Craftsman 917372852 Owner’s Manual

MODEL NUMBER 917.372852

oAssembly

Operation

Customer Responsibilities

Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

oAdjustments o Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow all Safety Rules

and Instructions Before Operating

This Equipment

149788 REV, 2 05.23,95

ill......................................

[_#_,_..............................r_......................................._r.... " ...................

_ .... ....................................................................

Printed in USA

'1'III1'"11'

& SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT; THIS CUTTING MACHINE lS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNtT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

TRAINING:

•' Read this operator's manual carefully Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower property.

Learn how to quickly stop mower

,, Do not allow children to use your mower Never allow adults

lo use mower without proper instructlons

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especia!ly small children and pets

• Use mower only as the manulaclurer 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

• Do not use accessory attachments that are no? recornmended

by the manufaclurer 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

att stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign obiects

These objects wi]] be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury

• Always wear safely 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. Do not filf gas lank indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot

Allow the engine 1o coot for several minutes before filling the gas tank Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine

• Always make wheel height adjustments before starling your

mower Never attempt to do this while the engine is running

- Mow only in daylight or good adificial tight

OPERATION:

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

cut Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not rnow wet or slippery grass Never run while operating

your mower. Atways be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the handles and walk

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating pads Keep

clear of the discharge opening at al! 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 repa)dng 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 accidenta! starting

• De not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign obiect Follow the procedure outlined above, lhen repair any dam- age before restarting and operating you mower

• Do not change the gnvemor 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 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

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or olher 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 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 coot before storing in any enclosure

• Never slore 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

LJ L J ±LI'L' L L" "HJL'* J'l UUU I:' ,,U,,,

portant safety precautions. It means

Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTION!tt BECOME ALERT!t! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it can-

not contact spark plug in order to pre_ vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

i i

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchaseofaSearsLawn Mowerithasbeendesigned,engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and pefformance_

Should you experience any problem you cannol 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 wilt enable you lo assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES'L

MODEL NUMBER 917.372852

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

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

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5,5 DISPLACEMENT: 12 6 cu in..

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 quart AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OiL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32"F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 oz

SPARK PLUG: Champion J19LM, RJt9LM (Gap: .030") STD361458

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008"

EXHAUST: .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: 0125 in BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT LBSo

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, = Fotlow a regular schedule inmaintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.

• Fo!low 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 thisCraftsman 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 INTHE UNITED STATES THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS tN USE INTHE 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, 12-14

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

ASSEMBLY ..................................................................... 6

OPERATION ....................................................................... 8

INDEX

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor ................................ 16

Engine Speed .............................. 16

Handle Height ........................... 16

Height ot Cut ........................... 9

Air Filter."

Replacement ............................ t4

Service ...................................... t4

AssembIy .................................................... 6

Blade:

Sharpening .............................. I3

Replacement ....................... 13

Controls:

Drive Control ................................... g

Engine Zone Control ..................... 9

Engine Speed Control .................... 9

Operator Presence Control Bar ......8

Customer Responsibilities ....... 3, 12-14

Air Fqlter ....................................... 14

Blade Care/Replacement ........... 13

Drive Wheels ............................... 13

Engine ....................................... 14

Lubrication .................................. 14

Spark Plug .............................. 14

Cutting Levels ........................................... 9

Engine:

Air Filter .................................... t4

Oil Change ................................ 14

Oil Level ........................................ 14

Oil Type ......................................... 14

Starting ..................................................10

Stopping ............................. 10

Storage ........................... t 7

Fuel:

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

Storage .......................................... 17

Type .............................. 10

Lubrication:

Engine ................................... 14

Lawn Mower ........................... 12

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

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 12

Mowing Tips ..................................... t I

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

Operation:

Drive Control ..................................

Engine Control ........................................

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

Mower .......................................... 9

Operator Presence Control Bar 9

Options:

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

Repair Parts:

Engine ................................... 23-25

Lawn Mower ................................. 18-22

Responsibilities, Customer ........3, 12-I4

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

Troubleshooting Chart ......................... 27

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

___11 ;LlJJJ;II ,,,,,

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced.. They are a!so 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

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

,= ,,, ,= , ,, ,,,, , ,,,,,,,,, ,, = ,, ,,,H,, ,,, , ,= = =, ,, , , ,,,,,, ,,,,,,

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

,,,,,, , ll,,l,,, i, ,H,,, H

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

,,,, ,,,, ,

MUFFLERS

,11 ii i ii

MULCHER KITS

JLL

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR RLTERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

u_l[,iJJiJll ill i unl ,u- ii, i

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 teft unassembted

for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper opera- tion of your lawn mower, atl paris and hardware you

assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. Aft 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 , Cutdown two end corners of cation and lay end panel

down fiat

• Remove allpacking 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 pads°

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

iMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES

• Raise handles until tower handle section locks into

place in mowing position

,, Raise upper handle section into placeon 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

NOXE: 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 eli 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 CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rear mulcher plug installed

o Side discharge guard closed and locked securely FOR REAR BAGGING -

, Rear mulcher plug removed

- Grass catcher installed°

• Side discharge guard closed and locked securely

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

Rear mutcher plug installed,

Side discharge guard unlocked and open°

Jlll, JJ ]/ i, in ,tl,, _!n,lt

CAUTION: Do notrun your lawn mower without rear mulcher plug in place or

approved grass catcher tn place° Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

MULCHER PLUG

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

LIFTUP

MOWING POSITION

FIG. 1

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 ptug Store mulcher plug in a safe place

- You can now install grass catcher

,_ To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install

mulcher pfug into rear discharge opening of mower

LtFT LATCH

TO UNLOCK

AND OPEN

DISCHARGE GUARD CLOSED POSITION

OPEN POSITION

6 FIG. 2B

ASSEMBLY

i i i UlllU iiii iii u, i i iii 1,1, ,1, illU lU, i u ii ii i i i i

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CAI'CHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

• Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag,

NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the tubutar frame

• When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem, immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag

as shown in inset.

° Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until

both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open- ing.

• Assemble iower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be sure hand+e is outside of bag and frames are fully

seated 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 dry before

using.

• Close the flip lid. Ftip lid must beclosed while operating lawn mower

• Lift the rear door on 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..

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without clipping deflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

BRACKET

FIG. 3C

DOOR

GRASS CATCHER

FRAME

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM

FLIP LID

FIG, 3A

FORMED TABS

FIG. 4

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THtS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this

manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning°

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE

OR WARNING ON OFF

ii ,,,i i, H ,i ,i i ill ,i,u .....................

ENG1NE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

GRASS CATCHER

MULCHER PLUG

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

CABLE CLIP

GASOLINE CAP

PRIMER

• ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

DRIVE COVER

SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD

HOUSING

WHEEL ADJUSTER

FIG. 5

{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 US 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 tawn mower_

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the engine which allows you to select either fast (,_J_)or slow

(.,a,,) engine speed.. MULCHER PLUG _ Located atthe rear discharge opening

must be removed when converting to bagging operation

i i

OPERATION

ill i i i

ii i

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 while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs, We recommend a wide vision safety

mask over the spectacles or standard safety gtasses,

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 (_t') position is for starting the engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Slow (,_t,) position isforlightcutting, trimming and fueleconomy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

J , , ,LILLII II J,lJ

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this

_l_ lawn mower in order to minimize the

, Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-

ence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the fawn mower handle to start and

operate the lawn mower

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)

• 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 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 handte 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

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 sect)on of this

manual.

risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to

defeatthe function of the operator con-

trol. The blade turns when the engine is

running.

ENG;NESPEED CONTROL

LEVER

PRIMER

FIG. 6

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL

TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL

FIG. 7

LOWER WHEELS

FOR HIGH CUT RAISE WHEELS

DRIVE CONTROL

DISENGAGED

FOR LOW CUT

CONVERT LAWN MOWER: CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO

° Release control bar to stop engine.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts

have completely stopped.

TO ADJUST CUTTING 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 9

FIG. 8

• 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.

+ 19 hidden pages

Craftsman 917372852 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual