Craftsman 917377170 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

(RI FT][MRN

60 HORSEPOWER

22 REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377170

• 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 ourCraftsman website:www.sears.comlcraftsman

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 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/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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

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

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

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

Repair Parts ......................................... 36

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

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 1o 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 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 govemor 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.

_l.ook 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.

41_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 accessodss 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 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

/ FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BLADES

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 neces-

sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-

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

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM 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.

HOWTO sEr 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 pasitlen.

• 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 manuaJ.

Operator presence contro{ bar

Upper handle .//// _

// Lilt up_

Mowing position

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

• Disconnect engine battery connector

(male) from battery connector (female)

• Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery connector (female).

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.

outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for

the first time.

• After charging, connect engine connec- tor (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for

partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge battery as required. IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will

not charge a discharged battery. At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter storage.

A, CAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector (male) from the battery

connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Lower handle TO INSTALL A'rFACHMENTS

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 deflector.

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

mower.

Mulcherplug

A, 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.

Engine connector

(Male)

Battery charger

// Battery

charger connector

(Male)

Battery connector

(Female)

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.

A i'.,i

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

_, Drive control

Throttle lever

control Key start

Starter handle switch

Grass catcher_

Mulcher plug

Gasoline filler,

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped without oil or gasoline in the 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 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. Key start switch - 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.

presence control bar

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Housing

Drive cover

, Wheel adjuster

(on every 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.

,_ Slow

Fast """"

Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate Tab

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.

Pivot "

Rear door

Lever

Grass catcher

handle

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _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 unnecessary wear.

(

_rass

catcher

handle

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control lever

forward until it dicks; 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 fuming comers, push down on handle and lift front wheels oft ground while tuming

lawn morner.

Operator presence

control bar

Drive Drive control control

To engage Drive control drive control disengaged

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE

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 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 oil slowly. 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 oilafter 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 oil cap

(Discard

debds plug

inside)

TO START ENGINE

• To stad 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.

• Turn electric start key clockwise to

crank engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more thatn five continous seconds between

each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.

• To start engine using the auxiliary starter handle, follow the steps above.

Exchange the use of the start key for

starter handle. Pull starter handle quickly. 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 ovedap 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 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 will

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (Bade) 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 I_st results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that _e lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass

blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be

necessary 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 of 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

FILLIN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners t_'

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (,f Equipped) _ _ i_

M Clean Lawn MowerClean Under Drive Cover

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

_ Check drive beWpulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I/'

R ChecldSharpen/Replace Blade 1_3

Lubrication Chart I_ V'

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectric Start MowersI I_ 1_4

E Check Engine O11Level _#

iN Change Engine Oil I/t,2

I Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug

N Clean Air Filter _ 2

ReplaceAir FilterPaper Cartridge 1_2

I - Change rnore often when operating under a heavy load or In high ambient temperatures. 2 * Service more olten when operating In dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when rnowlng 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 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

(_ 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 plastic 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.

SERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

_ Wheel Adjuster

/u u _(3) Rear door

(_ Handle bracket hinge

mounting pin

+ 21 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377170 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual