Craftsman 917373980 Owner’s Manual
SEARS
nFTZMnN
MODEL NUMBER 917.373980
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
OWNER'S MANUAL
OConvertible
• Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECT SPARKPLUGWIRE ANDPLACEWIRE WHERE ITCANNOT CONTACTSPARK
REPAIRS.
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTINGUP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
, IMPORTANT
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZETHE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED W
SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY ClRC_
STANCES.
TRAINING:
i
• 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
:any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
• ._)y the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
'hazardous.
The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
iAIways thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign ob)ects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starling and
while using your mower.
Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
'_trection when mowing.
Cheek fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
,,Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
pngine.
'Always make wheel height adjustments before stading your
Jmower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is ronning.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
• _'_Keep your eyes and mind onyour 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 stopthe engine whenever you leave orare not us
your mower, orbefore crossing driveways, walks, roads,
any gravel-covered areas.
Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating il
Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, s
the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and
moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark p
wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prev
accidental starting.
Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign obj=
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any d_
age before restarting and operating you mower.
Do not change the governorsettingsor overspeed
engine• Engine damageor personalinjurymay result.
Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnorrna!ly. Exc,
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engi_
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as requir,
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dang
OUS.
Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. M
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you mi!
lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slop,
Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrair
when changing directions - maintain good footing.
Never operate your mower without proper guards, platt
grass catcher or other safety devices in place•
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to
sure they are tightened properly.
Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working con
tion.
Keep all safety devices in place and working•
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, lea'_
or excessive grease and oil.
Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear a
replace wom bags. Use only replacement bags that
recommended by and comply with specifications of t
manulacturer 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 buildi
where fumes may reach an open flame oran ignition soul
suchas a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, e
I
I
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. |
IT MEANS - A'rrENTION!I! BECOME ALERT!I! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
I
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
Service Center/Department. We have competent, we -
trained technicians and the proper tools toservice 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 917.373980
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5,5
DISPLACEMENT: = 12.6cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25quart
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SG): SAE30 (above 32°F)
SAE5W-30 (below32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 oz.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in.
BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 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.
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 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
SAFE3_' RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
INDEX
A
_ 5
Accessories ..........................................
Adjustr'_ents:
Carburetor ................................... 16
En_line Speed ..............................
Handle" Height .............................. 16
Height of Cut ................................. 9
Air Filte,_:
Replacement ............................... 14
Service ........................................ 14
AssembJy .............................................. 6
B
Blade:
Sh_pening .................................. 13
Replacement ............................... 13
C
Controls:
Drive Control ................................. 9
Engine Zone Control ..................... 9
Engine Speed Control ................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar..... 8
Customer Responsibilities ......... 3, 12-14
Air Filter ....................................... 14
Blade Care/Replacement ............ 13
Drive Wheels ............................... 13
Engine ......................................... 14
Lubrication ................................... 14
Spa]'k Plug ................................... 14
Cutlmg Levels ....................................... 9
16
Engine:
Air Filter ....................................... 14
Oil Change .................................. 14
Oil Level ...................................... 14
Oil Type ....................................... 14
Starting ........................................ 10
Stopping ...................................... 10
Storage ........................................ 17
Fuel:
Capacity ........................................ 3
Storage ........................................ 17
Type ............................................ 10
Lubrication:
Engine ......................................... 14
Lawn Mower ................................ 12
Maintenance Agreement ...................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ....................... 12
Mowing Tips ....................................... 11
Oil:
Engine ......................................... 10
Storage ........................................ 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... :
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................................
STORAGE ....................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. ",
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-;
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 23-;.
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVE
E
Operation:
Drive Control .................................
Engine Control ............................... 9
Grass Catcher ............................. 1G
Mower ........................................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar .....9
Options:
Accessories ................................... 5
R
F
Repair Parts:
Engine .................................... 23-25
Lawn Mower ........................... 18-22
Responsibilities, Customer ........ 3, 12-14
S
L
M
O
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .................... 15
Carburetor ................................... 16
Engine Speed .............................. 16
Handle ......................................... 18
Spark Plug .......................................... 14
Specifications ....................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ......................................... 10
Starting the Engine ............................. 10
Stopping the Engine ........................... 10
Storage ............................................... 17
T
Troubleshooting Chart ........................ 27
W
Warranty ............................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
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
AIR FILTER GAS CAN
@
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
CHARGER
DUST SHIELD CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
BA'n'ERY
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
I
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
BLADE
ADAPTER
WHEELS LAWN MOWER
®
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
COVER
5
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mowed Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory, with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shil_ping 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 a_ necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such a_ nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete
the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARrrON
• R_move loose parts included with mower.
Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
R_move all packing materials except padding between
up_Serand 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 HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
plape in mowing position.
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 of this manual.
t
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 2B) -
Mulcher plate must be installed into rear dischar(
opening of mower (see above instructions).
Unlock closed discharge guard by lifting latch and allc
guard to swing open to discharging position.
Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
To convert to mulching or bagging operation, di
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.
• Grass catcher installed.
• Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
Rear mulcher plate installed.
• Side discharge guard unlocked and open.
without rear mulcher plate in place or
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open,
MULCHERPLATE
LIFT UP
LOWER MOWING POSITION
HANpLE
FIG. 1
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your la_vn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 2A) -
Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store
mulcher plate in a safe place.
°o
You can now install grass catcher.
To _convert to mulching or discharging operation,
inst_llmulcher plate into rear discharge opening of
mover, making sure all tabs are seated properly.
TABS
FIG. 2A
LIFT LATCH
TO UNLOCK
AND OPEN
DISCHARGE GUARD
CLOSED POSITION
OPEN POSITION
6 FIG. 2B
ASSEMBLY
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 close the flip lid at this time.
• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sure frames are fully 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. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.
Close the flip tid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.
• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
_lrass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
oor 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
(Pushinside
bag)
FIG. 3C
LOWER
?
TUBULAR
FRAME
SEWN
HEM
(Pull out
through front
of opening)
TUBULAR
FRAME
_hreadinto
sewnhem)
FIG. 3A
FLIP LID
SEWN
HEM
(Frames must
be fully seated)
FIG. 3D
CATCHER FRAME
\
FIG. 3E
HINGE
BRACKET
GRASSCATCHERFRAME
FIG. 3B
FORMED
TABS
FIG. 4
7
OPERATION
KN_W YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare t)
illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save th
manual for future reference.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASSCATCHER
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
CABLE CLIP
GASOUNECAP
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
HOUSING
FIG. 5
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears i'otary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institut*
and tht_U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
OPER_,TOR 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 th_
engine which allows you to select either fast (_) or slov
(-€=_)engine speed,
MULCHER PLATE - Located at the rear discharge openin,(
must be removed when converting to bagging operation.
8
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
(_) position isfor 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
risk of blade contact injury. Do not
&
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 when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.
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.
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
trol, The blade turns when the engine is
running.
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL
LEVER
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT RAISE WHEELS
FIG. 6
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL
FIG. 7
MER
DRIVE
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL
FOR LOW CUT
J
CONVERT LAWN MOWER:
CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
• Release control bar to stop engine.
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts
have completely stopped.
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.
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.
FIG, 8
9
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