Craftsman 917.37459 User Manual
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CRnFTSMRN
MODEL NUMBER 917.374590 owner s manual
Oon vert I k>le
• Assembly
® Operation
• Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
• Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
145153 REV. 1 06/29/94
Printed in U.S.A.
Sears, F^d^bupk and Co.^ Hoffman Estates, IL 60170 U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK
PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING
A
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 CIRCUM
STANCES.
IMPORTANT
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 in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
• Donotuse accesso ry attac hments thatarenotrecommended
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 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 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
yourmower, 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 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 abnormally. Exces
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repai r as requ i red.
• 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 looting.
• 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,
• 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 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.
A
A
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS-ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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, welltrained technicians and the propertoois to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manuai. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
MODEL
NUMBER
917.374590
SERIAL
NUMBER _
DATEOFPURCHASE.
THE MODEL ANDSERIALNUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIALNUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY
AND TYPE:
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG):
OIL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG:
(GAP: .030“)
VALVE CLEARANCE;
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP;
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
5.5
12.6 CU. IN.
1.25 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32'F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
20 OZS.
CHAMPION RJ19-LM
STD361458
INTAKE: .008“
EXHAUST: .008"
.0125 IN.
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 forcommercia! or rental purposes, this warranty applies lor 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 biades, 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES..
WARRANTY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION..................................................................
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................
.......
................................................... 2
..................................
............... 3, 12-14
..........................................................
........................................................... 6
3
12
INDEX
A
Accessories
Adjustments:
Carburetor....
Drive Belt..............................
Engine Speed
Handle Height........................16
Height of Cut............................9
Air Filter:
Replacement
Service...................................14
Assembly....................................... 6
Blade:
Sharpening
Replacement
....................................
.....
....................
........................
.........................
B
..........................
.........................
13
17
15
17
14
13
C
Controls:
Drive Control
Engine Zone Control
Engine Speed Control
Operator Presence
Control Bar
Customer Responsibilities ... 3, 12-14
Air Filter
Blade Care/Replacement
Drive Wheels
Engine
Lubrication
Spark Plug
Cutting Levels
...........................
...............
.............
..............................
.............................
.........................
................................
.............................
.............................
................................
14
.......
14
13
13
14
14
9
Engine:
5
Air Filter ,
Oil Chanc
Oil Level.
Oil Type .
Starting ..
Stopping.
Fuel:
Type
..................
Handle Adjustment:
8
8
Lubrication:
8
8
Engine
Lawn Mower
Maintenance Agreement
Maintenance Schedule...
Oil:
Engine.
3
8
.........
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS.................................
STORAGE ...................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE
14
. 14
14
14
10
10
18
.. 3
18
10
................
....................................
Operation:
Drive Control
Engine Control
Grass Catcher...
Mower
Operator Presence
Control Bar
Options:
Accessories
Repair Parts:
Engine
Lawn Mower
Responsibilities, Customer.
.......................
......
..................
.................................
................
.............
...........
..........................
...................
..................
R
..........................
.................
H
S
M
Safety Rules
.. 6
Service and Adjustments....
16
Carburetor
Drive Belt
Engine Speed...............
14
12
.. o
12
10
12
18
Handle
Spark Plug
Specifications
Speed Control:
Engine......
Starting the Engine
Stopping the Engine
Storage
Trouble Shooting Chart........
Warranty
........................
....................
......................
.......................
...........................
......................
.....................
..............
............
................................
T
W
..............................
.......31
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
....
25-28
....
19-24
. 3, 12-14
...........
.........
.
.........
.........
.
.........
.
.........
.........
...........
..........
.........
.........
........
.........
..........
15
18
19-24
25-28
32
9
9
9
9
9
5
2
15
17
15
17
16
14
3
8
10
10
18
31
3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this iawn 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
REAR BAG OPTIONAL
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
ASSEMBLY
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. 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 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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1A)
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.
•' 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 INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 1B)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. 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 dipping deflec
tor,
• To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plate
into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.
FIG. IB
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
A
A
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
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.
TO PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
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. 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 your battery chargerto charge battery as required.
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.
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. 8e
sure frames are fully seated togetheras 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 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
SEWN
HEM
(Pull out
through front
of opening)
FLIP LID
FIG. 3A
OPERATION
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
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
AUXILIARY STARTER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
GRASS CATCHER
MULCHERPLATE
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTiCK
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
PRIMER
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
HOUSING
FiG. 4
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.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.
STARTER BUTTON - 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 - must be removed to convert to bag
ging or discharging operation.
8
OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTfON: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector
A
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)
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
(<m) position is for 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
A
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con
trol. The blade turns when the engine is
running.
or grasscatcher in place.
® 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.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
• 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.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)
- To remove grass catcher, release operator presence
control bar to stop engine,
- Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the
handle.
® Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
• 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 ¡ever.
• Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is released. To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence con
trol 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.
OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL (See Fig. 9)
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.
® Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean,
® Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line
on the dipstick.
<■ Use 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of oil to use, see
“ENGINE” in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual.
» Pour oil slowly, Do not overfill.
» Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.
» 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. 9)
® 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 fuel 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 permanent
damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
® To start a cold engine, push primerfive (5) times before
trying to start. Use a 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
and puli 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 warmerweatheroverpriming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine,
wait a lew minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
° Under certain conditions, such as very tali grass, it may
be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
® For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1}
wheel adjuster setting higher than the front tor better
discharge of grass.
® For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the fast (4r) position.
* When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist,
heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the
grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed)
and/or run the lawn moweroverthe area a second time,
• It a trail of grass clippings is left on the right side of a rear
discharge lawn mower, mow in a clockwise direction
with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next
pass.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow
and extend engine life.
* Pores in doth grass catchers can become filled with dirt
and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and let dry before using.
10
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