Craftsman 917373581 Owner’s Manual
/:RR
MODEL NUMBER 917.373581
oAssembly
oOperation
o Customer
ResponsibiBities
oService
OWNER'S MANUAL
Convertible
, Adjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
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IIIII IIIIIHIII ....... I I •
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWiREANDPLACEWIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK
PLUG TO PREVENTACCIDENTALSTARTINGWHENSETTINGUP, TRANSPORTING,ADJUSTINGOR MAKING
REPA,RS. iMPORTANT
SAFETYSTANDARDSREQUIRE OPERATORPRESENCECONTROLSTO MINIMIZETHE RISK OFINJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPEDWITH
SUCH CONTROLS_ DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEATTHE FUNCTIONOF THE OPERATORPRESENCECONTROLS UNDERANY 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.
e
Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner.. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower,,
Do notuse accessory attachments that arenot recommended
by the manufacturer Use of such attachments may be
hazardous
The blade turns when the eng{ne is running.
PREPARATION:
,= Always thoroughlycheck the areato be mowed and clear itof
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects wig be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
whiIe using your mower
° Dress properly.. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sanda]so Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing°
• Check fuel tank before stading engine.. Do not fill gas tank
indoors,when the engine is running or when 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 tighL
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 afirm 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 theengine whenever you leave orare not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas_
• Never direct discharge of matedaf 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 ifyou hit aforeign object.,
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before reslarting and operating you mower°
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
, Donot operate your mower if it 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-
ous.
o
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 ANDSTORAGE:
= Check the blade and the engine mounting boersoften to be
sure they are tightened properly.
° Check all boers,nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.
• Keep alt 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 ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.
i
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LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS - ATTENTtONlll BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
2
!
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Craftsman Lawn Mower, It has 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 Service Cen-
tedDepartmenL Sears has competent, wet! 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".,
MODEL
NUMBER 917..373581
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 1NA SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE°
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5,0
DISPLACEMENT: t '1_5cu. in,.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1_25quarts
(Unleaded)
OIL (20 oz..Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
5W30 (Below 32°1=)
SPARK PLUG (GAP ,,030inn): Champion
RJ19LM or
Sears z_ 33312
or STD 361458
or STD 360950
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: _008in,,
Exhaust: ,008 in,.
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .,0125 inn
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-Ibs..
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.
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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 wilt repair free of charge any
defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commerciaI or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase,.
This Warranty does not cover:
• ExpendabIe 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 WH_LE
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
SAFETY RULES ............................................. 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........................ 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 3, 12-14
WARRANTY ................................................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ................... 5
ASSEMBLY .................................................... 6
OPERATION ................................................... 8
iNDEX
A
Accessories ............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 16
Handle Height .............................. 16
Height of Cut ................................. 9
Air Filter:
Service ......................................... 14
Assembly:
Handle ........................................... 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening .................................. 13
Replacement .............................. 13
C
Controls:
Operator Presence Control Bar .8
Drive Control ................................ 8
Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 12-14
Air Filter ...................................... 14
Blade Care/Replacement .......... 13
Drive Wheels .............................. 13
Engine ........................................ 14
Gear Case ..................................... 13
Lubrication ................................. 12
Spark Plug ................................... 14
E
Engine:
Oil Change ................................. 14
Oil Level ..................................... 14
Oil Type ....................................... 12
Starting ....................................... 10
Storage ........................................ 17
Fuel:
Type .............................................. 9
Storage ....................................... 17
Handle:
Adjustment ................................. 16
Assembly ..................................... 6
Lubrication:
Engine ......................................... 12
Rear Door Hinge ........................ 12
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin o,.12
Wheel Adjuster° .............................12
Brake Spring Bracket ................. 12
Maintenance Agreement ......................3
Maintenance Schedule .......................12
Mowing Tips ........................................ 11
Oil:
Engine ........................................ 12
Storage ........................................ 17
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower .................9
Engine Control ............................ 9
Operator Presence Control Bar..........8
Options:
Attachments ................................. 5
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................. 15
STORAGE ..................................................... 17
TROU BLESHOOTIN G .................................. 27
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ......... 18-22
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...................... 23-25
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .BACK COVER
F
Repair Parts
Lawn Mower .......................... 18-22
Engine ................................... 23-25
H
L
M
O
Responsibilities, Customer ....3, 12-14
Safety Rules ........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 16
Drive Belt.................................... 15
Engine Speed ............................. 16
Handle ........................................ 16
Spark Plug ......................................... 14
Specifications ...................................... 3
Starting the Engine ..............................10
Stopping the Engine ......................... 10
Storage ............................................... 17
Trouble Shooting Chart ....................27
Warranty .............................................. 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters .......................... 8
P
R
S
T
W
4
LAW
These accessories were available when thislawn mower was produced,. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers° Most Sears stores can also order repair partsfor you, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower,, Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower,
ACCESSORIES
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
If lawn mower is an electric start
CHARGER
i,i
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS'
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
,Ul,,,,=,,,,,,,,i
BELT BLADE BLADE
DUST SHIELD
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
ADAPTER
WHEELS
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
LAWNMOWER
COVER
5
ASSE BLY
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 withthe exception of those parts left unassernbled
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 hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely., Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness,.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with mower.
° Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flaL
• Remove ali 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)
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..
o Raise upper handle section intoplace 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 ofthis manual.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mu]cher. 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..
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawnmower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
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OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFt UP
MOWING PosrrlON
LOWER HANDLE
FIG. 1
SLOTS
TABS
FIG. 2
TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3 & 4)
• Putgrass catcherframe intograssbag with rigid partof
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 it dry before
using_
° Lift the rear doorof the lawn mower and place the grass
catcher frame side hooks onto the handle bracket
hooks.
• The grass catcher is secu_'ed to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame.,
6
LY
CATCHERFRAME
\
HINGE BRACKET
FIG. 3
//
FORMED TABS
FRAME OPENING
REAR DOOR
GRASS CATCHERFRAME
LOCKNUT SUPPORT
#10-24 BRACKET
SUPPORT
BRACKET
CLIPPING
DEFLECTOR
BRACKET
TRUSS HEAD
SCREWS
#10_24 X 3/4"
CLIPPING
DEFLECTOR
@ KNOB
FIG. 5
TO ATTACH CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
(See Fig. 6)
• Liftthe reardoor and insta[ftheclippingdeflector 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 iawn
mower housing,.
FIG. 4
TO ASSEMBLE CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
(See Fig. 5)
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. To assemble
the clipping deflector, follow these steps°
= Install the clipping deflector bracket and the support
bracket to the clipping deflector with three (3) #10-24
x 3/4" truss head screws, fiat washers and Iocknuts as
shown..
= Install the two (2)support bracket knobs to thesupport
bracket,
FORMEDTABS
CLIPPING
DEFLECTOR
BRACKET
HINGE CLIPPING
BRACKET DEFLECTOR
FIG. 6
7
OPERATIC
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 yourselfwith the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHER PLATE
ENGINE OIL CAPW_IPSTICK
OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLBAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
CABLE CLIP
GASOLINE CAP
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
WHEELADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
,i i i ,i,i i ill,,,,,,, ,, ......... i llll i illll,ll ill i/i illll illlll m i/ ,,,,,, ,., ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, _ ill/ll ii
HOUSING
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.
..... i lllllllll ,IHI,lllI,H II IHI .... ll/ll IH llll I,I,H .........
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held down
to the handle to start the engine,. Retease to stop the
engine.
PRIMER -pumpsadditional 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°
MULCHER PLATE - Located at the discharge opening
must be removed when converting to bagging or'discharg-
ingoperation.
8
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 7)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engine, Fast (,_) position isfor starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging Slow
(._) position isfor light cutting, trimming and fuel economy_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
risk of blade contact injury. Do not un-
lawn mower in order to minimize the
der any circumstances attempt to de-
feat the function of the operator 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. 8)
o 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 wil! 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_
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 9)
o Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels for high cut..
. Wheels are set in low cut for shipping, Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium positionis
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.,
lllllll,i llll ill H,NU,,I,, I 'H I I ill
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL
LEVER
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT RAISE WHEELS
PRIMER
FiG. 7
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL
CONTROL
DRIVE
FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 9
9
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