Craftsman 917377140 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRRFTSMIIN"J

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377140

• 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

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 1!

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 1_ Assembly 4 Storage 1 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 3;

Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cove

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. 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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require operator presence controls to minimize 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 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 tums 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 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 pads, 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 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 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 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.

• 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.

A, 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.

_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 aLsoavailable at most Seam retailoutletsand service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair pads for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may notapply toyour lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

'" \

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR, REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHERKn'S

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructionsand this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those pads

left unassembled for shipping purposes. All

parts such as nuts, washers, bolts,etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the pads hag. To ensure sere and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightenedsecurely.Use the correct tools as

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and

lay end panel down flat.

• Remove allpackingmate_Ls except

padclng between upper and lowerhandle

and paddingholdingoperatorpresence

controlbar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thorouohly for additionalloose

parts

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandles carefullyso as

not to pinch or damage controlcables.

• 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 cont=

bar

Upper handle _ ,

Liftup__=__

TO INSTALL ATFACHMENTS

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

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plu

Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now installcatcher or optional clipping deflector.

• To retum 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.

Lowerhandle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWr MOWER. Compare the iUustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

location _f various controls and adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Thesesymbolsmay_3pear on yourlawn nmwerorin liter_ure suppliedwiththeproducL_ _ u_

theremeaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Gasoline cap

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil

cap w/

dipstick

Housing

Drive cover

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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. Pdmer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine. Drive control lever - used to engage power- propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert t¢ bagging or discharging operation.

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

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.

TO ADJUST CUTFING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower whee_ for high cut.

• Adjust cuttingheight to suit your require-

ments. Medium positionisbest formost

lawns.

• To change cutting height,squeeze adjuste

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suityour requirements. Be sure a

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. Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut _ )_

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

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.

ACAUTION: 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 open.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION- Federal regulations reguire

an engine control to be installeo on tliis 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 controlbar which

requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and

operate the lawn mower.

Grass

catcher

handle

Pivot "_"/ pins 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 unnecessary wear.

(

Grass catcher

frame handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oilin the

engine.

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

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full line on the dipstick.

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

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

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill

• Check oillevel before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fillto full lineon dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hours of

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

dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

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 serf- propelling.

• To keep ddve control engaged when

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

turning lawn mower.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Ddve

control

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.

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

freshness.

_WARNING: Expedence indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gesohol 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. Sea Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

ACAUTION: Fill to bosom of gas.tank

filler neck. Do not ovedifi. Wipe oft any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

To engage ddve Ddva control

control disengaged

Gasoline filler cap

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before tryingto start. Use a finn

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 quickly. Do notallow 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 )n the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less gras

To prevent this, regularly hose catche off with water and let dry before using

• Keep top of engine around starter cle

and clean of grass clippings and char This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: Forbest performance, keep

mower housingfree ofbuilt-upgrass and

trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance secticr

of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall ontothe

lawn they will disperse intothe grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass biodegrade quicklyto providenutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulchwith your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide tt

best recuttingactionof the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when itis wet. Wi

grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time tc

mow your lawn is the early affemoon. At thistime the grass has dried and the newl_ cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results,adjustthe lawn mower cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts off onlythe top one-third of the grass blade

Ifthe lawn is overgrown it willbe necessar

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushi_

effortand to keep from overloading the engine and leaving dumps of mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width ofcut by overlapping previouslycut path and mow slowly.

° Certain types of grass and grass conditio_

may require that an area be mulched a

second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doinga second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the firstcut path

• Change your cuttingpattern from week to week. Mow nerth to south one week then

change to east to west the next week. Th_ will help prevent matting and graln'_j of th,

lawn.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners _ I_

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) qp_ _

Clean Lawn Mower +

Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_ Check drive belt/pulleys If

_ Power*Propelled Mowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I_3

Lubrication Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge

/Electric Start Mowers) _ ll#/4

RECheck Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil _I,2

Inspect Muffler

Clean Air Filter _ 2

N ctean orReptaceSparkPtug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Ik#'2

1 - Change mote oftenwhenoperatingundera heavy toad ortn highambienttemperatures.

2 - Service moreoftenwhen operating indirtyordustyconditions,

3- Replace bladesmoreoftenwhen mowinginsandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hoursat end of season.

SERVICE DATES

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 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

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA- TION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

_) Wheel adjuster ne oi

Rear door hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

(_ Spray lubricant (_) Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. VL_couslubricantswillattract

dust and dirtthat willshorten the lifeof the se lubricatingbearings. Ifyou feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dn/, powdered gmphik

lublx',a1"its_lingly.

+ 21 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377140 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual