Craftsman 917372850 Owner’s Manual
MODEL NUMBER 917.372850
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
OWNER'S MANUAL
oAdjustments
Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
146650 10/12/94
Printed in U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
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CAUTION:ALWAYSD,SCONNEOTSPAR.P'UOW,REA.DPLACEW,REW.ERE,TCANNOTCO.TAOTSPARK
REPAIRS.
IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDSREQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLS TO MINIMIZETHE 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.
• 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 attachmentsthat are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.. '
The blade turns when the engine 'is runding.
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.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine. De not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool tor 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 a firm 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
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 aforeign 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 check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
Never cul 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.
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 all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free ofgrass, 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.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - A'I-I'ENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!t! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
I
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, 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
SERIAL
NUMBER .........
917.372850
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 12.6 cu. in.
GASOUNE CAPACITY 1.25 quart
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
O-__Y-_-(API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 oz.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATEIGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in.
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OFPURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS_
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.
o 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 instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will 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 negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE tS 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 SPECIFIC_FIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3,12-14
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
iNDEX
A
Accessories .......................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................. 16
Handle Height ............................. 16
Height of Cut ................................. 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ............................... 14
Service ........................................ 14
Assembly .............................................. 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ................................. 13
Replacement ............................... 13
C
Controls:
Drive Control ................................. 9
Engine Zone Control ..................... g
Engine Speed Control ................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar .... 8
Customer Responsibilities ........ 3, 12-14
Air Filter ....................................... 14
Blade Care/Replacernent ............ 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 ....................................... 17
Fuel:
Capacity ........................................ 3
Storage ....................................... 17
Type ............................................ 10
Lubrication:
Engine ......................................... 14
Lawn Mower ................................ 12
Maintenance Agreement ...................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 12
Mowing Tips ....................................... 11
Oil:
Engine ......................................... 10
Storage ....................................... 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 15
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 27
REPAIR PARTS =LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-22
REPAIR PARTS =ENGINE .................................... 23-25
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 28
E
Operation:
Drive Control ................................. 9
Engine Control .............................. 9
Grass Catcher ............................. 10
Mower ........................................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar .... 9
Options:
Accessories ................................... 5
R
F
Repair Parts:
Engine .................................... 23-25
Lawn Mower ........................... 18-22
Responsibilities, Customer ....... 3, 12-14
S
L
M
0
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ................... 15
Carburetor ................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................. 16
Handle ......................................... 16
Spark Plug .......................................... 14
Specifications ....................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ........................................ 10
Starting the Engine ............................ 10
Stopping the Engine ........................... 10
Storage ............................................... 17
T
Troubleshooting Chart ....................... 27
W
Warranty ............................................... 3
4
LAWN 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 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 A_R FILTER
©
if lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
GAS CAN
CHARGER
DUST SHIELD CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
BATTERY
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE
i
SiDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DMSCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
LAWN MOWER
COVER
LY
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
factoPi with the exception of those pads left unassembled
for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper opera-
tion of your lawn mower, all pads and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete
the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
, Remove loose parts included with mower.
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.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE 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 holding 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.
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your
lawn mower are not adjusted to the same position as the
front wheels. Before operating mower adjust a!l wheels to
the same cutting height position.
SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 2B) -
• Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge
opening of mower (see above instructions)
- Unlock closed discharge guard by lifting latch and allow
guard to swing open to discharging position.
Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis-
charge guard must be closed and locked securely.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVEFmNG YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
- Rear mulcher plug installed.
, Side discharge guard closed and locked securely,
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulcher plug removed.
o Grass catcher insta!led.
o Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
, Rear mulcher plug installed.
o Side discharge guard unlocked and open,
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear muncher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
MULCHER PLUG
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFrUP
LOWER
HANDLE
FIG. !
LiFT UP
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher_ To convert to bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING (See Fig, 2A) -
• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place.
You can now install grass catcher.
To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install
mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.
FIGo 2A
UFT LATCH
TO UNLOCK
AND OPEN
6 FiG. 2B
ASSE LY
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
. To assemble tubular frame to grass bag, work sewn
hem of bag out through the front opening of bag 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
sure frames are fully seated together as shown in inset.
Slip viny! 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.
- Close the flip Iid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.
- Lift the rear door oll the mower 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.
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Push inside
bag)
RG. 3C
SEWN
HEM
(Pull out
through front
of opening)
F[Go 3A
FLIP LID
\
SEWN
HEM
FIG. 3E
DOOR
HINGE
GRASS CATCHER FRAME
F[Go 3B
FORMED
TABS
FiG. 4
7
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. Save this
manual for future reference.
ENG_NEZONECONTROLCABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHERPLUG
ENGINE OILCAP W/DIPSTICK
OP_RATORPRESENCE CONTROLBAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
CA_LE CLIP
GASOUNECAP
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
SIDE DISCHARGEGUARD
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL}
HOUSING
F_Go5
MEETS CF_SC SAFETY REQUREMENTS
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
engin e,
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,
STARTER HANDLE - used for stsrfing the engine.
DR_VE CONTROL LEVER o used to engage power-pro-
peiied forward motion of lawn mower.
ENGBNE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either fast (4) or slow
(_) engine speed.
ML_LCNER PLUG - Located atthe rear discharge opening
must be removed when converting to bagging operation.
8
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig, 6)
The engine speed is controlled by a.lever located on the
side of the engine. Fast (_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better .qrass bagging. Slow
(,t11_)position isfor light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTmON: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL :-_
LEVER
risk of blade contact injury. Do Rot
A lawn mower in o_de_ to minimize the
o 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.
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
troL The bladeturns when the engine is
running,
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 7}
,_ Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence centro_ bar down to the handle and pushing
the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then
release 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 con-
trol bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.
o To keep drive contro! engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and litt front wheels off ground
while turning _awn mower.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging,
see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this
manual.
FiG. 6
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
\
DRIVE
CONTROL
LOWER WHEELS
FOa HIGH CUT RAISE WHEELS
\
FOR LOW CUT
!i_:i
A CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPT|NG TO
CONVERT LAWN MOWEFh
Release controU ba_ to stop engine,
I_ake sure the bmade and a_l moving parts
have completely stopped.
TO ADJUST CUWllNG HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your
lawn mower are not adjusted to the same position as the
front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to
the same cutting height position.
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.
FIG. 8
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.
9
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