MODEL NUMBER 917.374670 OWNER'SMANUAL
®
0Assembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
° Adjustments
° Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYSDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIREAND PLACEWIREWHERE ITCANNOT CONTACT SPARK
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 A't'FEMPT TO DEFEATTHE FUNCTION OFTHE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES_
TRAINING:
Read thisoperator'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
by the manufacturer Use of such attachments may be
hazardous,
The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof
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 isrunning or when the engine is hoL
Aflow 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 indaylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:
Keep your eyesand mind on yourmower and the area being
cut, Do not let other interests distract you,
Donot mowwet or slippery grass, Never runwhile operating
yourmower. Always be sure of your footing -keep afirm hold
on the handles and walk.
Do not puthands orfeet 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, or before 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 ove_speed 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 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
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 reducefire hazard, keep the engine free ofgrass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.
Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommendedby 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 mayreach an open flame oran ignitionsource
suchas a hotwater heater',space heater, clothes dryer,etc=
I
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS,
IT MEANS - ATTENTIONH! BECOME ALERTlll YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Craftsmen 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-
tedDepartment. Sears has competent well trained tech-
n cans 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 917.374670
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR
OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSlNG.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFEF, ENCE
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.57 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 1.5 quarts
(Unleaded)
OIL_(20 ez. Capacity): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
5W30 (Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG (GAP ,,030 in.): Champion
(0.76 ram) RJ19LM or
Sears z.t 33312
or STD 361458
or STD 360950
VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: ,005-.007ino
Exhaust: .007-.009 in.
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .010 in.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft.-Ibs.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this producL 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:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug
o 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 STATE& THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES,
This Warranty £'iJes you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO, D/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, IL 60684
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................. 2
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS ........................ 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSiBILITiES ...... 3, 10-12
WARRANTY ................................................... 3
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ................... 5
ASSEMBLY .................................................... 6
OPERATION ................................................... 7
iNDEX
A
Accessories............................................5
Adjustments:
Carburetor .................................. 14
Drive Control Cable ...................13
Handle Height ............................ 15
Height of Cut................................9
Air Filter:
Service ........................................ 12
Assembly:
Handle .......................................... 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening................................. 11
Replacement ...............................11
C
Controls:
Operator Presence Control Bar .7
Drive Control ................................8
Customer Responsibilities .....3, 10-12
Air Filter...................................... 12
Blade Care/Replacement ..........11
Drive Wheels .............................. 11
Engine ........................................ 12
Gear Case ................................... 11
Lubrication ................................. 10
Spark Plug ................................. 12
E
Engine:
Oil Change ................................. 12
Oil Lavel ..................................... 12
Oil Type ...................................... 12
Starting ......................................... 9
Storage ....................................... 16
Fuel:
Type ..............................................9
Storage .......................................16
Handle:
Adjustment................................. 15
Assembly .....................................6
Lubrication:
Engine ........................................10
Rear Door Hinge ........................10
Handle Bracket Mounting Pin ..10
Wheel Adjuster ..........................10
Maintenance Agreement ....................3
Maintenance Schedule..................... 10
MowingTips ........................................9
Oil:
Engine ..........................................9
Storage ............;.......................... 16
Operation:
Operating Lawn Mower ...............7
Engine Control.............................8
Operator Presence Control Bar.........7
Options:
Attachments.................................5
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................. 13
STORAGE ..................................................... 16
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................. 17
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ......... 18-22
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ...................... 23-27
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .BACK COVER
F
Repair Parts
Lawn Mower .......................... 18-22
Engine ................................... 23=27
H
L
M
O
Responsibilities, Customer ....3, 10-12
Safety Rules........................................ 2
Service and Adjustments:
Carburetor.................................. 14
Drive Control Cable ................... 13
Drive Belt ...................................13
Engine Speed ............................ 14
Handle ........................................15
Spark Plug......................................... 12
Specifications ..................................... 3
Starting the Engine ............................ 9
Stopping the Engine.......................... .9
Storage .............................................. 16
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 17
P
R
S
T
W
Warranty .............................................. 3
Wheels:
Wheel Adjusters ..........................7
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets,
catalog and service center& 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
0
If lawn mower is an electric start
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
REAR BAG
OPTIONAL
FABRIC BAG
REPLACEMENT
BAG FOR REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
CHARGER ' BATTERY
DUST SHIELD
!
OPTIONAL
CATCHER FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER
ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
SIDE DISCHARGE CATCHER
MULCHER KIT
FOR SIDE
AND REAR
DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELT
BLADE
BLADE
ADAPTER
5
WHEELS
®
LAWN MOWER
COVER
i,,11
ASSEMBLY
Your lawn mower has been assembled at the factory
except for the grass catcher bag and the grass catcher
frame
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 mater tats 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)
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. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(See Fig. 2)
Put grass catcher frame intograss bag with stiff part of
bag on the bottom.
Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warr'n
water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
FIG, 1
CATCHER FRAME
\
\
FRAME OPENING
FIG, 2
6