Craftsman 917373580 Owner’s Manual
J" ,m 4 '_ I _ /
1,.t',7'2
4
0
MODEL NUMBER 917.373580 OWNER'SMANUAL
TM
Convertible
®
oAssembly
- Operation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
° Service
° Adjustments
° Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
II IIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIII
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
CAUTION; ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE W|RE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACTS PARK
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 FUNC_[]ONOF 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 qu[ckiy 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 tile manufacturer intended and as de*
scribed in this manual.
e
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 not recommended
by the manufacturer_ 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 itof
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.r
= Dress properly Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
o Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not filI gas tank
indoors, when the engine isrunning orwhen the engine ishoL
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.
o Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cuL Do not let other interests distract you.
o 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 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 a foreign object.
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any darn-
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.
o
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
e
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..
MAINTENANCEAND STORAGE:
* Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.
o Check all bo_ts, 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 mewer_
= Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
. Allow engine to cool 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, etco
I
I _J_ LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I
tT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!1 YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
I
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Craftsman Lawn Mower. Ithas been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possible de-
pendability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Serv{ce Cen-
tedDepartment° Sears has competent, well trained tech-
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES,
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: t2,04 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1,25 quad
(Unleaded)
OIL (20 oz. Capacity): 8AE 30 (Above 32°F)
5W30 (Below 32 F)
MODEL
NUMBER 917_373580
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.
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 in.):
(0.76 ram)
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake:
Exhaust:
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP:
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
Champion
RJ19LM or
Sears n 33312
or STD 361458
.008 ino
,008 in.
.,012,,s,!n-,.........
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,
• 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
,11,,,i ,, u
LUMITED 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 wil! repairfree of charge any
defect in material or workmanship,
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty appl{es 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 instnlctions 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 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, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60179
...... t ....
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................. 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........................ 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 3, 13-15
WARRANTY ..;................................................ 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ................... 5
ASSEMBLY .................................................... 6
OPERATION ................................................... 8
NDEX
A
Accessories ............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 17
Drive Control Cable ................... 16
Handle Height ............................ 17
Height of Cut ................................ 9
Air Filter:
Service ........................................ 15
Assembly:
Handle .......................................... 6
Grass Catcher .............................. 6
Clipping Deflector ....................... 7
B
Blade:
Sharpening ................................. 14
Replacement .............................. 14
C
Controls:
Operator Presence Control Bar .8
Drive Control ................................ 8
Customer Responsibilities .....3, 13-15
Air Filter ........................... ,,........ ; 15
Blade Care/Replacement .......... 14
Drive Wheels .............................. 14
Engine ..........._...........................15
Gear Case ..................................14
Lubrication ................................. 15
Spark Plug ................................. 15
E
Engine:
Oil Change ................................. 15
Oil Level .......... .......... ................. 15
Oil Type ...................................... 15
Starting ....................................... 11
Storage ......................................18
Fuel:
Type ............................................11
Storage....................................... 18
Handle:
Adjustment ................................. 17
Assembly ..................................... 6
Lubrication:
Engine ........................................ 13
Brake Spring Bracket ................ 13
Rear Door Hinge ........................ 13
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin .. 13
Wheel Adjuster ......................... 13
Maintenance Agreement .................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ..................... 13
Mowing Tips ...................................... 12
Mulching/Mowing Tips ..................... 12
Oil:
Engine ........................................ 11
Storage ....................................... 18
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower ............... 9
Drive Control ................................ 9
Operator Presence Control Bar ......... 8
Options:
Attachments ................................. 5
SERVICE AND ADJUSTM ENTS .................. 16
STORAGE ..................................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................. 27
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ......... 19-23
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...................... 24-26
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE. BACK COVER
F
Repair Parts
Lawn Mower .......................... 19-23
Engine ................................... 24-26
H
L
M
Responsibilities, Customer ....3, 13-15
Safety Rules ........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 17
Drive Control Cable ................... 16
Drive Belt ................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................. 17
Handle ........................................ 17
Spark Plug ......................................... 15
Specifications ..................................... 3
Starting the Engine ........................... 11
Stopping the Engine ........................ 11
Sto rage .............................................. 18
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 27
O
Warranty .......... i................................... 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 8
P
R
S
T
W
4
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. 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,,
ENGgNE
]l]llll,l_l],,_,l L'H i ''l I'll
SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER AIR FILTER GASCAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
m
if lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
_ll ll'L'lI i,lllrl_,llL _l, L
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
i ii iii ,, ,
LAWN MOWER MARNTENANCE
CHARGER
DUST SHIELD
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SBDEDISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
,ll i,,,F111r1ll,,,i,, ,i i,,
BATTERY
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
BELT BLADE BLADE
ADAPTER
%
5
WHEELS "
iq,, i,ll ,,,,,ql i I I
LAWN MOWER
COVER
Read these instructions and the Operator's Manual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your
new lawn mower' Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left
una._sembled 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 hard-
ware you assemble must be tightened securely° Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness_
TO REMOVE LAWN IVIOWER FROM
CARTON
° Remove loose parts included with mower.
o 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 handle.
• 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)
o Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position
o 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.
TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 2 & 3)
= Put grass catcher frame intograss bag withrigidpartof
bag on the bottom, Make sure the frame handle is
outside of the bag top.
o 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°
o Liftthereardoorofthelawnmowerandplacethegrass
catcher frame side hooks onto the handle bracket
hooks°
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door" is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame_
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFTUP
MOWING POSITION
LOWERHANDLE
FIG, 1
CATCHERFRAME
\
\
FRAMEOPENING
FIG. 2
HINGEBRACKET
_, REARDOOR
GRASSCATCHERFRAME
FIG. 3
' =,,,= .................. i ,
CAUTION: Donot runyourlawnmower
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
=u,.....................................
6
BLY
IHHH'= '1= I '=H'I I I
TO ASSEMBLE CLiPPiNG DEFLECTOR
(See Fig, 4)
The clipping deflector, supplied with your lawn mower,
provides a convenient way of spreading the grass clip-
pings when the grass catcher is not used,r To assemble
the clipping deflector, follow these steps
o Install the clipping deflector bracket and the support
bracket tothe clipping deflector with three (3) #10-24
x 3/4" truss head screws, flat washers and Iocknutsas
shown,
o Installthetwo (2) support bracket knobstothesupport
bracket.
TO ATTACH CLiPPiNG DEFLECTOR
(See Fig. 5)
o Lift the rear door and install the clipping deflector onto
the hinge bracket,
NOTE: There are two (2) slots in the clipping deflector
bracket that mate with and lock on two (2) formed tabs on
the rear door hinge bracket,
• When the rear door is lowered onto the clipping
deflector, it will rest on the two (2) support bracket
knobs securing the clipping deflector to the lawn
mower housing,
LOCKNUT SUPPORT
#10-24 BRACKET
SUPPORT
BRACKET
CLIPPING
DEFLECTOR
BRACKET
TRUSS HEAD
SCREWS
#10-24 X 3/4"
CLIPPING
FIG. 4
FORMEDTABS
KNOB
FLATWASHER
CUPPING
DEFLECTOR
BRACKET
HINGE
BRACKET
FIG. 5
CUPPING
DEFLECTOR
7
OPERATION
' ' ' i ,,i ................
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ "['HISOWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mower tofamiliarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments_ Save this
manual for' future reference_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASS CATCHER
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONI'ROL LEVER
CABLECLIP
GASOLINE CAP
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
WHEELADJUSTER
(ONEACH WHEE_
HOUSING
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the UvSoConsumer 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
(_) engine speed_
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ir.................
CAUTION: Do not runyourlawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector or grasscatcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
i ............
propped open.
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 6)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)
located on the side of the engine Fast (._) position is
for starting the engine, normal cutting, and better grass
bagging. Slow (_,) position is for light cutting, trimming
and fuel economy_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
,,i , ,i, ,i.......
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not un-
der any circumstances attempt to de-
feat the function of the o perator control.
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..
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.
o Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is released.. To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release theoperator 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.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)
o 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,
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL
LEVER
• CONTROLBAR
TO ENGAGE
P_.BIVECONTROL
LOWERWHEELS
FORHIGHCUT RAISEWHEELS
FIG. 6
OPERATOR PRESENCE
j TROL
FIG. 7
FORLOWCUT
FIG, 8
9
Loading...