: Do not close the flip lid at this time.
• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sureframes are fully seated together as shown in inset.
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 dr'/before
using.
Ciose the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.
Lift the rear door on the rnower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge bracket.
The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame.
=_ CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
_ _, w_ deflector or approved
! _ t_Kawnmowerwiththerear
door removed or propped open.
FLiP LID
CATCHER FRAME
FroG.30
FRAME
TUBULAR
(Frames must /
be fully seated}
FIG. 4A
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Push inside
bag)
LOWER
/" FRAME
SEWN i
HEM \
(Pullout
through front
of opening}
TUBULAR
FRAME
_hreadinto
sewn hem)
FIG. 3A
FIG. 38
SEWN
HEM
\
FIG. 4B
DOOR
HINGE
BRACKET
GRASSCATCHERFRAME
FORMED
TABS
7 FIG. 4C
OPERATION
KNOWYOUR 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. Save this
manual for future reference.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHER PLATE
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
GASOUNECAP
EDCONTROL
DRIVE COVER
WHEEL ADJUSTER HOUSING
(ON EACH WHEEL)
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 starting the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either fast (_) or slow
(,_i.) engine speed.
MULCHER PLATE - must be removed to convert to bag-
ging or discharging operation.
8
OPERATIC
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUT!ON: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
deflector or grasscatcher in place,
closed or without an approved clipping
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever fecated on the
side of the engine. Fast (_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Slow
(-_) position isfor Iight cutting, trimming and fuet economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: FederaI regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
risk of blade contact injury. Do not
lawn mower in order to minimize the
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is
running.
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 tawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
Raise wheels for tow 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 atl wheels are in the same
setting.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)
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 witl cause
unnecessary wear.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
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
retease the lever.
Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is 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-propelling.
To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROLLEVER
LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR H}GH CUT FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 6
FIG° 7
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
DRIVE
CONTROL
TO ENGAGE
DR!VE CONTROL
DRIVE
CONTROL
FIG. 8
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