Craftsman 917377050 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRnFTSMnNo

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377050

, Safety

• Assembly ° Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

= Repair Parts

CAUTION'.

Read and follow al!

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www searscom/craftsman

Warranty Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Assembly 4 Storage 16 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37

Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

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.

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

Sears Service Center/Department in the United States° 1his warranty applies only while

this product is in use in the United States, This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HQFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require operator presence controls to minimize the

risk of injury. "four unit is equipped with such controls. Do not attempt to defeat tile function of the operator

presence controls under any circumstances.

TRAINING;

o Read this operator's manual carefully°

Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower

properly. Learn how to quickly stop mower,

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and pets,

° Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described ill 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 manufac-

turer. 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, sttcks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects, These objects wilt be thrown by the

biade 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.

- Checkfueltankbeforestartingengine. Donotfill gastankindoors,whenthe

engine is running or when the engine is hot. Allow the engine to cool for several

minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting

the engine,

• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your mower. Never

attempt to do this while the engine is

running,

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light,

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut,, Do not let

other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating your mower. Always

be sure of your footing .-- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk,

,, Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

o Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, or

before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel--covered areas,

o Never direct discharge of material

toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating

it.

° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing

your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving

parts have stopped_ Then disconnect the

spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object, Follow the procedure

outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating you mower_

° Do not change the governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indicat)on of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration

and repair as required.

° Do not run the engine indoors_ Exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of

slopes, never up and down or you

might lose your footing. Do not 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 bolts often to be sure they are

tightened properly.

o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at

frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working

condition°

° 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 deteriora-

tion and wear and replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are

recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of

your mower.

, Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storing in

any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition

source such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

_i, Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

&CAUTION; Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs_ _IbWARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

Catifornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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, 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 MOWER S . MULCHER KITS

FOR

[____,_ GRASS CATCHERS

. REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS _

,,,,,,,,,,,............

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

c==r'-----/-_ ...0,/'

MUFFLERS

BELTS

,,,,,..............

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirely 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 purpose& AIt 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

AIR FtLTERN SPARK PLUGS

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

o Remove loose paris Included with mower. * Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down fiat,

. Remove all packing materials except

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

, Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose pads,

tightened securely. Use the correct tools as

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

, • i i _ J,,,, , II i

WHEELS ENGINE OIL

HOWTO SETUPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

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°

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle

and tighten both handle knobs°

• Remove handle padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

for your mowing comfort, Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual,

Operator presence bar

Upper handle "--..,...

Lift up

Mowing position

TO INSTALL ATTACHM ENTS

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

discharging:

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

_, You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector.

° To return to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are seated

properly.

Mulcher plug

,&CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug in place or

approved clipping deflector or grass

catcher In place. Never attempt to

operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open,

Lower handle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

location of var ous controls and adjustments, Save this manual for futurereference: .... _...............

3"basesymbolsmayappear onyour lawnmowerortn literaturesuppliedwflhtheproduct,Learnandunderstand theremeaning,

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

dipstick

Housing

Drive cover

Gasoline cap

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Wheel adjuster WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine_ (on each wheel)

_EETSCP_SAFETY REQUiRE:MENTS _ .... ".................. " " '_"........."' _'

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards institute and the US. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade

turns when the englne is running, Operator presence control bar- must be S_rter handle ' used for starting the engine.

held down to the handle to start the engine, Drive control lever - used to engage power-

Release to stop the engine, propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to carburetor to the cylinder for use when bagging or discharging operation,

starting a cold engine,

Engine oil

_ he operation of any lawn which can result in severe eye damage.

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or

performing any adjustments or repairs,

We recommend a wide vision safety mask

over spectacles or standard safety glasses,

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable° ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

&CAUTION: Federal regtTla!ions re.quire an engine control to be Insiairea on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the

function o[ the operator control. "['he 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.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for high cut,

° Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most lawns,

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster 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 lab insells into hole in lever.

Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes,

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame

hooks onto the door pivot pins,

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

frame,

,&CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place, Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open_

,Rear door

Grass catcher

handle

Pivot pins

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle,

. Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

. Empty clippings from bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear,,

Grass catcher

Bag frame handle handle

Plate Tab

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then

release 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 control disengages. Hold

operator presence control bar down to handle to continue mowing without self- propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

/\. Drive

:\. _,,. control

To engage drive Drive control contro! disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

= Be sure mower is level and area around oi!

fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate dipstick reading,

o Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and

grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

,, Pour oit slowly. Do not over fill

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed° Fill to full line.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten,

° Change the oi! after ever,/25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, ditty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside the tank.

° Fill fuel tank. 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

freshness.

RNING,: Experience indicates that

I blenaed fuels (called gasohof or

using ethanol or methanol) 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. Drain the gas tank, slart 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.

_,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck° Do not overfill° Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame,. Gasoline tiler cap Engine oil cap

(Discard debris plug

inside)

TO START ENGINE

," To start a cold engine, push primer three

(3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary

when starting an engine which has

already run for a few minutes,

• Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle

quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

° To stop engine, release operator presence

control bar.

NOTE: tn cooler weather it may be

necessary to repeat priming steps, in

warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start, If you

do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

, 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 c]umps of grass clippings. It

may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time,

o 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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (push-

ing speed) and/or n_n the lawn mower over the area a second time,

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become 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 chafL

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 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 witl provide the

best recurring aclion of the blade&

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is weL 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 and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun,

• 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 Io reduce pushing

effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched

grass, For extremely heavy mulching, 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 second cut, mow

across or 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

fawn_

Max 1/3

_A 'NTENA_]C E ls C H E D U L _ .... l__)_y

o_b_ o o ge._._o

REGULAR SERVICE /_/ SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners .................................... !/' ......................

Clean/inspect Grass Catcller

(.Equipped) ,'LmL__ V'

M Clean LawnMower

.... 1/_ ti'

O Clean Under Drive Cover(PowePPropelled Mowers! ............

Check drive belt/pulleys

E (Power,Propel!ed Mowers) a ChecldSharperdReplace Blade

Lubrication Chart

Clean BatlerylRech arge

{Electric Start Mowers) _ V' ...... i i _4 .........................................

Check Engine Oil Level t/

Clean Air Filter .......... ............. _ 2

inspec! Muffler V'

N iClean or Replace Spark Plug If' E Replace A_FFiller Paper Cadridge t/'2

i * Change more often whsn oper_ling Under a hea','y load or in high ambient lemperalures

2_- Service mote often when operallng in dirty or dusly condlllons 3, Replace blades rno_eoltenwhen mowing tn sandy soil

4 Charge 48 hours al end of season

GENERAL RECOtVIMENDATIONS

The warranty or] 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 mower as instructed in this manual

Sorne adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season

* Once a year, replace the spark plug,

replace air filter element and check

blade for wear A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures

proper aiPfuel mixture and helps 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 "LUBRICA-

TION CHART)

(_) Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" 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 only a dry powdered graphite

type lubricant sparingly

v' v' t

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel adjuster Engine oil

Rear door hinge

Handle bracket mounting pin

Spray lubricant

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:

Oi:L TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH):

OIL CAPACITY:

SPARK PLUG (GAP_ ,030") VALVE CLEARANCE:

SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .0t25 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

_nd script number_,' Wil! be fodn_ on a decal attached to the rear oth'f'['6"e_

lawn mower housing.Record both seria! number and date of purchase in space provided above.

1.6 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F_ ..........

20 OZS.

CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM

INTAKE: ,004 - ,008 EXHAUST: .004 - .008

LAWNMOWER

Always observe safety nJles when performing

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.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are uF

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

turning when removing blade bolt.

,, Protect your hands with gloves and!or

wrap blade with heavy cloth.

° Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise.

° Remove blade and attaching hardware

(boll, lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check tile key inside hub of blade adapter.

The key must be in good condition to work properly, Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE , Position the blade adapter on the

engine crankshaft, Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are

aligned.

° Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter,

° Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

,, Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

• Use block of wo6d between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

, The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 fl, fbs°

IMPORTANT: Blade boft is grade 8 heat

treated, TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-

ing 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 lawn 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 lhe 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, Crank shaft

Blade keyway ado

Crank

,, Remove any trash or grass cuttings

fro_ inside the dust cover, pinion and/ or drive wheel gear teeth.

• Put wheels back in place.

• If after cleaning, the drive wl_eels do not turn freely, contact your nearest

authorized service center,

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 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.

• tf lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Premium ! Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SG or SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

S_E VISCOSITY GRACES

bolt ,\\ shaft

Lock Blade

washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER

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

, Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through normal

use it wil! wear, If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved

replacement catcher, Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

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 necessa[y to clean the drive wheels,

check both front wheels.

• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and

washers,

• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W30, i0W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils wilt 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 operation or at least once a year if the

lawn 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 oi! plug securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by runntng

engine until fuel tank is empty,

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug,

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface.

• Tip lawn mower on its side as shown

and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped instde of

engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine,

,, Filt englne with oil. Fill only to the

"FULL" line on the dipstick, DO NOT overfill.

° Replace engine oil cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container'

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter, Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER ° Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove, ° Carefully remove cartridge.

° Clean by gently tapping on a flat

surface. 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.

° Install cartridge, then replace cover

making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten

screw securely.

Cover Back tabs plate

Lip

Slots

Cover

Cartridge

MUFFLER

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

damage°

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to

make your engine start easier and run

better. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

CLEANING

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

grass and trash, Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

,&CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark

plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side, Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up. Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up

of grass and trash.

° Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine 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

shortened 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.

,&CAUTION: Before perl_orming any service and adjustments:

. Release control bar and stop engine.

• Make sure the blade and al! moving parts have completely stopped.

° Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR The rear deflector, attached between the rear

wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be

thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing position, If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced,

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

, Remove drive cover. Remove belt by

pushing down on gear case pultey and roll belt off.

, Turn lawn mower on its side with carbure-

tor and fuel cap up.

, Remove blade. ° Remove debris shield.

° Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

° Install new belt by reversing above steps° * Always use factory approved belt to assure

fit and long life.

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle can be mounted in a high or low position. The rnounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for

raising or lowering the handle,

• Remove upper handle and all pads attached to lower handle,

, Remove hairpin cotters from lower

handle bracket mounting pin..

• Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

• Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle,

• Squeeze lower handle in and position

holes onto mounting pins on handle bracket.

• Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle,

Mowing ,., Mowing ., position F.-_ position /

Low position High posltton

Drive --/cover

Belt

Push down

handle

Rotate __

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag

with rigid pad of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top,

° Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without cl!pping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to

operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open°

Catcher frame handle

ENGINE SPEED

'(our engine speed has been factory seL Do not attempt to increase engine speed

or it may result in personal injury. If you

believe that the engine is running too fast

or too slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and

adjustment. CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control, If your

engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your

lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and/or adjustment,

IMPORTANT: never tamper with the engine governor, which is fac!ory set for

proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed

setting can be dangerous, if you think the engine-governed high speed needs

adjusting, contact your nearest authorzed service center, which has proper

equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustrnents.

Frame opening

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377050 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual