Craftsman 917376283 Owner’s Manual
SEARS
MODEL NUMBER 917.376283 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
156082 6.26_96 VBL Printedin U.S,A.
SAFETY RULES
,_ Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers ,_
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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 CIRCUMSTANCES
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 atlow 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 it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objeets.
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 runningorwhen the engine ls hot,
Allow the engine tocool 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 isrunnmg.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial lighL
OPERATION:
• Keepyoureyesand mindonyourmower andthearea being
cuL Donot let other'interestsdistractyou.
• Donotmowwetorslipperygrass.Neverrunwhileoperating
yourmower. Always besureofyourfooting- keepa firm hold
onthehandlesandwalk.
Do notputhands or feet nearor underrotatingparts. Keep
clearofthedischargeopeningat aUtimes.
Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryouleave orare notusing
yourmower,orbeforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,and
anygravel-covered areas.
Never direct dischargeof matedal towardbystandersnor
allowanyone near the mower whileyouare operatingit
Beforecleaning,inspecting,orrepairingyourmower,stopthe
engineand make absolutelysurethe blade and all moving
partshavestopped.Thendisconnectthesparkplugwireand
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 ifit vibretes 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 reduce fire 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
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.
portant safety precautions. It means
I A Look for this symbol to point out im-
CAUTIONll! BECOMEALERTI!I YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
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, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service 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 917376283
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OFPURCHASEANDKEEPINASAFEPLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 60
DISPLACEMENT: 1256 CU IN
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1 25 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°P)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°P)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM, RJ19LM
3AP: 030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 008"
EXHAUST: 008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP; 0125 iN
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT LBS
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product Contact your nearest Sears sto_ for details
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBH.ITIES
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 STATE& 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, HQFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3
"TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 6
OPERATION ...................................................................... 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 12
INDEX
A
Accessories ..................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ..................................16
Drive Belt .................................. 15
Engine Speed ...........................16
Handle Height ........................... 16
Height of Cut ............................. 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ...................... 14
Service ............................. 14
Assembly .................................. 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................. 13
Replacement ....................... 13
C
Controls:
Drive Control .............................. 8
Engine Zone Control ............... 8
Engine Speed Control .......... 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................. 8
Customer Responsibilities,. 3, 12-14
Air Filter .........................................14
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 13
Drive Wheels ...........................13
Engine .........................................14
Lubrication .....................................14
Spark Plug ................................. 14
Cutting Levels .................................. 9
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 14
Oil Change ........................... !4
Oil Level ......................................14
Oil Type ................................ ! 4
Starting .......................................10
Stopping .................................. 10
Storage ...................................... 16
Fuel:
Capacity ................................. 3
Storage .................................... 16
Type ....................................... 10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................ 6
Cutting Height .......................... 16
LLibdcation:
Engine ...................................... 14
Lawn Mower ............................ 12
Maintenance Agreement ................. 3
Maintenance Schedule ......................12
Mowing Tips .................................... 10
Oil:
Engine ..........................................12
Storage .......................................16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 20-24
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-28
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ..................................... 30
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Drive Control .................................9
Engine Control .......................... 9
Grass Catcher ............................ 9
Mower ....................................... 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar .....................................9
Options:
Accessories ...................................5
R
RepairPads:
Engine ...................................25-28
Lawn Mower ........................20-24
Responsibilities, Customer. 3,12-14
S
Safety Rules ...................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ............... 15
Carburetor .....................................16
Drive Belt ................................... 15
Engine Speed ........................ 18
Handle ....................................... 16
Spark Plug ............................................14
Specifications .......................................3
Speed Control:
Engine ...........................................8
Starting the Engine ...........................10
Stopping the Engine ...........................10
Storage .................................................16
T
Trouble Shooting Chart .................19
W
Warranty ...............................................3
4
LAWN 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 pads for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower, Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
GRASSCATORERSFOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
_1 REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS
BELTS ....... I
BLADES
, ,,,, ,,,H ,, H
! "' J'i
!_ !!J
q!!!}l Jt_i_}*j_,
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
5
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 pads.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN /1OWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig, 1)
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, Refer to "Adjust Handle" inthe
Service and Adjustment section of this manual
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place
You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.
• To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower
MULCHER PL
FIG. 2
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower'
without mulcher plug in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or' grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
6
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