Craftsman 917376460 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ROTARY LAWN

MOWER

675 Series Briggs & Stratton

Power-Propelled

22" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.376460

Engine

• Espahol, p. 20

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty .................................................... 2

Safety Rules ........................................... 2-4

Product Specifications .............................. 4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ......................... 6

Operation ............................................. 7-11

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

Maintenance ....................................... 12-15

Service and Adjustments ................... 16-17

Storage ............................................... 17-18

Troubleshooting ................................. 18-19

Repair Parts ........................................ 38-45

Sears Service ........................... Back Cover

2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower fails due to manufacturer defects in material or

workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, return it to any Sears store,

Parts & Repair Center or other Craftsman outlet for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).

This warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase if this Lawn Mower is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.

This warranty does not cover:

* Expendable items that 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 crackshafts and the failure to assemble, operate or maintain this Lawn Mower according to all supplied product instructions.

This warranty applies only while this product is used 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., Noffman Estates, IL 60179

iMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in seri- ous injury or death.

ALook for this symbol to point out im-

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

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot come in con-

tact with plug.

Ai:_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to 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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly 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 dis-

charge 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 be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material

against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel

surfaces.

. Do not operate the mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

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

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

. Shut the engine (motor) off and wait

until the blade 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; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

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

tion is generally a warning of trouble.

* Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when oper- ating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip &

fall accidents which can result in severe

injury. All slopes require extra caution, tf

you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

* Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise 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.

DO NOT:

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

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

Ill. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma-

chine and the mowing activity. Never as- sume 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 chil-

dren. Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

* Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes

and other sources of ignition.

o Use only an approved container.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

o Never refuel the machine indoors. * Never store the machine or fuel contain-

er where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or

3 on other appliances.

Neverfill containersinside a vehicle, on

a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground

away from your vehicle before filling. Remove gas-powered equipment from

the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then

refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim

of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. tf fuel is spilled on clothing, change

clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

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 acci- dental starting.

Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment 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 if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting. Never attempt to make wheel height ad-

justments while the engine is running.

Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

_,WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or

grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it

should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California

Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on

federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears

Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ19HX Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

. The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mowe

housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. Your new Craftsman® product is

designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod-

ucts, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourself from unexpected hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists.

, Unlimited service and no charge for

parts and labor on all covered repairs.

, Product replacement if your covered

product can't be fixed.

, Discount of 10% from regular price of

service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10%

off regular price of preventive mainte- nance check.

, Fast hetp by phone - phone sup-

port from a Sears representative on products requiring in-home repair, plus

convenient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online.

Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have accessto over 4.5 mil-

lion quality parts and accessories. That'sthe

kind of professionalism you can count on to

help prolong the life of your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair

Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information

calt 1-800-827-6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800=4-MY-HOME®.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and

service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

-- STABILIZER

_GAS

CANS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT" This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT 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 shipping purposes. 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. All parts such as nuts, washers,

bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

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

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 thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle sec- tion locks into place in mowing posi-

tion.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up- per handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding op- erator presence control bar to upper

handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

Operator MOWING

POSITION

control bar

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. 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.

2. 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.

Vinyl Frame

bindings opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert mower

to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual.

/////

Upper

UP handle

Handle

knob

Lower handle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL 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 refer- ence.

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

C}RWARNING (3N OFF AND FFFT AWAY

Drive control

bar

Operator presence control bar

Handle knob

Starter

Engine oil cap with dipstick

handle

Grass catcher

Muffler

Gasoline filler

plug

Drive cover

Wheel adjuster

Housinc

(on each wheel) IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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 Com-

mission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must

be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine. Starter handle - used for starting engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to

discharging or bagging operation.

Drive control bar - used to engage pow-

er-propelled forward motion of mower.

The operation of any lawn mower can result

in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam-

age. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a standard safety glasses

or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I_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 control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

presence control bar

Drive control bar

DRIVE

CONTROL

DISENGAGED

TO ADJUST,

MOVE DOWN

TO NEXT HOLE

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resulting in decreased

speed. There are holes in the drive control housing to increase tension on the

drive cable. Proceed as follows:

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

2. Loosen nut, move drive control hous- ing down handle to the next hole and

retighten nut.

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.

4. If condition fails to improve after the

above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive con- trol bar up to the handle. The closer to

the handle the bar is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

Forward motion will stop when either

the operator presence control bar or drive control bar are released. To

stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the drive control bar only. Hold operator presence control

bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control

the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage

drive wheels.

To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on the

handle to lift the front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is

best for most lawns.

To change cutting height, squeeze ad- juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up or down to suit your requirements. Be

sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD TO

LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

Plate tab

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-

ging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe

place.

• You can now install the grass catcher or optional clipping deflector. To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, install mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.

Discharge deflector

Mulcher plug

SIDE DISCHARGING

Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge opening of mower. Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge deflector under door as shown. Mower is now ready for discharging operation. To convert to mulching or bagging

operation, discharge deflector must be removed and mulcher door closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN

CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug removed.

2. Grass catcher installed.

3. Mulcher door closed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

_, Discharge deflector installed.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without mulcher plug or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

Open mulcher door

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. _, CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler

on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the

unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.

due to residual oil in engine from the

manufacturers 100% quality testing. When

changing oil you may need 20 oz.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

IMPORTANT:

* Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick. Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO

CHANGE ENGINE OIE' in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.

Engine

oil cap

Gasoline filler cap

ADD GASOLINE

Fiii fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-

mum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities

that can be used within 30 days to as-

sure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

_, CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or meth-

anol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during

storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To

avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the prod- uct and should be considered normal.

NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an

automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.

° To start engine, hold operator presence

control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow

starter rope to snap back.

MOWING TIPS

CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such

attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower and could void your warranty.

Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise

the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass

clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second time.

For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the FAST position.

Pores in cloth grass catchers can be- come filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TiPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual.

The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into

the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade

quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.

Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The

best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be

exposed to direct sunlight.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the

grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For

extremely heavy grass, reduce your

width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a sec-

ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to

the first cut path.

Change your cutting pattern from week

to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next

week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MA|NTIENANCE BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS ORSEASON HOURS

Check for Loose Fasteners

_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires

_ Check Drive Wheels (if

Clean Lawn Mower ....

M Clean under Drive Cover *** O Check Drive Belt/Pulleys *'*

_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery '*

Check Engine Oil level

E Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter

_ Inspect Muffler

N Replace Spark Plug E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Electric-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

1- Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures. 2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil,

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season, 5 - And after each 5 hours of use.

EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 STORAGE

v'3

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain unit as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments

described in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

* At least once a year, replace the spark

plug, clean or replace air filter element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

* Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

* Check engine oil level. * Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRiCATiON Keep unit well lubricated

(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on each wheel)

ine oil

Mulcher

door hinge

Rear door

hinge

Handle bracket mounting pins

_ Spray lubricant

See ENGINE in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they

must be lubricated, use onlyadry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TIRES

° Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber.

° Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time before

you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area

and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be

sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts & washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. Put wheels back in place.

NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels

do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

BLADE CARE

For best results, blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade. & CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade

approved by the man ufacturer of you rmow- er. Using a blade not approved bythe manu- facturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves

and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft. 1 3

4. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

Blade adapter

Lockwasher _

bolt Hardened

washer

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening the blade- but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. An unbalanced

blade will cause eventual damage to mower or engine.

The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower. To check blade balance, drive a nail into

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail. tf blade is balanced, it should remain in

a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the hea W end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

. Check your grass catcher often for dam-

age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with approved replacement catcher shown in the Repair Parts section

ofthis manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

GEAR CASE

To keep your drive system work-

ing properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean

and free of trash build-up. Clean under

the drive cover twice a season. The gear case is filled with lubricant to the

proper level at the factory. The only time

the lubricant needs attention is if service

has been performed on the gear case. If lubricant is required, use only Elf

Multis EP00. Do not substitute.

Key

Trailing'edge

Crankshaft

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API service classification SG-SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your

expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will

result in increased oil consumption when used above 32+R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible

engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of op-

eration orat least once a year if the mower

is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running en- gine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to re= move any oil trapped inside of engine.

engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and

may be damaged by using a dirty air

filter. Replace the air filter cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner

more often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur- face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such

as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration

of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry

cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with

the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.

Back plate

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check

the oil level with the dipstick.

6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a min-

ute to allow oil to settle.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level

settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs

first. Spark plug type and gap setting

are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-

ATIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-grass and trash. Clean the underside of your

mower after each use.

• I_CAUTION:Disconnectsparkplug wire

from spark plug and place wirewhere it cannot come in contact with plug.

• Cleanthe underside of your lawn mower by scrapingto removebuild-up of grass andtrash.

• Cleanengine oftento keeptrashfrom accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotterand shortensengine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the

electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water

out. Water in engine can result in short- ened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a

season. Scrape underside of cover with putty

knife or similar tool to remove any build-up

of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

WATER WASHOUT FEATURE Your lawn mower is equipped with a fitting

that allows quick and easy cleaning of the underside of the housing. To use this

feature, proceed as follows:

1. Move lawn mower to an area of cut grass or another hard surface.

NOTE: Water, grass and other debris will

drain from beneath the mower housing during the washout process.

2. Remove grass catcher and discharge chute assembly from lawn mower.

3. Close mulcher door (if equipped).

4. Connect a garden hose to the fitting where shown.

IMPORTANT: Be sure the garden hose is not routed under the lawn mower housing

or entangled in the wheels.

5. Turn on water supply and check for

leaks at the fitting.

tf no leaks are present, start engine (as described in the Operation section of this manual) and let engine run until the

underside of the lawn mower is clean.

WARNING: Do not engage the drive

system during the washout process.

6. Shut off the engine.

7. Shut off water supply and remove

hose from fitting.

CAUTIION: Do not remove hose from fitting while engine is running. Water in

engine can result in shortened engine life.

8. Start engine (as described in the Op-

eration section of this manual) and let engine run for a full minute to remove

excess water from mower.

Hose

Fitting

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917376460 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual