Craftsman 917377201 Owner’s Manual
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MODEL NUMBER 917.377201 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
Operation
Customer
Responsibilities
Service
Adjustments
Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
160904 05.20.97
VBL Printed in U.S.A_
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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 atl persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed 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 usa accessory attachments that are notrecommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
• The bladeturns 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 wilt 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
weadng 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 orwhen the engine ishot.
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 repaidng 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 dam-
age 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. Exces-
sive 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 danger-
ous.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
Ioseyourfooting. Do notmowexcessivelysteepslopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
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 condi-
tion.
• Keep a!l 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 deterioration 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.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
&
CAUTION!H BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making •
repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manuat. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
}roperly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.377201
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY !.5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (APt-SF/SGiSH): SAE30 {ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 {BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 QZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: .030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .00@- .008
EXHAUST: .004 - .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: ,0125 IN.
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OFPURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
* Read and observe the safety rules.
= Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
, Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two (2) 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 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, ROEBUCK AND COo, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3
LE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBJL|TIES ....................... 3, 9=11
WARRANTY ................................................. ................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 5
OPERATION .................................................................. 6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................ 9
DEX
A
Accessories .................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ............................. 13
Drive Bett ............................... 12
Engine Speed ........................ 13
Handle Height ........................ 13
Height of Cut ............................ 7
Air Filter:
Replacement ......................... 11
Service ................................... 11
Assembly ........................................ 5
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................ 10
Replacement ......................... 10
C
Controls:
Drive Control ............................ 6
Engine Zone Control ................ 6
Engine Speed Control ............. 6
Operator Presence
Control Bar .............................. 6
Customer Responsibilities ..... 3, 9-11
Air Filter ................................. ! 1
Blade Care/Replacement ...... 10
Drive Wheels ......................... 10
Engine ................................... 11
Lubrication ............................... 9
Spark Plug ............................. 11
Cutting Leveis ................................ 7
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 11
QiI Change ............................. 11
Oil Level ................................. 11
Oil Type ................................. 11
Starting .................................... 8
Stopping .................................. 8
Storage .................................. 14
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage .................................. 14
Type ......................................... 8
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 5
Cutting Height ........................ 13
Lubrication:
Engine ................................... 11
Lawn Mower ............................ 9
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................... 9
Mowing Tips ................................... 8
Oil:
Engine ................................... 11
Storage .................................. 14
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 12
STORAGE ................................................................... 14
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 23
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ........................ 15-19
REPAIR PARTS- ENGINE .................................... 20-22
PARTS ORDERING!SERVICE .................................... 24
E
F
H
L
M
O
Operation:
Drive Control ............................ 7
Engine Control ......................... 7
Grass Catcher ......................... 7
Mower ...................................... 7
Operator Presence
Control Bar .............................. 7
Options:
Accessories ............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine .............................. 20-22
Lawn Mower ..................... 15-19
Responsibilities, Customer .... 3, 9-tl
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ............. 12
Carburetor ............................. 13
Drive Belt ............................... 12
Engine Speed ........................ 13
Handle ................................... 13
Spark Plug .................................... 11
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ..................................... 7
Starting the Engine ......................... 8
Stopping the Engine ....................... 8
Storage ......................................... 14
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 23
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
&
LAWN ACC
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. 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
f
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
\
\
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
I_ GRASS CATCHERS
MULCHER KITS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABlUZER
FOR
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS
BLADES
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
i, irlll
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled atthe
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.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
= Remove loose parts included with mower.
- Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.
, Remove all packing materia s except padd ng between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
= Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig= 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
AIR FILTERS
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
LiFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
Raise 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 HandW' in the
5 Service and Adjustment section of this manual.
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINEOIL
MOWING POS_TION
FiG. 1
OP
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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 reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supptied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.
- i\1
CAUTION FAST FUEL
OR WARNING
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE DRIVE CONTROL
STARTER HANDLE
HANDLE KNOB
ENGINE OiL CAP WiTH DIPSTICK
ON OFF
SLOW CHOKEENGINE ENGINE
,1. GASOLINE FILL CAP
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
I
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
LEVER
DRIVE COVER
MULCNER DOOR
WHEEL ADJUSTER HOUSING
(ON EACH WHEEL)
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 - 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-pro-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower.
MULCHER DOOR - allows cOnversion to discharge or
bagging operation.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - must be in the fast
(,_) position for starting and mowing.
6
OPERATION
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 the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 4)
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (See Fig. 2)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engine. Fast position is for starting the engine,
normal cutting and better grass bagging. Stow position is
for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
FiG. 2
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
= Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Me-
dium position is best for most lawns,
To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward 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.
LOWER WHEELS PLATETAB
FORHIGHCUT
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed enth s
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 con=
trol, The blade turns when the engine is
running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 3)
- 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 con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.
* To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turninq lawn mower.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT _=._ _
FiG. 4
NOTE: Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for
mulching operation. To convert to discharging operation,
you must install the discharge deflector attachment in-
cluded with your mower.
TO INSTALL DISCHARGING DEFLECTOR
(See Fig. 5)
• Lift door upward on it's hinge until the deflector frame can
be hooked over the door mounting bracket as shown.
, Release the door to rest against deflector frame.
To return to mulching operation, reverse the above steps
and be sure door is in closed position.
.< . ._.4._ MULCHER DOOR
DEFLECTOR _- << _ -- :'-.s_
, t
FiG. 5
TOENGAGE
DRIVE C_ONTROL
FIG. 3
DRIVE
CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL
DISENGAGE_
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 6)
Your lawn mower is shipped without oi! in the engine.
Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.
Remove engine oil cap w!dipstick andfill to the full line on
the dipstick.
OP
• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oilto use, see
"ENG{NE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manuaI.
• 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 tochange the oilmore often under
dusty, dirty conditions.
GAS (See Fig. 6)
o Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.
DO NOT USE PREMIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL
NOT TO OVER FILL TANK,
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 stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuet tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
• To start acold engine, push primer five (5) 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.
o 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.
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.
o For extremely heavy cutting, reduce thewidth ofcut 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.
o For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a counter-
clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area
to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and
puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a
clockwise direction.
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.
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
/
ENGINE OiL CAP
W/DIPSTICK
FIG, 6
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER
HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. SEE
"CLEANING" JNCUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION
OF THIS MANUAL.
• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip-
pings 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 (blade) speed
as this wilt provide the best recutting action of the
blades.
* Avoid cutting you r 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 best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height
so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third
of the grass blades (See Fig. 7). tf the lawn is over-
grown 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 conditions may re-
quire that an area be mulched a second time to com-
pletely 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 weekthen change to east to west the
next week. This will help prevent matting and graining
of the lawn.
MAX 1/3
8 FIG. 7
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