Craftsman 917376880 Owner’s Manual
®
M
NUMBER 917.376880
• Assembly
oOperation
Customer
Responsibilities
=Service
OWNER'S MANUAL
=Adjustments
= Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
15335! Rev; 1 1,26.96 TR
Printed in U.S.A.
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND TH ROWING 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 tS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never ailow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.
° Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual.
• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower,
Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
° The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
° Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of
all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause
severe injury.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and
while using your mower.
• Dress properly, Do not operate mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.
• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank
indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before fi_tingthe
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.
SAFETY RULES
° Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object.
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.
* Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
° Do not operate your mower if itvibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for thecause of vibration and repair as required.
o
Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-
ous.
°
Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
lose yourfooting. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when
changing directions - maintain good footing.
Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
° Check the blade and the engine mounting botts often to be
sure they are tightened properly.
° Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion,
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.
° Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
° Never store mower with fue! 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,
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 a firm hold
on the handles and walk.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
° Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.
° Never direct discharge of materiat toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.
° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the btade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidentaf
starting.
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire andptace wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
& WARNING A
reproductive harm.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. it has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well,,
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manuaJ. The instructions wili
enable you to assemble and maintain y0ur lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.376880 '
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
.....HORSEPOWER: 6,0
DISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1,5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULARONLY
oil TYPE (APtLSFiSG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below32°F)
OILCAPACITY: 27 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: ,030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: ,008",
EXHAUST: ,008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERmALNUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details,
CUSTOMER RESPONSJBILIT|ES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual,
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman'Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any
defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
= Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
a_rcleaners and spark plug,
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructiOns contained in the owner's manual:
WARRANTY SERVICE iS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE 1NTHE 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, ILLINOIS 60179
3
TA LE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS. _..................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBiLiTIES ..................... 3, 12-t4
WARRANTY .............................................................. .... 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
MAWNTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12
EX
A
Accessories .................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ............................... 16
Drive Belt ............................... 15
Engine Speed ........................ 16
Handl_ Heigl_,t ........................ 16
Height of Cut ............................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement .......................... 14
Service .................................... 14
Assembly ........................................ 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................ 13
Replacement .......................... 13
C
Controls:
Drive Control ............................ 8
Engine Zone Control ................ 8
Engine Speed Contro! .............. 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar ............................... 8
Customer Responsibilities... 3, 12-14
Air Filter ................................. 14
Blade Care/Replacement ....... 13
Drive Wheels ......................... 13
Engine .................................... 14
Lubrication ............................. 14
Spark Plug ............................. 14
Cutting Levels ................................. 9
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 14
Oil Change ............................. t 4
Oil Level ................................. ! 4
Oit Type ................................. 14
Starting .................................. 10
Stopping .................................. 10
Storage .................................. 16
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage .................................. 16
Type ....................................... 10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 6
Cutting Heig _t ........................ 16
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 14
Lawn Mower .......................... t 2
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................. 12
Mowing Tips ................................. 10
Oil:
Engi ne .................................... 12.
Storage .................................. t 6
SERVICE ANDADJUSTMENTS ................................ t5
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................... ;........... 19
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 20-24
REPA|R PARTS _ENGINE .................................... 25-28
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 30
E
F
H
L
M
O
Ope ration:
Drive Control ............................ 9
Engine Control ......................... 9
Grass Catcher .......................... 9
Mower ...................................... 9
Operator Presence
Contro! Bar ............................... 9
Options:
Accessories ............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ............................... 25-28
Lawn Mower ..................... 20-24
Responsibilities, Customer .. 3, t2-14
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Service and Adjustments .............. 15
Carburetor .............................. !6
Drive Belt ............................... 15
Engine Speed ........................ !6
Handle ................................... 16
Spark Plug .................................... 14
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ...................................... 8
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..................... 10
Storage .......................................... ! 6
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 19
W
Warranty .......................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced, Theyare 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
\
\
GRASS CATCHERS
"\
\
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS
]BELTS BLADES
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
SPARK PLUGS
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. Your new tawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Usethe correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
OPERATOR PRESI
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
o Remove loose parts included with mower.
Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
- Remove al! packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
prese,_lce control bar to upper handle.
Rol! lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
ough_y for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
o Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "AdjustHandle" in the
Service and Adjustment section of thismanual.
TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2}
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
, Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place.
You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor.
To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening o_ mower.
\
MOWING POSITION
LOWER HANDLE
FiG. 1
MULCRER PLUG
FIG. 2
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without muicher plug in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
6
__ ..... _ ._ . - ..... =.....
MBLY
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
= Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of.
grass catcher and thread frame intosewn hereof bag,
NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubuiar flame.
• When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately work the end of frame down insidethe bag
as shown in inset,
• 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.
- SI]p vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes, if bag gets wet, !et it dry before
using.
o Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower,
- Lift the rear door on the mower housing and ptace 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.
.m0wer "
l _ _n_ e.fte-ct£rorapproved
_ __ever attempt
I _,_ t-_n rn°wer, wi!b._t_he rear
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
door removed or propped open;
HEM
_'_(bFe r LOWER
t .
TUBULAR
FRAME
//
FIG, 3B
LOWER FRAME HANDLE /
\
FIG, 3C
REAR DOOR
BRACKET
/
/
FORMED
TABS
FRAME
ames must
fully seated)
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
SEWN HEM
FIG. 4
FLIP LID
FiG. 3A
7
OPERATION
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 contro!s and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in |iterature supptied with the product, Learn and understand
their meaning.
CAUTION FUEL
OR WARNING
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
ON OFF
GRASS CATCHER
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLBAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
GASOLiNE CAP
/
/
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
/ DRIVE COVER
/
/
MULCHER PLUG
/
ENGINE OiL CAP W/DIPSTICK
t
\ HOUSING
(ON EACH W_EEL)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUEREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The b!ade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL o must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Re_ease to stop the
engine.
PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE oused 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 (.¢_)or stow
(_) engine speed.
MULCHER PLUG - must be removed to convert to ba£;ging
or discharging operation.
8
OPERATION
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can-
result in severe eye damagel Always wear safet_ile operating your
lawn mower or performing any adjustments o_rs_sion safely
mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses .... '
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector or grasscatcher in place.
without mulcher plateinplaeeand door
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
ENGmNE SPEED (See Fig. 5)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engine. High (_) position isfor starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Low
(_tr_) position is for light cutting, trimming and fue_economy;
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
risk of b_ade contact injury. Do not
lawn mower in order to minimize the
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 equ}pped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle tb start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
, Raise wheels for tow cut and iower wheels for high cut.
* Wheels are set _nlow cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position _s
best for most lawns.
o To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster leverto-
wara wheoL Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
setting.
TOEMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig, 7)
To remove grass catcher, release operator presence
control bar to stop engine.
o Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the
handle.
- Do not dr_g the bag when emptying; it wil} cause
unnecessary wear.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig, 8)
, Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence contro_ bar down to the handle and pushing
the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then
retease the lever.
= Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is released, To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control
bar slightly until the drive controi disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tirtue mowing without self-propelling.
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
PRItMER
FIG. 5
LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT
\
! . .i
FIG. 6
\
FIG. 7
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
DRIVE
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL.
FIG. 8
• To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle c,nd lift front wheels off ground
while turning lawn mower.
9
DRIVE _CONTROL_
DISENGAGED
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