Craftsman 917.377130 User Manual

Owner's Manual

(RAFTSMAN+

6.0 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377130

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol .

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

VisitourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.comJcraftsman

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

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

Assembly ............................................. 4

Operation ............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ....................... 10

Maintenance 10

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintair

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions

the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workr_

ship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warra 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 crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructior

contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the neaff Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This 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 wl vary from state to state. SEARS ROEBUCKAND CO. D/817 WA HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications ........................

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

Storage ...............................................

Troubleshooting .................................

Repair Parts ........................................

Back Co

Safety standard's require operator presence controls to mimimize the risk of injury. Your unit is equipped with such

controls. Do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator presence controls

under any circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower 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 in this

manuaL,

• Do not operate mower if it has been

dropped or damaged in any manner Always have damage repaired befor using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments tr are not recommended by the manufa turer. Use of such attachments may b

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running,

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to mowed and clear it of all stones, stick

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

blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while usinc your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or weadng 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 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.

• 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 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 proce- dure outlined above, then repair any

damage before restarting and operating

your 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 indication 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 exces- sively 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.

• 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.

_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!t! 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.

_WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California 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 outletsand service centers. Moot 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

FOR REAR OISCHAP, GE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SlOE OtSCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

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 as- sembled at the factory withthe 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 neces-

saryto ensure proper tightness. All parts suchas nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-

sary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton end lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all pacldng matenals except padding between upper and lower handl_ and padding hdld'_g operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose

parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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 control

bar

Upper handle

Lift u

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to hagging or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.

Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install muioher plug into discharge opening of

mower.

Mulcher plug

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without muloher 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

Mowing position

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUF

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yours

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

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

Engine zone control cable presence control bar

Throttle control Drive control

Starter handle

lever

Grass catcher,,..

Mulcher plug

Gasoline filler cap

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped without oil or gasoline in the engine.

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

sing

Drive cover

Wheel adjuster

(on every wheel)

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 Commi siGn. 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.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Starter handle- used for starting the engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawr

mower. Muloher plug - must be removed to

convert to bagging or discharging

operation,

Throttle control - Used for starting the

engine and allows you to select either f_ or slow engine speed,

The operation of any lawn

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 recommend a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle located on the side of the upper

handle. Fast position is for starting, normal cutting, trimming and better grass bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,

trimming and fuel economy.

,_ Slow

Fast ,," ""

Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate Tab

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear doer 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.

Pivot )ins

Rear door

Lever

Grass

catcher handle

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.

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 adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. 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.

Catcher

frame hook

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 unnecess_n)a_e_ar.

catcher frame

( r°°°'°

handle

DRIVE CONTROL

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

handle and pushing the dnve control lever

forward until itclicks; then release the drive

control 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 comers, push down on handle and liftfront wheels off ground while turning

lawn mower.

Operator presence

control bar

Drive Drive

control control

To engage Drive control

drive control disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fillis clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

lineon the dipst'_k.

NOTE: Allow oiito settledown into

engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do not over fill

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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.

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(Use of leaded gasoline will

increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol 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, 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.

ACAUTION: 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 filler cap

Engine oilcap

(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.

• Move throttle control lever to fast

position.

• Hold operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pull starter handle quicldy. Do not allow starter rope to snap

back. To stop engine, release operator presence

control bar.

NOTE: In 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 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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run 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 c{ean 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

MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

The special mulching blade will recur 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 wil biedegrade quickly to provide nutrients tor 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 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. Ifthe lawn is overgrown it will be nesessa_ 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly. Certain types ot grass and grass condi- tions 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 lawn.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Check for Lc_se Faste_rs

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(IfEquipped)

C_eanLawn Mower Clean Under Drive Cover

Power-PropelledMowers)

Check drive beWpulleya

(Power-PropelledMowers) Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

Lubrica'_lonChart

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectdc Start MowersI

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug Replace AirFilterPaper Cartrk:lge

I - Change more oftenwhen operating under a heavy Load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - SerVice more often when operating In dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy soiL 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

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 mower as

instructed in this manual. Some 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 fiRer e_ement assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your

engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

(_ Spay lubricant (_) Refer to MAINTENANCE "ENGINE"

section.

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plast 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.

_ERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel Adjuster

Rear door

(_) Handle bracket

mounting pin

hinge

Engine c

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