Craftsman 917377180 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRAFTSMAWJ

6.75 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED__

ROTARY LAWN _j3WER

Model No.

917.377180

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espahol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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

Warranty
Safety Rules

Assembly
Operation

Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance

2 Product Specifications

2 Service and Adjustments

4 Storage

6 Troubleshooting
10 Repair Parts
10 Parts Ordering

Back Ce

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintainec

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in tl
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanshi

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warrant

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 whi
this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights whic
vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND 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 tha_
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 b
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks

wires, bones, and other foreign object."
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 sanda
Wear only solid shoes with good tracti_

2 when mowing.

• Checkfuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors,whenthe

engine is runningor when the engine is
hot. Allowthe engineto cool for several

minutesbeforefillingthe 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--_overed 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!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: 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.

3

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 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 MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

_ GRASS CATCHERS

_\ LAWN MOWERS

\_ FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

S_/ GRASSCATCHERS

j LAWN MOWERS

_( SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

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 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 bag. 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.

FOR

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVE LAWNMOWER 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.

4

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as
not to pinchor 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 "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

TO INSTALL A'I-rACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

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

• You can now install catcher or optional
c_ipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opaning of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated
properly.

Operator presence control
bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Lower handle

up

Mowing
position

:!

f

jJ

Mulcher plug f

_I,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.

5

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. _;ave this manu_31for future r_#ference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the woduct- Leam and understand

there meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

\

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Engine oil

cap w/

dip i,,_k

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn r ;ower is shi!
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the; :jine. (on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREIvl-_/S
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

Wheel adjuster

tums 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

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 convertto
bagging or discharging operation.

starting a cold engine.

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.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to De 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 require-

ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. 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.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut

TO A'R'ACH 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

tile rear door removed or propped open.

Rear door

Grass

'i_' catcher

'1 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.

Bag handle

(

Grass

frame

handle

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-properhng is c,)nholl(-_l hv t_,qdinq
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 lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

\,

Drive
control

/

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill: _,;i .. f, _,i, ,,i, .r,, reguk_
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

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

freshness.

_,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. Toavoid 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.

To engage drive Drive control
control disengaged

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 dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype 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. Fillto 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.

f.A,,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

iller neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oi! or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap

Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before tryingto start. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle and 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.

8

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 (push-

ing 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 recur the
grass clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that as they fall onto the

lawn they will disperse intothe grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when itis 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 best results,adjust the lawn mower
cuttingheightso thatthe lawn mower cuts

offonly the top one-thirdof the grass blades.
Ifthe lawn isovergrown itwill be necessary

to raise the height ofcut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the

engine and leaving clumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your width ofcut by overlapping

previouslycut path and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions
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 firstcut path.

• Change your cutting pattem from week to

week. Mow northto south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This

will help preventmatting and grainingof the

lawn.

/3

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _._'_

AS YOU COMPLETE C)_ _.,,'_/ _,_ _,"_ _'_

Check for Loose Fasteners ¥1 I_
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) tl/ t,__ I/_

M Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power-Propelled Mowers) !/'
Check drive belVpulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) I#!

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I_ 3

Lubrication Chart ik/ ik/

Clean Battery/Recharge
!Electric Start Mowers / I_ I/4

E Check En_]ine Oil Level I_

N Change Engine Oil _t,2
G Clean Air Filter I1_ 2

I Inspect Muffler I_'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

V

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge _2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures

2 - Service more oflen when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 Charge 48 hour_ at 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 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").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheel adjuster Engine oil

Brake spring bracket

\

_(_ Rear door hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

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

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricantswillattract
dustand dirtthat willshorten the life of the self

lubricatingbearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite

type lubricantsparingly.

10