Craftsman 917.377150 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

60 HORSEPOWER 22 REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377150

• 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 corn/craftsman

Warranty 2 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, Lncluding 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 turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

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

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

blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction

2 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.

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

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED. _CAUTION: A.Iways 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 outlets and servP.e

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

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

MULCHERKFrS

FOR

_! GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLAOES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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 inthe engine.

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

left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts beg. To ensure safe

and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you asserrble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

AIR RLTERS

SPARK PLUGS

: i

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down flat.

• 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

parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 "Adjuat

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence contr,_

TO INSTALL ATrACHMENTS

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

discharging:

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

• You can now install catcher or optional clipping daflector.

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

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated properly.

o,pe,

Lower'

7 position

)

Mulcher ptu_

ACAUTION: 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.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the I_?_|i?nofvarious controls and adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.

"llweesymbo_mayappearonyourlawnrnow_orinliteratura_Rdied w#htheproduct.Lmmand_ th_ m_n_

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

Throttle Control

Starter handle

Grass

Mulohar plug

Gasoline cap

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil

dipstick

Housing

Drive cover

Primer

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

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary waJk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe 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, 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.

Mulcber 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.

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

mower can result in foreign

The operation of any lawn

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 visionsafety mask over spectacles or standard safety

glasses,

HOW'tO USEYOUR 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 econo_my.

Slow

F-.

Fast ,, .::,

i// }_

(' ,//

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cutr,.._L_.._

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.

_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.

G rass catcher handle

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: 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 CuI"rlNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

forh cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

merits. Medium position is best for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

laver toward wheel Move wheel up or

down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy 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. 7

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

frame

Bag handle

handle

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 liftfront wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

Ddve

cont_

To engage ddve Ddve control control disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Yourlawnmower isshippedwithoutoilin the

engine.

• Be sure moweris level and area aroundoil

fluisdean.

• Removeer_neoilcap and fillto the full

line.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engineholds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and

gradeofoilto use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance sectionof this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oillevel before each use. Add oilif needed. RIIto full line.

• To read properlevel, tighten engine oil cap each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oilafterevery 25 hoursof operationor each season. You may nesd tochange theoilmore often underdusty, arty con61kx_

ADD GASOUNE 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 oilwith gesoline.

Purchase fuel in o_ that can be

used wi0dn 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

AWARNING: _ indicates that

alcoholblendedluels (calledgasohoior usingethanolor msthanol)canattract

moisture which leads to separation and fon'netion of acids dunng storage. Acidicgas can damage the fuel system of an engine

whileinstorage.Toavoidengineproblems,

the fuel system shouldbe emptiedbefore storage of 30 days or longer. D_n the gas

tank, start the engine and let itrun unt#the

fuel lines and carburetor are erupt. Use

fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Instructions for _ information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

_I,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 filler cap Engine oil cap

(Discard debds plug inside)

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push pdmer threa

(3)_nes beforet_yingtosterLUseafirm

push.Thisstepisnotusu_/necessary

whenstarlinganenginewhichhas

already run for a few minutes.

• Move threttle control lever to fsst posttion.

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

quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap

back.

• To stopengine,releaseoperatorpresance

cc_'of Ixu'_

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, itmay 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

cuttingconditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower inmoist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass

catcher. Reduce ground speed (push- ing speed) and/or runthe 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 directionwith a small

overlap to collectthe clippings on the

next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled withdirt 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: Forbestperformance,keep

mowerhousingfreeof built-upgrassand trash.See =Cleanir_ in Maintenancesection

ofthismanual.

• The specialmulchingbladewillrecutthe

grassclippingsmanytimesand reduce them insizeso that as they fallontothe lawntheywilldisperseintothegrassand

notbe noticed. Also,the mulchedgrasswill biodegradequicHy to providenutrientsfor the lawn. Alwaysmulchwithyourhighest

engine(blade)speed as thiswillprovidethe

bestrecuttingactionofthe blades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhen itis wet. Wet

grasstendstoformclumpsandinterferes

withthemulchingaction. The bsstlimeto

mow yourlawnis theeadyafternoon. At

thistimethe grasshasdriedandthe newly

cut meaWIUnot be exposedto the direct

euR.

• For bestresults,adjustthe lawnmower

cuttingheightso thatthe lawnmower cuts offonlythe topone-thirdofthe grassblades.

ffthe lawnis overgrownItwill be necsssary

to raisethe heightof cutto reducepushing effortandto keepfromoverloadingthe

engineand leavingclumpsofmulched

grass.For e_ heavy mulching, reduceyourwidthofcut byoverlapping previouslycutpathand mow slowly.

• Certaintypesofgrassand grsssconditions may requirethatan area be mulcheda

secondtimeto completelyhidethe clippings. Wben doingasecondcut,mow

_ross or _ to thefirstcutpath.

• Changeyourcuttingpattemfromweek to

week. Mow norih tosouthone weekthen changetoeastto wP_-tthe nextweek. This

willhelppreventmattingandgrainingofthe lawn.

REGU .SE.WCE SERVICEDATES

Check for Loose Fasteners l/ !

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(if Equipped) i_1 _ _

M Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propel!ed MowersI

Check drive belt/pulleys

E (Powar-PropalledMowars)

Check/Sherpen/Replace Blade

LubricationChart

Clean Battery/RecharQa

ElectricStartMowers_

i1 Check EngineOil Level

N ChangeEngine Oil

!G Clean Air Filter

_1 InspectMuffler

Clean or ReplaceSpark Plug

V'_,=

E RepleceAirFilterPaperCarlridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heaW lOad 0€Inhigh amblen! temperatures.

2 - SaUce more often when oflera_g in d_rtyor dusly condlUo_s.

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil,

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

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 property 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 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").

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

(_ Spray lubricant (_) Referto Maintenance "ENGINE" section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. VL,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,_ouslubricants will attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the serf lubricating bearings. If you feet they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite

typelub ,a , aringly.

v' v',

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheela_uster

Rear door hinge

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