Craftsman 917374800 Owner’s Manual

6 Husqvarna

917.374800

(65RSW21HVC)

Owner's Manual

532189442 12.01.03 BY Printed in U.S.A.

i_ Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT:THIS CUTTINGMACHINEIS CAPABLEOFAMPUTATINGHANDSAND FEETANDTHROWINGOBJECTS. FAILURE
TOOBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULDRESULTIN SERIOUSINJURYOR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and fellow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Bethor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of

the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc., which could bepicked upandthrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec-
essary. Always look down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher orother safety protective devices
in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories

approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip-
ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the

chute.

• Shuttheengine (motor) offand wait untiltheblade comes

to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of

your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage theself-propelled mechanism ordrive clutch
on mowers soequipped before starting the engine (mo-

tor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the

cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mowacross the face ofslopes:never upand down. Exer-

cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

SAFETY RULES

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Donot mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to

the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and

down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Useextracare when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, such as a water
heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to

cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou strike an object.

Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Neverattempt to make wheel height adjustments while
the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-

mended parts, when necessary.

• Mowerblades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing

them.

• Donotchangethe engine governor setting or overspeed

2

the engine.

portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

Look for this symbol to point out im-
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug

spark plug in order to prevent accidental

wire and place wire where itcannot contact

starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

components contain or emit chemi-

its constituents, and certain vehicle

cals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or

other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and
lead compounds, chemicals known to

related accessories contain lead and

the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped.To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new lawn
mower. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured

togive you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. We have competent, well-trained

technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this

{awn mower.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

SERIAL
NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE:

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND

ON ADECAL ATTACHEDTOTHE REAR OFTHE LAWN
MOWER HOUSING.

YOUSHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GasolineCapacity 1.0 Quarts
and Type: (UnleadedRegular Only)

Oil Type(API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W-30
Oil Capacity: 18.5Ounces

SparkPlug: NGK BPR6ES (Gap: .030")

ValveClearance: Intake: 0.015mm

(_+0.04mm) Exhaust: 0.020 mm
BladeBoltTorque: 35-40ft. Ibs.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Followa regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your lawn mower.

• Followthe instructionsunder"Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this owner's manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 4-5

OPERATION ............................................................. 6-11

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 12

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 12_14

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 14-16

STORAGE ............................................................... 16-17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 18

REPAIR PARTS....................................................... 19-23

WARRANTY ................................................................. 24

3

ASSEMBLY

Readthese instructions and this manual in itsentirety befo re

you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPED WITH-

OUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.
Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory

with the exception of those parts left unassembled for ship-
ping 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

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
ougly for additional loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 and 2)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

1. Raise lower handle to operating position and align hole
in handle with one of the height positioning holes in

the handle bracket.

2. Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and
secure with knob.

3. Repeat for opposite side of handle.

4. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec-

tion intoplace on lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

5. Remove packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to"ADJUST HANDLE"in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE "-----._
CONTROL BAR

U
LOWER HANDLE

MOWING

POSITION

KNOB

HANDLE

FIG. 2

4

ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

(See Figs. 3 and 4)

1. Slide grass catcher bag over the frame. Make sure
the rear handle is on top (the same side as the front

handle) and the strap is on the bottom.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinyl bindings aretoo stiff, hold them inwarm water

for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

3. Close grass catcher door.
NOTE: When fully closed, door will "snap" shut over frame

and vinyl bindings.

REAR

STRAP

DOOR_

GRASS
CATCHER

VINYL
BINDINGS<

FIG. 4

FIG. 3

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a

mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging,

see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of
this manual.

\

HANDLE

5

OPERATION

KNOWYOUR 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,

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

STARTER

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE DRIVE COVER

KNOB.

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

DUAL POINT HEIGHT

ADJUSTER LEVER

GRASS
CATCHER' FUEL VALVE LEVER

AIR FILTER

ENGINE OIL CAP

WITH DIPSTICK

MULCHER DOOR

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped HOUSING

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

!FFLER

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our 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 BAR- must beheld
down tothe handle to start engine. Release tostop engine.

MULCHER DOOR - allows conversion to discharge or
bagging operation.

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelted forward motion lawn mower.

DUAL POINT HEIGHT ADJUSTER - used to adjust rear
cutting height of lawn mower.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine. 6

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can resuJt i
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or

performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety
mask over spectacles.

1

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum per-
formance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower inorder to minimizethe risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under

&

Yourlawn mower isequipped with an operator presence

control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle tostart and operate the

Jawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 5)

• Serf-propelling is controlled by hoJding the operator
presence control bar down to the handle and puJHng

the drive control lever rearward to the handle. The
farther toward the handle the lever is pulled, the faster

the unit will travel.

• Forward motion wiUstop when either the operator pres-

ence control bar or drive control lever are released. To
stop forward motion without stepping engine, release

the drive control lever only. Hold operator presence
control bar down against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower wiJt
net roll backwards, push the mower forward sJightly to
disengage drive wheels.

any circumstances attempt to defeat
the function of the operator control.

The blade turns when the engine is

running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

3. Operate mower to see ifdrive speed has increased. If

there is no increase, the drive belt is worn and needs
to be replaced.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

Both rear wheels are adjusted by a single lever on the left
rear wheel.

• Pultadjuster lever towardwheet Toraise mower, move
leverforward todesired position.To lower mower, move

the lever toward the rear.

NOTE: There are seven (7) height adjustment positions

for the rear wheels.

Both front wheels are adjusted as follows:

1. Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and reassemble in
desired adjustment hole.

2. Reinstall wheel components in the same order as they
were before removal. Tighten securely.

NOTE: There are seven (7) height adjustment holes for the

front wheels. Be sure both front wheels areinthe same hole.

IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT AND REAR

WHEELS TO THE SAME HEIGHT.

LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER REAR
OF MOWER

LEVER FORWARD

TO RAISE REAR

OF MOWER

LOCKBAR "FREE*

WHEEL" POSITION

DRIVE
CONTROL

ADJUSTMENT TO ENGAGE DRIVE

BUTTON (ON DRIVE CONTROL
UNDERSIDE) CONTROL DISENGAGED

FIG. 5

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 5)

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose",
resulting in decreased speed. There is a button on the

underside of the drive control housing to increase tension
on the drive cabte. Proceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from plug.

2. Pultout button on underside of drive control, then push
it back in.

LEVER

BOLT

WING NU1

FIG. 6

LOCKBAR
{'%OCKED" POSITION)

CASTER WHEEL OPERATION (See Fig. 6)

The front wheels can be "locked" into position or set to
"#eewheel" for befter maneuverability. PJacingthe Jockbars

in the outer holes of the adjustment brackets "locks" the

front wheels. Likewise, placing the leckbara in the inner

hoJes of the adjustment brackets allows the front wheels

to spin freeJy (ffreewheel").

• Lift Jockbar until the frontmost end clears the adjust-
ment bracket, then pivot leckbar to desired position.

IMPORTANT:FRONT WHEELS MUST BE "LOCKED' INTO
POSITIONWHEN OPERATINGON A SLOPE.MOWACROSS

THE FACEOF SLOPES:NEVER UP AND DOWN.

7

OPERATION

TO CONVERT MOWER (See Figs. 7 thru 9)

Your lawnmowerwas shipped readyto beused asamuicher.
To convert to rear bagging or side discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Remove knob securing mutcher door to mower housing.

• Open muicher door and insert tabs of discharge chute
into hinge bracket opening and position rear of chute

over threaded stud.

HINGE BRACKET MULCHER DOOR

/

GRASS

CHUTE

THREADED

STUD

FIG. 7

• Secure rear ofdischarge chute to iawn mower housing

with knob.

• Place rear handle of grass catcher on the crossbar of

the lawn mower's lower handle as shown.

• Lift the round door of the discharge chute and place

the grass catcher into place on the discharge chute.

NOTE= Be sure round door of discharge chute rests on
grass catcher as shown.

• Mower is now ready for rear bagging operation.

• TOconvert to mulching operation, remove grass catcher
and discharge chute. Secure muicher door to mower

housing with knob.

• TOconvert toside discharging operation, remove grass

catcher and discharge chute. Install side discharge

deflector and secure it to mower housing with knob.

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Grass catcher and discharge chute must be re-
moved.

• Open mulcher door and install front of side discharge
deflector beneath it as shown.

• Secure rear of side discharge deflector tolawn mower
housing with knob.

• Mower is now ready for side discharging operation.

• To convert to mulching operation, side discharge de-

flector must be removed and mulcher door secured to

mower housing with knob.

• To convert to rear bagging operation, side discharge
deflector must be removed; discharge chute and grass

catcher installed and discharge chute secu redto mower

housing with knob.

MULCHER
DOOR

FIG. 8

MULCHER
DOOR

THREADED

STUD

SIDE
DISCHARGE
DEFLECTOR

FIG. 9

8