Craftsman 917373460 Owner’s Manual

SWAINS

®

MODEL NUMBER 917.373460 OWNER'SMANUAL

oAssembly
oOperation

• Customer

Responsibilities

oService
oAdjustments

oRepair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow
all Safety Rules

and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TOPREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTINGUP, TRANSPORTING,ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE ANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK

REPA,RS. IMPORTANT

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLSTO MINIMIZETHE RISK OFINJURY. YOUR UNITIS 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 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
arty 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

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 orwhen the engine ishot

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 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 al! times

Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
arty gravel-covered areas.

Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it

Before cleaning, irrspecting, 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 ifyou 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 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 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 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 tocoot before stodng 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.

I

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL 'TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

2

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 CentedDepartmenL 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"

MODEL
NUMBER 917373460

SERIAL
NUMBER

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 126 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1_25QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE32°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 IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0!25 IN.

DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIALNUMBERSWILL BE FOUND

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

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

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

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS

MAMNTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this producL 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.

o 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 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 STATE&
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/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, tL 60684

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIB|LITIES ...................... 3,12-15

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

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

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

iNDEX

A

Adjustments:

Carburetor .....................................18

Drive Control ............................. 17

Engine Speed ......................... 18

Handle Height .......................... 18

Height of Cut ................................ 9

Air Filte}:

Replacement ............................. 15

Service ....................................... 15

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 ...3,12-15

Air Filter ..................................... 15

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

Drive Wheels ........................... 14

Engine .........................................15

Lubrication ...................................15

Spark Plug ................................ 15

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

Engine:

Air Filter ..................................... t5

Oil Change ............................. 15

Oil Level .................................. 15

Oil Type ..................................... 15

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

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

Storage ..........................................19

Fuel:

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

Storage ..................................... 19

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

Handle Adjustment:

Assembly ................................... 6

Cutting Height ........................ 18

Lubrication:

Engine ............................................15

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

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

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

Mowing Tips .......................................11

Oil:

Engine .........................................15

Storage ...................................... 19

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 12

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 16

STORAGE .................................................................... 19

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 31

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 21-25

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 26-28

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER

E

F

H

L

M

O

Operation:

Drive Control .......................... 10

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

Grass Catcher ........................... 9

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

Operator Presence Control Bar 9

R

Repair Parts:

Engine .............................. 26-28

Lawn Mower .........................21-25

Responsibilities, Customer ...3,12-15

S

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 16

Carburetor ...................................18

Drive Belt ................................. 16

Drive Control ............................ 17

Engine Speed ............................ 18

Handle ............................................18

Spark Plug ....................................... 15

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

Speed Control:

Engine .................................... 18

Starting the Engine ........................ 10

Stepping the Engine ...................... 10

Storage ........................................... 19

T

Trouble Shooting Chart .................. 31

W

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

4

LAWN MOWER

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

catalog 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

0

If lawn mower is an electric start

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

REAR BAG

OPTIONAL

FABRIC BAG

REPLACEMENT

BAG FOR REAR

DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

I

q

GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

I CHARGER I BATTERY

DUST SHIELD

OPTIONAL

CATCHER FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

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. To ensure safe and proper opera-

tion of your lawn mower', all parts 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 be-
tween upper and lower handle and padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 & 2)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES_

• Raise lower handle section to operating position and
align hole in handle with or'reof three height positioning

holes.

o Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and

secure with knob
Repeat for opposite side of handle.
Raise upper handle section to operating position, re-

move protective padding and tighten handle knobs
securely.

° Remove any packing material from around control bar.

. Your handles may be adjusted for' your' mowing com=

fort Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this

manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

HANDLE
ADJUSTMENT

BRACKET

KNOB

FIG. 2

6

ASSEMBLY

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_3A) -
= Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store

mulcher plate in a safe place.
You can now install grass catcher

To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install
mulcher plate into rear discharge opening of mower,

making sure all tabs are seated properly.

SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 3B) -

Mulcher plate 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 plate installed
Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Rear mulcher plate removed.

o Grass catcher installed

Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear mulcher plate installed.

= Side discharge guard unlocked and open,

MULCHER PLATE

FIG. 3A

/ _./_ LIFT LATCH

/ _ _'/ TO UNLOCK

ANDOPEN

DISCHARGE GUARD
CLOSED POSITION %.

OPEN POSITION

FIG. 3B

CATCHER
FRAME
HANDLE

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear mulcher plate inplace or

approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn

mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.

TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 4 & 5)

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part
of bag on the bottom Make sure the frame handle is
outside of the bag top.

° 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 itdry before

using_

Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame side hooks onto handle bracket
hooks.

The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame

FIG. 4

CATCHER
FRAME

SIDE
HOOK_

HANDLE

BRACKET

HOOK

7 FIG. 5

FRAME
OPENING

REAR DOOR

rGRASS

HANDLE

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=

OPERATOR PRESENCE

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

STARTER HANDLE

GRASS BAG

CONTROL BAR

DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE KNOB

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

MULCHER PLATE

ENGINE OIL CAP
WITH DIPSTICK

SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD

4

WHEEL ADJUSTER

FIG. 6

(ON EACH WHEEL)

PRIMER

HOUSING

NTROL LEVER

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 BAR - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the

engine.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER- located ORthe side

of the engine which allows you to select either high ('_) or

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 [.EVER - used to engage power-pro-

pelled forward motion of lawn mower_

low (.¢_) engine speed.
DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - used to select the

MULCHER PLATE-located atthe reardischarge opening,
must be removed when converting to bagging operation.

drive speed of your lawn mower.

8

OPERATION

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINESPEED

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 7)

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

normal cutting and better grass bagging Slow (._) posi _

tion 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

&

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence

control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn
mower,

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,

TO CONVERT MOWER

CONTROL LEVER

PRIMER

FIG. 7

GRASS CATCHER
FRAME HANDLE

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging,

see 'q-O CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this
manual.

CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO

CONVERT LAWN MOWER:
° Release control bar to stop engine.

o Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped,

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

(See Fig. 8)
= Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.
. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn

mower handle

= Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and

bag handle

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 9)

• 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_
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,

LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT

DRIVE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 8

RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT

FIG, 9

FIG. '10

9

OPERATION

GROUND DRIVE FOUR SPEEDS

(See Fig. 10)

Your lawn mower provides four (4) speeds to letyou select
the speed that suits you best

The drive speed control lever can be changed while
you are mowing.

Speeds 1 and 2 are found when the engine speed
control (red) lever is in low (._=_)position.

Speeds 1 and 2 are for slower, light grass cutting,
trimming and quiet operation_

Speeds 3 and 4 are found when the engine speed
control (red) lever is in high (_) position.

Speed 3 is for slow, heavy/thick grass cutting or
trimming.

Speed 4 is for normal cutting and bagging arid for
ground transport.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHIFT SPEEDS

WITH THE DRIVE BAR ENGAGED UNLESS THE ENGINE

IS RUNNING

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

(See Figs. 10 & 11)

Select ground speed by moving drive speed control
lever to 1-3 or 2-4 position and selecting either high

('_) or low (,,=_) engine speed,

• 1-3 is slower and 2_4 is faster,

The ground speed maybe selected either when stand-

ing or rnoving

To start forward motion, slowly pul! back drive control

lever' to the handle

To stop forward motion release drive corrtrol lever
To slow forward motion, let the drive control lever

move forward away from handle. By slightly releasing
the drive control lever the drive can be slowed or

"feathered" so you may make turns around obstacles
or' at end of rows_

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL (See Fig. 12)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.
° Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line

on the dipstick.

• Use20ozs.of oil. For typeandgradeofoilto use, see

"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual.

° Pour oil slowly. Do riot over' fill
. Check oil level before each use. Add oll if needed. Fill

to full line on dipstick.
To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each tirne.

o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
o After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil,

and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to
change the oil more often underdusty, dirty conditions.

GAS (See Fig, 12)

Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline,
DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE, BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.

DRIVE CONTROL OPERATOR
ENGAGED CONTROL

BAR

DRIVE

CONTROL

FEATHERED

FIG. 11

GASOLINE

ENGINE OIL CAP

W/DIPSTICK

FIG. 12

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or L_singethanol 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 until 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

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

trying to start. 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 Inwarmerweatherover priming maycause

flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine wait

a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.

10