Craftsman 917374711 Owner’s Manual

MODELNUMBER917o374711

Assembay

Operation

Customer

ResponsibRaities

Service

Adjustments

Repair Parts

% m =

.aUtlOn.

_ead and Follow _!1Safety Rules

md Instructions 3efore Operating

I'his Equipment

SAFETYRULES

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 REPAIRS TO YOUR LAWN MOWER..

OMPOBTANT

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE BLADE STOP CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY.. YOUR LAWN MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

o BE CAREFUL-WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUN-

NING THE BLADE IS TURNING

o Please read your owner's manual. Only allow

persons who know the safety rules to use your lawn mower°

o DO NOT tie the operator presence control bar

to the handle. Control must be free to permit

brake engagement when handles and control

are released..

o DO NOT allow children to use your' lawn

mower.

o Check your lawn mower over before each use_

Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc._

o Remove all sticks, stones, wires, cans, boards,

etc. from area to be mowed. These objects can be thrown by the blade..

o DO NOT allow children, bystanders or pets in

the area while mowing..

o Always wear shoes when mowing. DO NOT

operate lawn mower when barefoot or wear- ing open sandals.

o Always wear safety glasses or eye shields

before starting your lawn mower and while mowing. Always shut off engine before trying to adjust whee/heights_.

o When engine is running, DO NOT put hands

or feet under lawn mower or' in the discharge chute, nor make any adjustments°

o Stay clear' of discharge opening at all times_ o Do not fill gas tank when engine is running,

when indoors or when engine is hot. Allow engine to cool for' several minutes before fill- ing gas tank° Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting engine.

o Mow only in goodlighto e Always stop blade when not cutting grass or

when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or roadway°

o DO NOT continue to run your lawn mower if

you hit a foreign object_ Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, inspect the lawn mower for damage and make repairs as required.

o DO NOT use a damaged lawn mower. Always

have damage repaired before mowing.

o DO NOT run your lawn mower if it vibrates

too much_ Stop engine and make repairs_

Vibration is an indication of damage.

° Never use your lawn mower without proper

guards or deflectors in place_

o Always mow across a slope or inclined area.

DO NOT mow up or down a slope or inclined

area.

o DO NOT mow in wet grass. Be careful of

footing when mowing in wet grass, use shoes

with good traction_

o DO NOT run with the lawn mower° o DO NOT run your lawn mower indoors_ Ex-

haust gases are deadly poison.

o Always disconnect the engine connector from

the battery connector' and the spark plug wire from spark plug to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your lawn mower after the mowing season_

o DO NOT attempt to raise engine speed, above

factory settings.. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

o if a grass catcher' is used on your lawn mower,

check the catcher often for damage or deterioration_ it will wear through normal use_

Use only a recommended replacement catcher. o Always stop blade to remove or install catcher.. o DO NOT store your lawn mower or gasoline

where fumes may reach an open flame and

cause a fire. o DRAIN THE GASOLINE from your lawn

mower before transporting your lawn mower

inside your car or other vehicle_

LOOKFOBTHIS SYMBOLTO POINT OUT IMPOR-

,_ TANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS.IT iREAEIS--ATTEN-

TION!!J BECOME ALERT!!f YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CONGRATULATIONSon your purchase of a Sears Craft-

sman Lawn Mower. it has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best

possible dependability and performance°

Should you experience any problem you cannot easi-

ly remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Ser- vice Center/Departmento We have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools to service

or repair this unit°

PRODUCTSPECnFICATBONS

HORSE POWER: 5.0

DISPLACEMENT: 10.49 cu. in,

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 10 quart.,

(umeaaea!

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 917.374711

SERIAL NUMBER

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.

OIL (21 oz_ Capacity): SAE 30 or

(SAE10W30)

SPARK PLUG (GAP 030 ira): Champion

RN4C or

Sears

STD 360951

VALVE CLEARANCE: Intake: .004 ink

Exhaust: 004 ino

illl, .............

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .0125 ino

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 ft,dbs_

MARNTENANC[AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product_ Contact your nearest Sears store for details

CUSTOMERRESPONSUBILfflES

Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a reflular_ schedule in maintaining, caring for and usingyour lawn mower o Follow the instructions under Maintenance and Storage sections of this Owner s Manual.

tl II It II I

TWOYg:ARLRMITEDWARRANTYgN CRAFTSMANPOWERMOWF.R

For two years Fromthe date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower ismaintained, lubricated and tuned_ up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material and 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 ptug.

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 1S IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state

to state

Sears, Roebuck and Company, D/731CR_W, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

TABLEOFCONTENTS

SAFETY RULES .......

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES WARRANTY..

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES ASSEMBLY OPERATION. •

MAINTENANCE ....

UNDEX

Adjustments:

Carburetor Handle Height Height of Cut

Air Filter:

Replacement

Assembly:

Battery.

Grass Catcher

Accessories

Blade:

Replacement Sharpening

Controls:

Engine Speed Control

Engine Zone Control

Customer Respopsibitities

Cutting Levels

18 19

14 14

10 .3

.6.8

.9-13

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ..... 17-19

STORAGE ......... 20

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS 21

REPAIRPARTS-LAWNMOWER ..... 22-25

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ..... 26-29

TROUBLE SHOOTING .... 31

PARTS ORDERINGISERVlCE Back Cover

14-16

Handle:

Adjustment 19 Assembly 6,7

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments:

Carburetor 1B

Drive Belt 17 Drive Controi T8

Engine Speed 19

Handle . t9

Lubrication:

Brake Spring Bracket 21 Drive Pawls 2|

Drive Pinions 21 Engine 2]

Handle Bracket Mounting Pin 21

Rear Door Hinge 21

Rear Deflector . 19 Speed Control Range 18

Service Recommendation 21

Spark Plug 16 Specifications 3

Speed Control:

Engine 10

Starting the Engine 12,13 Stopping Your Lawn Mower 13

Storage 20

Maintenance:

Agreement .3 Air Filter' 16

Blade Care/Replacement 14

Engine 15 Grass Catcher 15

Lubrication 21 Spark Plug 16

Mowing Tips t3

Trouble Shooting Chart

Warranty

Engine:

Oil Change

Oil Level

Oil Type Star_ing

Storage

Fuel:

Capacity Type Storage

15 12

t2,1s

Oil:

Engine t5

Storage 20

Operation:

Operating Lawn Mower 9-13

Options:

Attachments 5

Repair/Replacement Parts 22-25 Responsibilities, Customer 3

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced_ They are also available at most Sears

retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores con 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

SPARKPLUG MUFFLER

If lawn mower is an electric start

i CHARGER

LAWNMOWERPERI:OR_ANCE

DUSTSHIELD

REARBAG OPTIONAL

REPLACEMENT

FABRICBAG

BAG[ORREAR

D_SCHARGE

LAWN_OWERS

AIR FILTER

GASCAN

LEAFCATCHER

ENGINEOIL

BATTERY

CLIPPINGDEFLECTOR

PER_ANEX CATCHER

STABILIZER

OPTIONAL

SIDE DISCHARGECATCHER

CATCHERFOR

S_DEDISCHARGE

LAWNMOWER

LAWNMOWER_A_NTENANCE

BELT

BLADE

BLADEADAPTER WHEELS

LAWN _OWER COVER

Your Craftsman Lawn Mower requires some assembly to prepare for use. Follow the instructions under "HOW 'TO SET-UP YOUR LAWN MOWER" to complete the required assembly of Handles and Grass Catcher_

The Handles and Grass Catcher are shipped unassemble& A 3/4" socket or adjustable wrench is needed to attach Handle to your lawn mower_.

TO LAWN C Rl'g

HANDLE BRACKET

o Cut down the corners of the carton and lay ends

and sides dowm

o Cut the plastic wrapping holding the Grass Cat_

cher, Catcher Frame and customer package, remove and lay aside.

o Cut the remaining plastic wrapping holding the

Handles.

o Remove the Lower Handle and lay aside. o Lift up the Upper Handle with the Control Bars

and Speed Control and lay out behind the lawn mower (See Fig_ 1).

o Remove Engine Cover and discard° o Lift up the lawn mower and slide shipping base

from underneath lawn mower'.

HOWTOS T4JPYOg L WN

o Place the Lower Handle over the Handle Brackets

with the Adjuster Brackets down (See Fig_ 2).

o Remove the Shoulder' Bolts and Washers from the

customers package_.

o Install a Shoulder Bolt into the hole in the Lower

Handle, placing a Washer between the Lower Handle and Handle Bracket.

o Start threads on the Shoulder Bolt into the Nut

located on the inside of Handle Bracket (See Fig.

2). Do this for both sides of lawn mower.

o Tighten the two (2) Shoulder Bolts with the 3/4

socket or' adjustable wrench.

o Raise Handle and put the center hole of the Height

Adjusting Levers over the Pins on the Adjusting

Brackets (See Fig. 3)_

To install the Adjusting Levers over the Pins, push in on the Lever toward center' of lawn mo,_,er un-

til the Lever clears the Pin and release to lock in place.

e Check to be sure that the Pins and Levers are

securely in place, and in the same holes an each side.

o Remove the two (2) Handle Knobs and Bolts from

upper part of Lower Handle (See Fig. 4).

• Place the Upper Handle onto the Lower Handle, then put the two (2) Handle Bolts through

Handles, and install and tighten the Handle Knobs (See Fig. 4)_

o Remove the six (6) Wire Ties from the customer

package.

• See Fig. 4 for' the following wire tie installation.

UPPER

ENGINE :ONTROL BAR

ADJUSTER BRACKET

SHOULt

HEIGHT

ADJUSTING

LEVER

DRIVE CON1 ROL BAR

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

LDER 8OLTS

HANDLE

NUT

HANDLE BRACKET

NDLE BRACKET

DETENTS

HOWTOSET-UPYOURLAWNMOWER

(CONT'D)

• Route the Wire Harness (electric,,*,,ires inside black

tubing) to fit along underside of top part of Lower

Handte_ insta!l one (1) Wire Tie around the Handle and Harness at the left end of the Instruc-

tion Decal_ Leave some loop in the Harness on the right side so that if the Upper Handle is fold-

ed down the Harness will not be stretched.

o Install one (1) Wire Tie around the Upper Han-

dle, Cables and Wire Harness 2 !/2 inches below the Speed Control.

o Instal|two (2) Wire Ties on the left side of Lower

Handle over Cables and Wire Harness_

o Install one (1) Wire Tie on the right side of Lower

Handle above the Cable Adjusten

o Install one (1) Wire Tie bebw the Handle Adjuster

BrackeL

o When all six (6) Wire Ties are installed and

tightened in place, use a pair of wire cutting pliers or sharp knife to cut off the excess ends of Wire

Ties.

o Check the Handle for a height that is comfortable

for you.

• If the center position is not comfortable for you, refer to the "Adiust Handle Section" on page 19 of the manua_ for Handle adjustment°

TO ASSEMBLEGRASSCATCHER

ROP_ GIJIDE

LOWER 14A_OL_ /

FIG. 4

o The Catcher Frame is shipped inside the Grass

Catcher, but not assembled.

o To assemble the Grass Catcher to the Catcher

Frame, open the edges of the Plastic Clips and slip over the Catcher Frame as shown in fig. 5.

o Assemble the Top anct Bottom Clips first, then

assemble the Side Clips..

TO ATTACHGRASSCATCHER

° Lower the Grass Catcher with Frame under the

Handles at the rear of your lawn mower.

o Open the Rear Door (red door with knob) and

hold open as shown in fig. 6_.

o Lift up the Catcher and atign the Lu3s on the Cat-

cher Frame with the Slots in the top rear of Hous- ing as shown in fig. 6

o Slide the Grass Catcher down into the Slots and

the Retainers at the bottom rear corners of Hous- ing (See Fig. 6).

• If Bottom Retainers are not engaged, the Catcher may swing open at the !?ottom_

CAUTION: DONOT RUN YOUR LAWNMOWER

WITHOUT CLIPPINGDEFLECTOROR APPROVED GRASSCATCHERIN PLACE.NEVERATTEMPTTO

OPERATETIlE LAWN I_OWERWITH THEREAR

DOOR REEIOVEDOR PROPPEDOPEN.

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

_OTE:YourBatterymustbechargedbeforeyoustart your lawn mower.TheBatterydoesnothaveto be removedto plug in the charger.

ConnecttheBatteryCharger,includedwithyour lawn mower,to theBatteryConnector(SeeFig°

o PlugBatteryChargerintoa 1t0 voltA_C.outlet

(SeeFig_7).

o LeavetheBatteryChargerconnectedfor24hours

to chargeBatterythefirsttime_TheEngineAlter-

nator will not charge a discharged Battery_

• Your engine has a built-in Alternator to recharge your Battery during use_

• After charging, connect Engine Connector to Bat- tery Connector (See Fig. 7)_

At the end of the mowing season the Battery should be charged for 48 hours to protect the Battery dur- ing winter storage.

CAUTION:ALWAYSDISCONNECTTHEEflGINE

CONNECTORFROMTHEBATTERYCONNECTORTO PREVENTACCIDENTALSTARTINGWHEN TRANSPORTINGOR STORING YOUR LAWN

. MOWER AFTERTHE_OWIflG,,,SEASON,,.,

1 10 VOLT_ A C. OUTLET

CONNECTOR

CHARGER

CHARGER CONNECTOR

FIG. 7

THINGSTO CHECKBEFOREMOWING

o The Drive Control has provisions for adjustmenL o See "TO ADJUST DRIVE CONTROL" section

under "SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS" section on pages 18.

o Checking this adiustment is only a precaution that

your new lawn mower is properly prepared for

use.

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KNOWYOURtAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Com-

pare the illustrations with your Lawn Mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments_ Save this manual for future reference_

"KEY START"

SWITCH & KEY

DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

GRASS CATCt

STARTER HANDLE

(BACK-UP}

OIL FILLER CAP WITH DIPSTICK

_INE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

-._------'- HANDLE KN

SINGLE POINT"

HEIGHT ADJUSTER _"

HANDLE

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

AIR FILTER

PRIMER

MUFFLER

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

FIG. 8

¢?S( S F TY RE g REN NTS

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. ..........

ENGINE CONTROL BAR - must be held up to the ban- STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine. dle to start the engine,. Release to stop the engine° if the battery is discharged,

"ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - located on the left

side of the engine which allows you to select either "HIGH" or "LOW" engine speed.

DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - used to select the drive speed of your lawn mower._

KEY START SWITCH - turn this key as you would on your

automobile to crank and start the engine,

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - used to engage power- propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

PRIMER- pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine..

SINGLE POINT HEIGHT ADJUSTER HANDLE- used to adjust the cutting height of lawn mower.,

ENGINESPEEDCONTROL

Theengine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob)

located on the left side of the engine (See Fig. 9).

E_GNEZOHECOHTROL

CAUTIOH: FEDERALREGULATIOHSREQUIREAN EHGt_E COHTROLTO BEINSTALLEDOF] THIS LAW_ NOWER IH ORDERTO MIHI_IZE THE

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

RISK OF BLADECOHTACTIHJURY. DO HOT

UHDER AEIY CIRCUMSTANCESATTEMPT TO DEFEATTHE FUNCTIOH OF THE OPERATOR CONTROL.THEBLADETUR_SWHENTHEEHGIHE

iS RU_NIHG.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an Operator

Engine Control Bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the Lawn Mower Han- dle to start and operate the lawn mower (See Fig.

9).

GROUHDDRIVE SIR SPEEDS

Your lawn mower provides six (6) speeds to let you select the speed that suits you best°

o The Speed Selector Lever can be changed while

you are mowing°

o Speeds ], 2, and 3 are found when the Engine

Speed Control (red) Lever' is in "LOW" position (See Figs. 9 & 10)_

o Speeds 1, 2, and 3 are for slower, light grass cut-

tin g, trimming, and quiet op eration o

,, Speeds 4, 5 and 6 are found when the Engine

Speed Control (red) Lever is in "HIGH" position

(See Figs. 9 & 10)o

Speed 4 is for stow, heavyhhick grass cutting or trimming.

• Speed 5 is for normal cutting and bagging. o Speed 6 is for bagging dried clippings and

ground transporL

IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHIFT SPEEDS

WITH THE DRIVE BAR ENGAGED UNLESS THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.

TOOPERATEDRIVESYSTEM

o Select ground speed by moving Drive Speed

Selector Lever to 1-3 or 4-6 position and selec-

ting either HI or LOW engine speed.

1-3 is slower and 4-6 is faster'.

PRIMER ,_"

FIG 9

DR1VE SELECTOR LEVER

ELECTRIC START KEY

FIG. 10

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

\_ ENGINE CONTROL BAR

EN(

DISENGA " " :

FIG. ! i

o The ground speed may be selected either when

standing or moving.

• To start forward motion, slowly pull Drive Con- trol Bar to the Handle (See Fig. 11).

o To slow or'stop forward motion let the Drive Con-

trol Bar move forward away from Handle,

o To stop forward motion release Drive Control Bar

(See Fig. 11).

+ 22 hidden pages