Craftsman 917.373841 User Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.373841
oAssembly
Operation
Customer
Responsibilities
Service
OWNER'S MANUAL
Adjustments
®Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
144812 03/21/94
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Printed in UoSA
SAFETY RULES
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTINGWHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
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 FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY ClRCUM-
STANCES_
TRAINING:
" Read this operator's manual carefully Become familiar with
the controts 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
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
• Be aware that the blade turns when the engine is running
PREPARATION:
', Always thoroughly check the area tobe 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 oreye 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 theengine 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 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 blade 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
aIIow anyone near the mower while you are operating iL
• 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 fiom 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 result
° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormaUy.. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibr alien 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 oryou 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, prates,
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 propedy.
• 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 to coo] before storing in any enclosurev
• 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
HI ,HI HHIHIIHI I lll I,H_
IT MEANS- ATTENTIONH! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. !
2
i i HHI
i
ILOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
CONGRATULATIONS on you r 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 Center/Departmento 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
SERIAL
NUMBER
917.373841
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5°5
DISPLACEMENT: 126 cu in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.,25quart
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 oz,
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: .,030") STD36t458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008"
EXHAUST: 008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: O125 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 detaits.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rule&
- 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 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 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 STATES.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to staten
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 13-15
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 9
MNDEX
A
Accessories ........................................ 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 17
Engine Speed ................................ 17
Handle Height ........................... 17
Height of Cut ................................. 10
Air Filter:
Replacement ................................ 15
Service ........................................... 15
Assembly .................................. 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................. 14
Replacement ................................ 14
C
Controls:
Drive Control .......................... 10
Engine Zone Control ..................... 10
Engine Speed Control ....................10
Operator Presence Control Bar ......9
Customer Responsibilities ......... 3, 13-15
Air Filter ......................................... 15
Blade Care/Replacement ..............14
Drive Wheels ................................. 14
Engine ............................................ 15
Lubrication ................................. 13
Spark Plug ....................................... 15
Cutting Levels .................................... 10
Engine:
Air Filter ................................... 15
Oil Change ................................ t5
Oil Level ................................ 15
Oil Type ................................... 15
Starting ............................................ 11
Stopping ..................................... 11
Storage ...................................... 18
Fuel:
Capacity ...................................... 3
Storage ..................................... 18
Type ............................................ 11
Handle Adjustment .............................. 17
Lubrication:
Engine .......................................... I 5
Lawn Mower ..................... 13
Maintenance Agreement ....................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 13
Mowing Tips ..................................... 12
Oil:
Engine ........................................... 11
Storage ................................. 18
MAINTENANCE SCHEDU LE ...................................... 13
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 16
STORAGE .................................................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 31
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ........................ 19-24
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 25-28
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 32
E
Operation:
Ddve Control .....................................10
Engine Control .......................... 10
Grass Catcher ............................ 11
Mower .............................................. 10
Operator Presence Control Bar,.. 10
Options:
Accessories ................................ 5
R
F
Repair Parts:
Engine .................................. 25-28
Lawn Mower. ......................... 19-24
Responsibilities, Customer ..........3, 13-15
S
H
L
M
0
Safety Rules ........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments ................... 16
Carburetor .................................. 17
Drive Belt ....................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................ 17
Handle .................................... 17
Spark Plug ........................................ 15
Specifications ...................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ........................................ 10
Starting the Engine .............................. 11
Stopping the Engine .......................... 11
Storage ............................................ 18
T
Troubleshooting Chart ......................... 31
W
Warranty ............................................... 3
.........................i=,,,,11........ ,i,,, =,,,,=,,,,i =,=, =., i ......
HI,,,=,=1,=1,,i i i =.............................
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
if lawn mower is an electric start
i,,H,, ................ i
AIR FILTER
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
GAS CAN
'!.................. )CHARGER.....
JIIIl'l=ll I =1====........
DUST SHIELD
ENGINE OIL
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
STABILIZER
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
iii
BELT BLADE
M,= =,=,,, ,, =,, i
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SiDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
,1=11===111 ,,1=,=,1i ¸
BLADE
ADAPTER
WHEELS
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
=,,== i ,=,,, i,,,
LAWN MOWER
COVER
=l ii , = ,
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. 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', ali 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.
o Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flaL
• 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)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.,
o 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,
o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comforL See "TO ADJUST HANDLE" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
LY
SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig, 2B) -
* Mutcher plug must be installed into rear discharge
opening of mower (see above instructions),
o Unlock closed discharge guard by lifting latch and allow
guard to swing open to discharging position.
o 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 mutcher plug installed.
- Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
o Rear mulcher plug removed.
o Grass catcher installed.
° Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
° Rear mulcher plug installed.
o Side discharge guard unlocked and open,
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never' attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open,
MULCHER PLUG
L|FT Uf
LOWER MOWING POSITION
HANDLE
FIG. 1
LIFTUP
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,_2A) -
o Open rear door' and remove mulcher plug, Store
mulcher plug in a safe place,,
* You can now install grass catcher,.
o To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install
muicher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.
FIG. 2A
DISCHARGE GUARD
CLOSED POSITION "%...
OPEN POSITION
FIG. 2B
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
• To assemble tubular frame to grass bag, work sewn
hem of bag out through the front opening of bag to
expose the hem°
• 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 dose the flip lid at this time°
° Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown Be
sure frames are furly seated together as shown in inset,
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes tf bag gets wet, let it dry before
using_
• Closethe flip lid Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower,,
• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge bracket,
° The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame,
TUBULAR
FRAME
(PUsh inside
bag)
FIG, 3C
LOWER
FRAME
TUBULAR
FRAME
SEWN
HEM
(Pull out
through front
of opening)
TUBULAR
FRAME
_hreadinto
sewn hem)
FIG. 3A
FLIP LID
SEWN
HEM
(Frames must
be fully seated)
FIG. 3D
CATCHER FRAME
\
FIG. 3E
_..__.- REA R DOOR
_ GRASS CATCHER FRAME
FIG, 3B
FORMED
TABS
7 FIG. 4
TO PREPARE BATTERY
NOTE: Your'battery must be charged before you can start
your lawn mower_
. Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery
connector (female),
• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A,C_ outteL
o Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before
starting your engine for the first time,
o After charging, connect engine connector to battery
connector'.
Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging.
Connect your battery charger to charge battery as re-
quired.
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,
= ,ill=
=l= = =,H ,HH,
CAUTION: Always disconnect the en-
gine connector from the battery con-
nector to prevent accidental starting
when transporting or storing your lawn
mower after the season.
, == ,=H, , i1,,,,,,,,,,
ENGINE
CONNECTOR
J Yf
BATTERY CONNECTOR (FEMALE)
FIG. 5
BATTERY
CHARGER
BATTERY
CHARGER
CONNECTOR
(MAL_
8
OPERATNON
nnnnll
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_
STARTER BUTTON
ENGINEZONECONTROLCABLE
AUXILIARY STARTER HANDLE
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHER PLUG
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
CABLE CLIP
GASOLINE CAP
PRIMER
SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD
WHEELADJUSTER/
(ON EACH WHEEL)
HOUSING
FIG. 5
,lllllllUl i '""'""' ' ,1111 i
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American Nationa_ Standards Institute
and the UoS. 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.
i iiiiiin ii nlnll n ii1,,i....
i n n l
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 PLUG - located at the rear discharge opening
must be removed when converting to bagging operation
STARTER BUTTON - used for starting the engine,
, I!,HH .... =..................... ='
OPERATION
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
(,_) positionis for'tight cutting, trimrning 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
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,
= 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 pushtng
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 when 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 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.
o 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 CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging,
see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this
manual.
ENGINESPEED
CONTROL
LEVER
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGHCUT
FIG. 6
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
DRIVE
CONTROL
_BIVECONTROL
DR!YECONTROL
FIG. 7
RAISEWHEELS
FOR LOW CUT
FIG, 8
CONVERT LAWN MOWER:
CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
= Release control bar to stop engine.
= Make sure the blade and all moving parts
have completely stopped.
10
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