Craftsman 917377131 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMRN"I

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377131

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• 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.corTVcraftsman

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

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

Assembly .............................................. 5

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 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 workman-

ship.
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
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 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/8t7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 16

Troubleshooting ................................. 17

Repair Parts ........................................ 37

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

IMPORTANT; This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.

I,GENERAL OPERATION

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

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly 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
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the 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
barefoot 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.

• 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
approved 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

2

untilthebladecomestocompletestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodadificial
light,

• Donotoperatethemachinewhile
undertheinfluenceofalcoholor drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starling the engine

(motor).

• if the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration 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

and fall accidents which can result in

severe injury. 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
footing 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 smaff

children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

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

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fue_
with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

-Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.

• 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 starling.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep

equipment 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 (motor) is

running.

• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving pads or
anew 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
setting or overspeed the engine.

3

_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!f BECOMEALERTU! YOUR
SAFETY iS INVOLVED.

WARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark

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.

_,WARNING: 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.

shipped with your mower. They are also availableat most Sears retailoutletsand service
canters. Most Sears storescan also order repairpartsfor you,when you providethe model
number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay notapply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

%o ccs cco o

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

s lawn mower was produced. €are not

GAS CANS

4

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 with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All pads such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your tawn mower, all parts

and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end comers 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 thorougly for additional

loose pads.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise

upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle

knobs.

3. 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 Adjustments
section of this manual.

Operator I:

control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing

position

handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mufcher. 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 deflector.

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

of mower,

_tCAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

hour 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.

Mulcher plug

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 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 ENGrNE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL OANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND _EET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

)resence control bar

Throttle
control control

Starter

lever

Grass catche_

e knob

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Housing

Muloher plug

Primer

cover

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

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 Commis-

sion. 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 lawn

mower.
Mulcher plug - must be removed to
convert to bagging or discharging

operation.
Throttle control - Used for starting the

engine and allows you to select either fast
or slow engine speed.

6

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.
HOW TO 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

!IP

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_IjCAUTION: 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 suityour 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.

PlateTab

Lower Wheels for High Cutr_,,__

er

RaiseWheels forLow Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

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

side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

2, The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

_kCAUTION: Do ndt 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.

Pivotpins Rear door

Grass
catcher

handle

Catcher \ \

frame hook

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 using both

frame handle and bag handle.

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

Bag
handle

• 7

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down

to the handFeand pushing the drive

control lever forward until it clicks; then

releasing 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
against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

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

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

Toengage
drive control Drive control

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.

t. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading. To read

proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then
remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil bevelbefore 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.

disengaged

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 gaso-

line. 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.

_k CAUTION: Fill to bottomof gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil orfuel. Do not store, spillor
use gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered

normal.

1. 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.

2. Move throttle control lever to fast
position.

3. Hold operator presence contrel bar
down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter

8

rope to snap back.

Engineoil cap

(,Di_csarp_ug

nslde)

I L,}51OP ENGINE

• 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

talt 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 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

MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recurthe

grass clippingsmany times and reduce
them insize so thatas theyfall ontothe

lawnthey willdisperse intothe grass and
notbe noticed.ALso,the mulchedgrass will

biodegrade quickly to providenutrientsfor
the lawn. Always mulch with yourhighest

engine (blade) speed as thiswin provide
the best recurring 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 eady afternoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct
sun.

• Forbest results, adjustthe lawn mower

cuttingheightso that the lawnmower cuts

offonlythe top one-thirdof thegrass
blades.If the lawn is overgrownit willbe

necessarytoraisethe heightof cut to
reduce pushingeffortand to keepfrom

overloadingthe engine and leaving

clumpsof mulchedgrass. Forextremely

heavy mulching,reduce yourwidth ofcut
by overlappingpreviouslycut path and

mow slowly,

• Certaintypesofgrassandgrasscondi-

tionsmay requirethatan areabe muiched
a secondtimetocompletelyhidethe
clippings.When doinga secondcut,mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattem from week to
week. Mow north to south one weak then

change to east to west the next week. This
will help prevent matting and graining of
the tawn.

Max, 1/3

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners _ I/'
Cleardlnspeet Grass Calcher

(If Equipped) _ _ it/

M Clean Lawn Mower _

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive beWpulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers I 1/

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade 1/3

Lubrication Chart I_ It/

Clean Battery/Recharc
(Electric Start Mowers _ I/4

E Check Engine OilLevel ff
N Change Engine Oil 1#11,=

G Clean Air Filter I_ 2

I Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug ii_
E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge if2

I - Changemoreoftenwhenoperalingunderaheavyqoadorinhighamb4enttemperalures

2 Se fviee mote ellen when operating in dirly or dusty conditions

3. Replace brades mote citeR when mowitlg 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,
clean or replace air filter etement and

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

assures proper air-fuel mixture and
helps your engine run better and last

longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in

this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1, Check engine oil level,

2, Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").

(_ Handle bracket

mountingpin

O Refer to maintenance "Engine" section.

_) Spray lubricant

IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease

plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri-
cants wilt 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.

lO

SERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

_) Wheel Adjuster

_ (_)Engineoil

IW_LI I_

i I i

_) Rear door hinge