Craftsman 917376360 Owner’s Manual

aFTX

NUMBER 917.376360

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

• Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Caution: Read and Follow

all Safety Rules and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

153306 12.14.95 ks

IIIIIIIIIII

Printed in LLS.A,

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SAFETY RULES

_k 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 properiyo

Learn how to quickly stop mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower Never aUow 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 ifit 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 orwhen the engine is hot 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 is running.

• 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 or slippery 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, orbefore crossing driveways, walks, roads, and

any gravel-covered areas

• Never _irect discharge of material toward bystanders nor

allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

° Before cleaning, inspecting, orrepairing 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 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,

safelycheck for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

• Do net runthe 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 mowexcessivelysteepslopeso Use caution when operatingthe mower on uneven terrain orwhen

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 pmpedy.

= 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°

• Altow 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.

..................... HH= =HHH |

Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

portant safety precautions. It means SAFETY' IS INVOLVED.

.................................. H= ,H,,

CAUTION; Always disconnect spark

not contact spark plug in order to pre- plug wire and place wire where it can-

vent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making

................... H= HH==

repairs.

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== = H =IH =

A 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.

===l= HHH,= = IH

C()NGRATULATIONS 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/DepartmenL 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 917_376360

SERIAL NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

pRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6,5

DISPLACEMENT: 1236 CUoIN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1o5QUARTS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W_30 (below 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS. SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM, RJ19LM

(GAP: °030") STD36!458

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: ,008"

EXHAUST: .008" SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: o0125INo

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35_40FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable 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 fawn 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 purchaser

This Warranty does net 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.

WARRAN'_ 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" IS IN USE IN TH E UNITED STATES, This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you'may also have Other rights which vary fror:n state to state,

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES ILLINOIS 60179

i ii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

SAFETY RULES ................. ........................................... 2

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............. ....... 3, 12-14

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6

OPERATION ................. _................................................ 8

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

INDEX

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 15

STORAGE ................................................................... 16

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 17

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-23

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-27

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................ ;.. 28

Accessories .........................................5

Adjustments:

Carburetor. ............................. 15

Drive Belt ........................ _...... 15

Engine Speed ........................ 15

Handle Height ......................... 15

Height of Cut ............................... 9

Air Filter:

Replacement ...............:............ 14

Service .................................... 14

Assembly ................................... ,...... 6

Blade:

Sharpening ................. ;........... 13

Replacement ............;................ 13

Controls:

Drive Control ............................ 8

Engine Zone Control ................ 8

Engine Speed Control......oo:,:, 8

Operator' Presence

Control Bar ............................... 8

Customer Responsibilities ... 3, 12-14

Air Filter .................................. 14

Blade Care!Replacement ....... 13

Drive Wheels .......................... 13

Engine ..........................................14

Lubrication ............................. :f4

Spark Plug ............................. 14

Cutting Levels .................................... 9

Engine:

Air Filter ........................................14

Oil Change ................................ 14

Oil Level ................................... 14

Oil Type .......,.......................... 14

Starting ..................................... 10

Stopping .......................................10

Storage ........................................16

Fuel:

Capacity ..................._..........................3

Storag_ ........................................i., 16

Type ................................................10

Handle Adjustment:

Assembly ......................................6

Cutting Height ............................15

Lubrication:

Engine ............i................................14

Lawn Mower. ............................12

Maintenance Agreement ................ 3

Maintenance Schedule .................. 12

Mowing Tips .................................... 10

Oil:

Engine ...............................................12

Sto rage ..................................... 16

Operation:

Ddve Control .............................. g

Engine Control .............................9

Grass Catcher ........................... 9

Mower'. ......................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar ....................................9

Options:

Accessodes .....................................5

Repair Parts:

Engine ................................ 25-27

Lawn Mower .............................t8-23

Responsibilities, Customer., 3, 12-14

Safety Rules ..................................................2

Service and Adjustments .............. 15

Carburetor ............................... 15

Drive Belt ............................... 15

Engine Speed ,.oo..,o.. .........t--- 15

Handle .........................................15

Spark Plug ........................................ 14

Specifications .......................................3

Speed Control:

Engine ....................................... 8

Starting the Engine ....................... 10

Stopping the Engine ...................... 10

Storage ............................................... 16

Trouble Shooting Chart .....................17

Warranty ........ _.................................. 3

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 parts 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

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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ASSEMBLY

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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, al_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 comers of carton and lay end panel down ftaL

• Remove all pactdng 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 parts',,

HoWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1A)

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 handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into

one of the three height adjustment hoies.

. 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 may be adjusted for your mowing com- forL Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this

manual

MOWING POSITION

LOWER HANDLE

MULCHER PLUG

FIG. 1A

3-POSITION HANDLE

ADJUSTMENT BRACKET

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS (See Fig. 1B)

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging ordischarging:

. Open rear door and remove mulcher plug,, Store

mulcher plug in a safe place.

. You can now install catcher or optional ciipping deflec-

tor.

• To return to mulching operation, install mutcher plug into discharge opening of mower Be sure a!l tabs are seated properly

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without mulcher plug in place or ap- proved clipping deflector or grass c_tcher in place. Never attempt to op-

er"atethe lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

HIll IIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I ..............

TO PREPARE BATTERY,(See Fig. 2)

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start

your lawn mower.

• Disconnect engine battery (male) from battery connec- tor (female)

FIG. 1B

• Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery connector (female),

° Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C, outleL

• Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for the first time°

- After charging, connect engine connector (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging Connect your battery charger to charge battery as re-

qui[ed,_ IMPORTANT: THE ENGINE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT CHARGE A DISCHARGED BATTERY

At the end of the mowing season the battery shQuld be charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter

storage,

CAUTION: Always disconnect the en- gine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent acciden-

1111 innl

tal starting when transporting or stor-

ing your lawn mower after the season.

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.......................................................... _........ II IIII II I=llllll III

ENGINE CONNECTOR

(MALE)

BATTERY

CHARGER

BATTERY CHARGER

CONNECTOR (MALE)

BATTERY CONNECTOR

(FEMALE)

FIG. 2

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

o Insert leg of tubular frame thrOugh front opening of

grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag_

NOTE: I_eep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the

tubular frame.

- When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem, immediately work the end of frame down insidethe bag

as shown in inset,r

• Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-

ing.

• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully

seated as shown in inset.

• 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.

• Close the fliplid. Flip lid must be closed while operating

lawn mower,

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the

grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame.

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM FUP LID

FIG. 3B

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

FIG. 30

I A CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower I _ • without clipping deflector or approved i _ grass catcher in place. Never attempt

• I _ to operatethelawn mowerwdh the rear

J .... door removea or proppeo open. •

• ii iiiiiii i'll iiiii i ii i . i i iii iiiiiiiip iiii ii

HII BRACKET

FORMED

TABS ....

7 FIG. 4

GRASS CATCHER

FRAME

OPERATION

=,H= ,,,N,,,_,HH=== ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,=,,,=,H= H= ,,,,H HI HH == ' ========r=== H= "

KNOW YOUR 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 orrin literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand

their meaning.

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

=,,,,,,,Hr ",,HHHHHH= Hi= 'H'H '" I'H, H"H =

,,H, 1111 1111 ,,,11,,,11, 1,,,111111,,,=11 = ,,,,,,iN = ,,,,,,,1,1 = H 1,1HHH ,1

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

ELECTRIC

AUXILIARY STARTER HANDLE

HANDLE KNOB

GRASS CATCHER

MULCHER PLUG

................. OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLBAR

DRIVECONTROLLEVER

CONTROLCABLE

CABLE CLIPS

GASOL|NECAP

NE SPEED CONTROL

PRIMER

DRIVE COVER

WHEEL ADJ USTE_R (ON EACH WHEEL)

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

HOUSING

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.So Consumer Product Safety Commission,, The blade turns when the engine is running_

.............;,,, !,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,, , = ==H

OPERATOR _-_,.ESENCE CONTROL ,- must be held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the

engine. PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

STARTER HANDLE ' used for' starting!_the engine°

ELECTRIC START KEY ,-used for starting'the engine°

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used tO engage' power-pro_ pelled forward motion of lawn mower,,

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side Of_the engine which allows you to select either fast (dry) or slow

(.ih) engine speed. MULCHER PLUG _must be removed to convert to hagging

or discharging operation.

1 ii , i i i , i

OPERATION

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The operation of any lawn mower can result inforeign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your

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

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

iii ii iii iiiiiiii ii IIIIIIIIIHIIII I

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without mulcher plate in place and door

deflector or grasscatcher in place. closed or without an approved clipping

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

iiiiiiiii

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)

The eng!ne speed is _ontrolied by a lever located on the

side of the engine. Fast ('_) position isfor starting engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging. Slow (,,€lh.)

position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

i i i

. !

ENGINESPEEDCONTROLLEVER PRIMER

FIG. 5

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 running.

• 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 ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements° Medium 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 in the same setting_

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig, 7)

• To remove grass catcher, release operator presence control bar to stop engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the handle_.

o Do not d_g the bag when emptying; it will cause

unni_cessary wear.

LOWERWHEELS RAISEWHEELS FORHIGHCUT FORLOWCUT, .

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

+ 19 hidden pages

Craftsman 917376360 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual