Craftsman 917376340 Owner’s Manual
SWARS
CR/IFIZMI:IN
MODEL NUMBER 917.376340 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
Operation
- Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
•Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
153367 12.19.95 ks Printed in U.S.A.
II
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 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 bladeturnswhen 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 ishot.
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 isrunning.
• 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 orslippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep afirm 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 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 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 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
Ioseyourfooting. Do not mowexcessivelysteepslopes. 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 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.
_1 to point out impor-
I All_lk tant safety precautions. It means
I _ CAUTIONLq BECOME ALERTH! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
& WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California 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 o
tured to gwe 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 wilt
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.376340
SERIAL
NUMBER _
DATEOFPURCHASE
TH EMODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BEFOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING.
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OFPURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
-IORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY
AND TYPE:
OILTYPE (API-SF/SG):
_ITY: 27 OZ,
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM. RJ19LM
GAP: .030") 8TD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
6.5
12.56CU_IN.
1.5 QUART
UNLEADED REGULAR
SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
EXHAUST: .008"
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 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 INTHE 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/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO. IL 60684
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,1245
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
iNDEX
A
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 16
Drive Control .......................... 16
Engine Speed ........................ 16
Handle Height ........................ 16
Height of Cut ............................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... 15
Service ................................... 15
Assembly ........................................ 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................ 13
Replacement .......................... 13
C
ControIs:
Drive Control ........................... 8
Engine Zone Control ................ 8
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator Presence Control Bar 8
Customer Responsibilities .... 3,12-15
Air Filter ................................. 15
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 13
Drive Wheels ........................ 14
Engine ................................... 15
Lubrication ............................. 15
Spark Plug ............................. 15
Cutting Levels ................................. 9
Engl he:
Air Filter ................................. 15
Oil Change ............................. 15
Oil Level ................................. 15
Oil Type ................................ 15
Starting .................................. 10
Stopping ................................. 10
Storage .................................. 17
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage ................................. ! 7
Type ....................................... 10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 6
Cutting Height ........................ 16
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 15
Lawn Mower .......................... 12
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................. 12
Mowing Tips ................................. 11
Oil:
Engine .................................... 15
Storage .................................. 17
CUSTOMER RESPONS|BILmES .............................. 12
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 16
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 19=23
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 24-26
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 18
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 28
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Drive Control .......................... 10
Engine Control ......................... 9
Grass Catcher .......................... 9
Mower ...................................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar 9
R
Repair Parts:
Engl ne .............................. 24-26
Lawn Mower ..................... 19-23
Responsibilities, Customer... 3,12-15
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .............. 16
Carburetor .............................. 16
Drive Belt ............................... 16
Drive Control ......................... 16
Engine Speed ....................... 16
Handle ................................... 16
Spark Plug .................................... 15
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine .................................... 16
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..................... 10
Storage ......................................... 17
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 18
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER
Tl_ese 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 parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS=
\
_, GRASS CATCHERS
REAR DISCHARGE
i i i ii i , _
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
r I i i -- _ .... =
FOR
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
-- _ z
ENGINE OIL
5
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 atthe
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper opera-
tion of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete
the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
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 be-
tween upper and lower handle and padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper handle.
, Roll tawn mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 & 2)
iMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
- Raise lower handle section to operating position and
squeeze the bottom ends of lower hanale towards
each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment holes.
- Raise upper handle section to operating position, re-
move protective padding and tighten handle knobs
securely.
• Remove any packing material from around control bar.
- Your handles mav be adjusted for your mowing com-
fort. Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
OPERATOR
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
LOWER HANDLE
PIN
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
\
MOWING POSITION
J
J
3-POSmON
HANDLE
ADJUSTMENT
BRACKET
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING (See Fig, 3A) -
, Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place.
- You can now install grass catcher.
- To convert to mulching or d scharging operation, install
mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower,
making sure a tabs are seatedproDery.
SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 3B) -
- Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge
opening of mower (see above instructions).
• Unlock closed discharge guard by lifting latch and allow
guard to swing open to discharging position.
- Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis-
charge guard must be closed and locked securely.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Side discharge guard closed and locked securely,
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulcher plug removed.
- Grass catcher installed.
• Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
° Side discharge guard unlocked and open.
LY
DISCHARGE GUARD
CLOSED POSITION
OPEN POSITION
CATCHER
FRAME
HANDLE
MULCHER PLUG
m
F|G. 3A
LIFT LATCH
TO UNLOCK
AND OPEN
FIG. 3B
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug inplace or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
TO ASSEMBLE & ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 4 & 5)
• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part
of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is
outside of the bag top.
- 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.
- Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame side hooks onto handle bracket
hooks.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame,
CATCHER
FRAME
SIDE
HOOK
FRAME
OPENING
FIG. 4
REAR DOOR
HANDLE
\
HANDLE
BRACKET
HOOK
FIG. 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 yourselfwith 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
OR WARNING ON
DRIVE CONTROL
STARTER HANDLE
GRASS CATCHER
ENGINE FAST
OFF
SLOW FUELCHOKE
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLBAR
DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
GASOLINE CAP
HOUSING
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
FiG. 5
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.
DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - used to select the
drive speed of your lawn mower.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engmne.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - used to engage power-propelled
forward motion of lawn mower.
MULCHER PLUG - must be removed to converl to
bagging or discharging operation.
8
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER - _ -
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 7)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engtne. High (_j.) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Low
(,qR) oosition isfor light cutting, tdmming 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
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
troL The blade turns when the engine is
ru?nL?g. _ _ _ =
• 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 CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging,
see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this
manual.
ENGINE SPEED "_
CONTROLLEVER
FIG. 7
PRIMER
f /
!
/
CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
CONVERT MOWER:
- Release control bar to stop engine.
° Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped,
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)
- Simply lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher
by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; itwill cause
unnecessary wear.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 9)
= Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels for high cut.
° Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Me-
dium 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 m the same
setting.
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HiGH CUT
x
\
FiG. 8
RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 9
9
Loading...