Craftsman 917372910 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL
oAssembly
oOperation
Customer
Responsibilities
oService
917.3729!0 OWNER'S MANUAL
Convertibne
oAdjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
147623 11/19/94 Printed in U_SoA,
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN 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-
STANCE&
TRAINING:
o 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.
• De not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of al! persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual.
• Do not operate mower ifit has been dropped or damaged in
any manner.. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recom-
mended by the manufacturer Use of such attachments 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 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" onty solid shoes with good
traction when mowing. ................
° Check fuel tank before starting engine., Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine isrunning orwhen 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 de this while the engine is running
° Mow onty in daylight or good artificia_ 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 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 b_ade 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 resulL
• Do not operate your mower ifit vibrates abnormally Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check forthe cause ofvibration and repair as required.
• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
OU&
', 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 slope&
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 isin 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 ignitionsource
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
IIHnl ill llllll I In lllll_l
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT[!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
illllliH i i,i........................ ill,ll,i ii ill llll llll llllllll,lll
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 CentedDepartment. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this fawn 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
NUMBER 917..372910
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 SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE..
PRODUCT SPECRFICATUONS
HORSEPOWER: 60
D_SPLACEMENT: 126 CU..IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1..5QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 28 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM
(GAP: _030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
-SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: _0125IN.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT_LBS.
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.
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 WARRANT'{ 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..
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower isused 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_
o 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 1SAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTERIDEPARTMENT 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
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
....r, ......................... L ...... ......
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12
A
Accessories ...................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ................................ 16
Drive Belt ................................ 15
Engine Speed ........................... t6
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 ............................. 8
Engine Zone Control ................ 8
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar.,................................. 8
Customer' Responsibilities ... 3, 12-14
Air Filter .................................. 14
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 ................................. t4
Starting .......................................10
Stopping ..................................... 10
Storage ..................................... 16
Fuel:
Capacity ...................................... 3
Storage ...................................... ! 6
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 .........................................12
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
Operation:
Drive Control ............................... 9
Engine Control ........................... 9
Grass Catcher ........................... 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
L
M
O
Drive Belt ................................ 15
Engine Speed ..:,........ _;L......,,. 16
Handle ................................... 16
Spark Plug ...................................... 14
Specifications ................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ...................................... 8
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..................... 10
Storage .......................................... t 6
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................. t9
W
Warranty ........................................... 3
4
LAWN OWE
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 AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTUONAL
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT BLADE
CHARGER
DUST SHIELD
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SnDE DSSCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
BLADE
ADAPTER
WHEELS
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
.... rl ....
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
' ,,i ,ll..... J,ll
LAWN MOWER
COVER
5
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 unassernbled
for shipping purposes.. Al! 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, al! 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
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
= Remove loose parts included with mower.
= Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
o Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper' and lower' handle and padding holding operator'
presence control bar to upper handte.
° 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)
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.
o Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle°
° Your lawn mower handle carl 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 all wheels to
the same cutting height position.
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 mulcher 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.
LOWER HANDLE
FIG. 1
SLOTS
\\
MULCHER PLATE
FIG. 2
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place or ap-
catcher in place. Never attempt to op.
proved clipping deflector or grass
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
TABS
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 bag to
expose the hem..
o 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.
o Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sure frames are fully seated together as shown in inseL
• 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.
° Closethe flip lidoFlip lid must be closed while operating
Fawn mower°
• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge brackeL
. The grass catcher is secured to the fawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame.
F ,_k CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
i ,_,_ without clipping deflector or approved
| _ grass catcher in place. Never attempt
i _ to operate the lawn mower with the rear
! ................ door removed or propped,,open: ....
I
FLIP LID
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Push inside
bag)
FIG. 3C
LOWER
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Frames must
be fully seated)
FIG. 4A
CATCHER FRAME
SEWN
HEM
(Pull out
through front
of opening)
TUBULAR
FRAME
(Thread into
sewn hem)
FIG. 3A
FIG, 3B
SEWN
HEM
\
FIG. 4B
HINGE
BRACKET
FORMED
TABS
7 FIG, 4C
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. Save this
manual for future reference_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
HANDLE KNOB
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHER PLATE
GASOL1NECAP
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
STARTER HANDLE
CAP W/DIPSTICK
,DRIVE COVER
ENGINE SPEED COi
PRIMER
WHEEL ADJUSTER HOUSING
(ON EACH WHEEL)
.... : ......................... ...... ,....ll .i i i ... ...ll i_.1i ..llll...i .... =
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.
......... _ ................... .......... i1_............. illrllr ........... .... illl !1....... . I'L I J 'lj L
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-proD
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
(,_.) engine speed_
MULCHER PLATE - must be removed to convert to bag-
ging or discharging operation_
8
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
deflector or grasscatcher in place.
closed orwithoutan approved clipping
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
ENGINE "_
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever tocated on the
side of the engine,, Fast (_) position is for starting the
engine, norma! cutting, and better grass bagging_ Slow
(.¢_) position isforlight cutting, trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
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 lawn mower.,
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
. Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
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.,
- Wheels are set in tow 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,
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)
° Simply lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher
by the handle,
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it wilt 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
release the lever..
o 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,.
CONTROL LEVER / " PRIMER
FIG. 5
LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 6
FIG. 7
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
DRIVE
CONTROL
TO ENGAGE
DRWE CONTROL
FIG, 8
9
DRIVE
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTRQL
DISENGAGED
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