Craftsman 917373780 Owner’s Manual

®

MODEL NUMBER

, Assembly
oOperation

, Customer

Responsibilities

° Service

917.373780

OWNER'S MANUAL

Convertible

° Adjustments

° Repair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

IV IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1111111111111111I I II ............................................

SAFETY RULES

PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP,TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE ANDPLACE WIREWHEREITCANNOTCONTACTSPARK

,,EPAIRS. IMPORTANT

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TOMINIMIZE THE RISK OFINJURY. YOUR UNIT ISEQUIPPED 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 tn ,
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using

your mower.

• Do notuse accessory attachments that are not recommended °
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.
The blade turns when the engtne 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 or when the engine ishot.

Allow the engine to coot 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 all times.

Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, orbefore 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 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,
safelycheck for thecause 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.

o 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.

o

Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

o

Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

o

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.

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT iMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

IT MEANS - ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY !S INVOLVED.

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

!i

Service Center!Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this lawn mower.

Please read and retain [his manual. The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 917.373780

SERIAL
NUMBER

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: t2.06 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE32°F)

SAE 5VV-30(BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19-LM

(GAP: .030") STD361458

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .005-.007 IN.

EXHAUST: .007-.009 IN.

SOLID STATE ,IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN,

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.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 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.

o 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 inthe 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:

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 failu reto 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 tN USE tN 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, tLLfNOIS 60179

3

FABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................. :....... _,.................. :...2

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................. .... 3, 12-14

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

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

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

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

INDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor .............................. 15

Drive Belt ................................ 15

Engine Speed ......................... 15

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

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

Air Filter:

Replacement .......................... 14

Service .................................... 14

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

B

Blade:

Sharpenir_g ............................. 13

Replacement .......................... ! 3

C

Controls:

Drive Control ............................. 9

Engine Zone Control ................. 8

Engine Speed Control .............. 8

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 8

Customer Responsibilities ...3, 12-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engine:

Air Filter .................................. 14

Oil Change .............................. !4

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

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

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

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

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

Fuel:

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

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

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

Handle Adjustment:

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

Cutting Height ........................... 9

Lubrication:

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

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

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

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

Mowing Tips .................................. 1t

Oi!:

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

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

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15

STORAGE ................... :................................................ 17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 27

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-23

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 24-26

PARTS ORDERINGISERVICE ................ BACK COVER

Operation:

Drive Control ............................. 9

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

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

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

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 9

Options:

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

M

O

F

Repair Parts:

Engine ............................... 24-26

Lawn Mower ...................... 18-23

Responsibilities, Customer ..3, 12-14

H

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 15

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

L

Drive Belt .................. .............. 15

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

Handle .................................... ! 6

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

Specifications ......._.......................... 3

Speed Control:

Engine ...................................... 9

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

Stopping the Engine ...................... 10

Storage...; ...................................... 17

Trouble Shooting Chart ................. 23

R

S

T

W

Warranty'. ........................................ 3

4

LAWN OWER ACCESSO IES

E

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also &vailabie 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

tf lawn mower is an electric start

AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABttLmZER

CHARGER

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

DUST SHIELD

CLiPPiNG DEFLECTOR

REPLACEMENT

BAG FOR REAR

DISCHARGE

LAW'N MOWERS

LAWN MOWER

BELT

FABRIC BAG

MA|NTENANCE

BLADE

OPTIONAL

CATCHER FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER

BLADE

ADAPTER

WHEELS LAWN MOWER

SiDE DISCHARGE CATCHER

COVER

5

m

ASSEM

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 ofthose parts left unassembled

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 fay end panel

down flat.

. 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,

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

LY

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

SLOTS

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.

- Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.

o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your

mowing comfort. See "TO ADJUST HANDLE" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

TO HtSTALL 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 mufcher plate. Store

mulcher plate in a safe place.

o You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-

tor.

o To return to mulching operation, install mutcher plate

into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.

MULCHER PLATE

TABS

FIG. 2

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in p_ace or ap-

proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place, Never attempt to op-

erate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

6

ASSEM LY

TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
(See Figs. 3 & 4)

• Put grass catcher frame intograss 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 it dry before

using.

o Lift the rear door ofthe lawn mower and place the grass

catcher frame side hooks onto the handle bracket

hooks.

o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame.

TO PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 5)

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start

your tawn mower.
° Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery

connector (female).

° Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet.

Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before

starting your engine for the first time.

• After charging, connect engine connector to battery
connector.

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging.
Connect you rbattery charge rto charge battery as requi red.

IMPORTANT: THE ENGINE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT
CHARGE A DISCHARGED BATTERY.

At the end of the mowing season the battery should be
charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter

storage.

CATCHERFRAME

FRAME OPENING

FiG. 3

HINGE BRACKET

GRASS
CATCHER

FRAME

FORMEDTABS

FiG. 4

ENGINE
CONNECTOR

j[-_ gine co_ from the bat_tery con-

_a identat starting
when tra_r storing your lawn

mower after the season.

\

BATTERY

CHARGER

BATTERY

t 7

BATTERY CONN ECTOR (FEMALE)

CHARGER

CONNECTOR

(MALE)

FiG. 5

7

l

1

OPEFIATION

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THtS 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.

STARTER BUTTON

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

€

i

i

!

AUXILIARY STARTER HANDLE

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

CABLE CLIPS

F

i

i

i,

i

GRASS CATCHER

MULCHER PLATE

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

GASOLINE CAP

PRIMER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

DRIVE COVER

WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL) -/

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.

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,
AUXILIARY STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the

engine.

STARTER BUTTON - used for starting the engine.

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-

pe!ied 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-

ing operation.

8

OPERATIO

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 (,,_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Slow

(,ii) position is for lightcutting, trimming and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federat regulations require

an engine control to be instamiedon this

lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of b_ade 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.

* 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.

* 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 wtien turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig, 8)

- Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels for high cut.

o Wheels are set in bowcut 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

FIG. 6

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR

DRWE

DRIVE CONTROL

pRaVE_

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

FiG. 7

LOWER WHEELS
FOR HiGH CUT RAISE WHEELS

FOR LOW CUT

F_G. 8

9

OPERATION

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 9)

• Simply lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher

by the handle.

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

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL (See Fig. 10)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oit in the engine,
® Be sure mower is level and area around oi! fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line
on the dipstick.

o Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this

manual,

, Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick,

o To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.
, Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

, 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 under dusty, dirty conditions.

GAS (See Fig. 10}

. Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline,

DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL

NOT TO OVER FILL TANK.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol 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 fue! 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 3ermanent
damage may occur.

FIG. 9

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

ENGINEOiL CAP

WIDIPSTIOK

FIG, 10

TO START ENGINE

To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before
trying to start. Usea 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 fast (,_) position.
Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle.

, Push the engine start button.
_NIPORTANT: DO NOT CRANK ENGINE MORE THAN

FIVE CONTINUOUS SECONDS BETWEEN EACH TiME
YOU TRY TO START. WAIT 5TO 10SECONDS BETWEEN

EACH ATTEMPT.
, To start engine using the auxiliary starter handle, follow

the steps above, Exchange the use of the start button

for starter handle. 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. In warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. Ifyou do flood engine wait

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

10