Craftsman 917376571 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

iCRnFTSMRN'I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.75 Horsepower Power-Propelled

22" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.376571

• EspaSol, p. 19

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operatingthis 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

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 crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

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

Service and Adjustments ................... 15-16

Storage .............................................. 16-17

Troubleshooting ................................. 17-18

Repair Parts ....................................... 36-43

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

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears

Parts & Repair Center in the United States. 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., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

_P-Lookfor this symbol to point out

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

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_]_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.

• I,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.

_,WARNIN6: 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.

_1,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.

h 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 oper-

ate 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 opera-

tor. 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 operating

mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip &

fall accidents which can result in severe in-

jury. All slopes require extra caution. If 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 foot- ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last

saw them.

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

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the ma-

chine.

• 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.

• Use only an approved container.

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

before refueling.

• 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 on other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside 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.

• If 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 accidental . 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

adjustments 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.

AWARNING: 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 mower 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 help by phone- phone support

from a Sears technician on products requiring in-home repair, plus conve-

nient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a

simple phone call is all that ittakes 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 access to over 4.5

million quality parts and accessories. That's the 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

call 1-800-827-6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional insta//ation 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

LAWNMOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

STABILIZER

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 flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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 position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up-

per handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove handlepadding holdingoperator 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 prese 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.

Frame

Vinyl Frame

bindings opening

TO INSTALL A'I-rACHMENTS

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.

UP handle

Upper

Handle

knob

Lower handle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize

yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for

future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Drive

control

lever

Operator presence control bar

Handle knob

Start_ handle

Grass

catcheu

Gasoline filler cap plug

Air

Mulcher doo

Housing

oil cap with dipstick

Muffler

"lvecover

(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 Mulcher door - allows conversion to

be held down to the handle to start the discharging or bagging operation. engine. Release to stop the engine. Drive control lever - used to engage

Starter handle - used for starting engine. 7 power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Theoperationof anylawn

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the 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 recom- mend a standard safety glasses or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable.

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 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.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by hold- ing the operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pulling the drive control lever rearward to the handle. The farther toward the handle the lever

is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either

the operator presence control bar or

drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine,

release the drive control lever only.Hold

operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower 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 liftthe front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

presence controlbar

control

TO lever Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE turnbuckle DRIVE CONTROL

(on underside) CONTROL DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a turnbuckle on the

underside of the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-

ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug

wire from spark plug.

2. Turn nut on underside of drive control to increase drive speed.

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.

Readjust as required.

4. Ifcondition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

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 inthe 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 Plate tab

TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

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

_:i 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 _\ _1 \li_,.,_

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; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

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.

• 1,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 OIL" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

ATTACH FUEL CAP CARTRIDGE

Your mower is equipped with a special

FRESH START,,.,fuel cap and continuous

fuel preserver cartridge. See the infor-

mation and instructions packed with the

FRESH START,'.'cartridge.

1. Snap cartridge into bottom of fuel cap.

NOTE: Do not remove the silver foil seal

on the side of cartridge that snaps into fuel cap,

2. Grasp the white peel tab and pull to remove the entire seal.

3. Screw fuel cap onto fuel tank after fill- ing tank with gasoline.

Replace cartridge when empty (about once a season). Check preserver level

visually. A DANGER: Cartridge fluid is HARMFUL

OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. Avoid contact

to eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not take

internally. Do not inhale fluid vapor. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, call

a physician immediately.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-

Bess.

A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame. A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-

nol) 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 untilthe 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.

Engine

oil cap

Gasoline

filler cap

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pros-

ence control bar.

TO START ENGINE NOTE= Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be present duringthe initial use ofthe prod-

uct and should be considered normal. NOTE: Yourengine 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

_1,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 clip- pings. It may also be necessary to re-

duce ground speed and/or runthe 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 cut- ting 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 recut-

ting action of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour 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 previouslycut path and mow slowly.

1/3

• 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.

MAINTENANCE eEFOREAFTEREVERYEVERYEVERYBEFORE SCHEDULE use USE HOURS ORSEASON HOURS

Check for Loose Fasteners

_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires

_ Check DriveWheels

Clean Lawn Mower ****

I_1 Clean under Drive Cover *** O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***

_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery"* Check Engine Oil level

I_ Change Engine Oil

i_ Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

HI Replece Spark Plug

I# Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Electdc-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelledmowers

**** Use a scraper

tocleanunderdeck

t_tt

1 - Change more oftenif operatingundera heavyloador inhighoutdoortemperatures. 2 - Service more oftenif operatingin dirtyor dustyconditions.

3 - Replacebladesmoreoften when mowing insandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

5 - And after each 5 hoursof use.

EACH EACH 10 25HOURS 100 STORAGE

v' v'

_v2

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)

Engine oil

Muicher

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

attractdustand dirt thatwill shortenthe lifeof the self-lubricating bearings. If youfeel they

must be lubricated, use onlyadry, powdered

2graphite 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 inthe drivewheel 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 insidethe 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. _eplace a bent or damaged blade.

CAUTION: Use onlya replacement blade

approved bythe manufacturerofyour mower.

Using a blade not approved by the manu- facturer of your mower is hazardous, could

damage your mower and voidyourwarranty. 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 & 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. 13•

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 _

Blade \ I bolt Hardened

washer

Key __ Crankshaft

ral mg edge Crankshaft

TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep

the blade 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.

If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy 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 replac- ing, replace only with approved replace-

ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working 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 isfilledwith lubricanttothe

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 Mul-

tie EP00. Do not substitute.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only highqualitydetergent oilrated with API service classification SG-SL. Select the

oirs SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F "20 0 30 32 40 60 80 1_0

c _o -=o -1_ o ,o _o _o _0

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°F. 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 engine 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.

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

minute 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 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

Cover

Cartridge Cover tabs

MUFFLER 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 housingfree of built-grass and trash. Clean the underside of your

14 mower after each use.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917376571 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual