Craftsman 917377160 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
(RI:IFTXMAN°
6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No
917.377160
• 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.comlcraftsman
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 1,_
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 15
Assembly 4 Storage 1
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance Schedule 11 Repair Parts 31_
Maintenance 11 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. 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 pres-
ence 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 withthe controlsand know
how to operate your mower properly. Leam
how to quicklystop mower.
• Do notallow childrento use your mower.
Never allowadultsto use mower without
proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and pets.
• Use mower onlyas the manufacturer
intended and as described inthis manual.
• Do not operate mower it 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 manufacturer.
Use of such attachments may be hazard-
ous.
• The blade turnswhen the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughlycheckthe area to be
mowed and clear it of allstones, sticks,
wires,bones, and other foreign objects.
These objectswill be thrown by the blade
and can cause severe injury.
• Always wear safetyglasses oreye shields
when starting and while using yourmower.
• Dress properly. Do notoperate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solidshoes with goodtraction
when mowing.
2
• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do
notfill 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 discharge
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 your mower.
• Do not change the gevemor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower ifit vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and
repair as R_quired.
• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumesaredangerous.
• 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
prope_.
• 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 inplace and
working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free
of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deterioration
and wear and replace worn bags. Use only
replacement bags that are recommended
by end 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!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
ACAUTION: A!ways 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.
_1,WARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of Califomia to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
3
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. ,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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHERK_S
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASSCATCHERS
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWNMOWERS
MUFFLERS
FOR
AIR FILTERS
©
BELTS
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. 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 necessary to ensure proper tightness.
All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose partsincludedwith
mower.
• Cut down two end cornersof carton and
lay end panel down flat.
BLADES
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
• 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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends of
lower handle towards each other until
the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment
holes.
• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
4
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASSCATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
STABIUZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
• Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
UI
Lift up
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging; See OPERATION section
of this manual.
Lower
handle
3-position
Handle
adjustment
bracket
Mowing
position
Handle
pin
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWI_
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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
Operator presence control
)eed control lever
Starter handle
Grass catcher
Wheel adjuster
lever
Mulcher
plug
Gasoline cap
Cable clip
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Primer
without oil or _lasoline in the en_line. Housing
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 - 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 bar - used to engage
power-prepeiled foward motion of lawn
mower.
Mulcher plug - Located at the rear
discharge opening must be removed
when converting to bagging operation.
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 adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
• With engine running, select ground
speed by moving speed control lever to
desired position.
• To start forward motion, pull drive
control bar back against handle.
• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
bar fully engaged against handle when in
The engine speed was set at the factory for use.
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
Speed control
lever
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 Drivecontrol
operator presence control bar which engaged
requires the operator to be positioned "
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
• All four wheels are adjusted by a single
lever.
• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raise
mower, move lever forward to desired
position.To lower mower, move the lever
toward the rear.
Lower Wheels for high cut
TO CONVERTMOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to begging or
discharging:
Wheel \
A_juster
Lever J
REAR BAGGING-
, Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, install mulcher plug into rear
discharge opening of mower.
SIDE DISCHARGING-
Raise Wheels for low cut
GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS
Your lawn mower provides multiple speeds
to let you select the speed that suits you
best.
• Lower speeds are for slow, heavy/thick
grass cutting or trimming.
• Medium speeds are for normal grass
cutting or trimming.
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and installdischarge
deflector under guard as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
dosed.
• High is for light cutting and for ground
transport.
NOTE: Do not move speed control lever
unless the engine is running
7
Operator presence
control bar
Drive control
disengaged
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN
MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Mulcher door dosed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulcher plug removed.
• - Grass catcher installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Side discharge deflector installed.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
Mutcherplug
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
• Lift the rear door ofthe lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks into
the slots ofthe rear door.
• The gm_sscatcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
Rear door Grass
catcher
handle
Catcher frame J
hook
_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or prepped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• Liftup on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
• Remove grass catcher with clippings from
under lawn mower handle.
• Empty clippingsfrom bag using both frame
handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Open
mulcher door
Mulcher door
Discharge deflector
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in
the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate reading.
• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type
and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE"
in maintenance section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
8
• 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.
_I,WARNING: 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 fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until 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 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.
TO STARTENGINE
• To stad a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before tryingto stad. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has already
runfor a few minutes.
• Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle.
• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In coolerweather it may be necessary
to repeat primingsteps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
willnotstad. If you do flood engine wait a few
minutes before attempting to stad and do not
repeat priming steps.
Gasoline
filler cap
(Discard
debris plug
inside)
Engine oil cap
9
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