Craftsman 917377220 Owner’s Manual

Owne[,s Manual

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22!_i!,iREARDISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWE

Model No.

917.377220

Safety

o Assembly o• Operation

....:i_:Spa6ol :

o Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, tL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www_sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 4

Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10

Maintenance ............................................. 10

Product Specifications .......................... ! 1

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

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

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

Repair Parts ........................................... 37

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,

lubdcated, 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 renlal purposes, thts 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.

o 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 !ega! rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state.

SEAF3S,ROEBUCKAND CO,, 1_/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Safety standards require Operator ': ;:.... ' ,, Do not operate mower If it has been

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 pots.

° Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this manual,

dropped or damaged in any manner.

Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

o 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.

o 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.

• Checkfueltankbeforestartingengine, Donotfill gastankindoors,whenthe engineis runningorwhenthe engineis hot.Allowtheengineto coolfor several

minutesbeforefitltngthegastank.Clean offanyspilledgasolinebeforestarting

the engine.

• Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments beforestaffingyourmower.Never

attempttodothiswhiletheenginets

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.

o Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel--covered area&

,o Never direct discharge0f material o.

toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating

, 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

m owe ro

, 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; step the engine,

safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

o 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 footings1

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices inplace.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE;

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be sure they are

tightened properly.

° Check all belts, 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.

o 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 important safety precautions. It means

CAUTtON!!! BECOMEALERTI!! 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.

&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 thb fawn 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

CL|PP]NG DEFLECTOR

FORREAR,,,DI,SCHARGELAWNMOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

i, ....................

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

__, GRASS CATCHERS

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

,,11

STABILIZER....

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS ............................

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructionsand 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 thefactory with the exception of those parts left unassembted for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary tocomplete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. Toensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemblemust be tightenedsecurely. Use the correct toolsas necessary to ensure proper tightness.

i llll L

AIR FILTERS

,,i ,lli

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

WHEELS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

CARTON

o Remove loose parts included with mower.

o 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.

o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose parts,

Li L I IJ,I

HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handtes until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.

o Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handre knobs,

o Remove handle padding Holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted foryour mowing comfort, Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual

Operator presence contr bar

Upper handle "-.......

Lift up

Mowing

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'TTACHMENTS

Yourlawn mower was shipped ready _obe used as a mulcher, To convertto bagging or,

discharging:

o Open rear door and remove mulcherplug.

Storemuk_herplug in & safe place,

• You can now installcatcher or optional clipping ,deflector,

o To return to mt)tchingoperation, install

mulcher plug if_todischarge opening of mower.

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)

o Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery connector (female)_

o Plug battery charger into 110 volt ArC.

outlet.

° Leave battery charger connected for 24

hours before starting your engine for

thefirst 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

r;ot 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. .&CAUTION: .Always.disconnect the

engme connector [mate) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing, your

lawn mower after the season.

Engtne Battery connector charger

(MaTe)

Batter

charger connector

Battery connector (Female)

(Male)

Mulcher plug

.&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,

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 location of various contro s and adiuslments_ Save this manua for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lava1 mower or in literaturesupplied v4ththe product, Learn and

u_d theremeaning.

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

OR t/V.A__.R.NINGON ........ OFF .......................... AND FEET AWAY

Key Start Switch

Engine zone control cable

Auxiliary starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Engine oil cap wl

dipstick

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

:Primer

Housing

cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped

WITHOUT OiL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Wheel adjuster

ME_s cPsc SAFETY REQUIREME_ITS' '" ...........................................

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the UoS. 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,

Auxiliary starter handle - usedfor starting the engine,

Drive control lever- used to engage power° propelled forward motion of lawn mower. Mulcher plug - must be removed toconvertto bagging or discharging operation.

(on each wheel)

Key start switch- used to start the engine,

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 vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR 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 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.

o Your lawn mower _sequipped 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

o 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 fever, Also, g-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER o Lift the rear door of the lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame side

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 pins r door

Grass catcher handle

Catcher frame side

hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

° Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

a 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

frame handle

catcher

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

DRIVE CONTROl.

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pusNng 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 controI 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 controi bar

• _ /\ Drive \_\ _\\ I:. control

To engage drive control disengaged

Drive oontrol

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline w'_ha minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix o;Iwithgasoline, Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel

freshness° &WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasoho] or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which Ieads 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,

&CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

fiiler neck. Do not overfill Wipe off any

spilled oi! or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

Englne OHcap Gasoline filler cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped w'_thoutoil in the

engine.

* Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis clean.

, Remove engine oilcap and fillto 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°

o Pour oilslowly. 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 oi! cap and tighten. o 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.

TO START ENGINE

o To start a cold engine, push primer three

(3)times before tryingto start. Use afirm push. This step is not usually necessary

when starling an engine which has

already run for a few minutes°

, Hold operator presence control bar

down to the handle.

• Turn electric start key clockwise to crank engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more not crank engine more than five

continous seconds between eack 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.

• Tostop engine,releaseoperator presencecontrolbar°

NOTE:In coolerweatherit maybe necessaryto repeatprimingstep& In warmerweatheroverprimingmaycause floodingandenginewillnot start. Ifyou dofloodengine,waitafew minutes

beforeattemptingto startanddo not repeatprimingsteps.

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.

o 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, mew in

a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass°

o 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.

o 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: Forbest performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section

of this manual°

• The special mulching blade will recut 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 biedegrade quickly to provide nutrTents for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as thiswill

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 best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts

off only the top one-third of the grass blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to

reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the eng!ne and leaving clumps ef mulched grass. For extremely

heavy mulching, reduce your width ofcut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass cond_ons 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 ma_ng and graining of the lawn.

Max 1/3

Check for Loose Fasteners

i Clean/inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped)

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelred Mowers)

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

_ (Power-Pro_e,!!edMowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

LubricationChart

Clean Battery'Recharge

IE!ectrlostart Mowers)

E Check Engine OIl Level

N __o!_ __

G Clean Air Filter

I !nspeot Muffler

N clean or RepLaceSpark Plug

E Replace Air Filler Paper Cartridge

I - Ghange more olton when operatlng under a heavy load or tn htgh ambie#,l lemperalures_

2-Servlcemoleoltenwhenopotat_r_Indirty or dosly conditions

3 ..Replacebladesmoreellen whenrnr_wtngInsart_ysell,

4 - Charge 4S 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 propedy 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")°

,,,, ,

(_ Wheel adjuster

L'_ Handle bracket mounting pln

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

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 onty a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly..

V' V'4

LUBRICATIONCHART

Brake

spring bracket

Rear door hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIALNUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

_iASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: i,5 QUARTS

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG!SH):

OIL CAPACITY:

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .030") ....

VALVE CLEARANCE:

BLADE BOLT TORQUE;

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the" rear of t_e - lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space

provided above.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,_ ,,,,,,,,

UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

20 OZS.

CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM INTAKE: .004 - °008

EXHAUST: .004- .008

35-40 FT. LBS.

LAWNMOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

"nRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, o31,or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts,sharp objects and other hazards that may cause

tire damage°

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp, Replace bent or damaged

blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

° Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

° Use a wood block between bIade and

mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade bolt by turn}ng counter- clockwise_.

• Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer)_

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work

propedyo Replace adapter if damaged. TO REPLACE BLADE o Position the blade adapter on the .

engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are

aligned.

= Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

o Be sure the trailfng edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine_

o Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

o Use block of wood between blade and

lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs.

1'1'

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade

is balanced_ Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or

engine. o The blade can be sharpened with a fife

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one

inch of the straight nail exposed, Place center hole of blade over the head of

the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward,

sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced. Crank

Blade shaft ada

Key

Blade

Crank

bolt shaft

Loc_ Blade washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER

° The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

, Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through normal use itwill wear. Ifcatcher needs replacing,

replace only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time before

you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means

trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free

drive wheels. If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both front wheels. ° Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and

washers.

• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

- Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion andl

or drive wheel gear teeth.

o Put wheels back in place.

- If after cleaning, the drive wheels do

not turn freely, contact your nearest authorized service center.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working

properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under

the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to

the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if

sewice has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute_

ENGINE LUB RIOATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with AP1 service classification SF, SG or

SH, Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES , L

[ T_F ERKfURE RANGE ./,.NTICJPATED BEFORE NF.XT OIL CHANGE j

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils wilt result in increased oll consumption when used above 32_F, Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil

level

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain 0it, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

° Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface.

o Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and

drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any

oil trapped insideof engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.

° Fillengine withoil. Fill only to the "FULL"

line onthe dipstick. DO NOT overlie

o Reptace engine oil cap,

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER o Remove the aii' filter by turning clock-

wise to the stop and pull away from

collar, o Remove filter from inside Of cover. o Clean the inside of the cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumulation,

• Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

o Push in on cover and turn counter-

clockwise to tighten, Trun

Collar clockwise to

remove

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and run better. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of

your mower after each use.

_&OAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark

plug. o Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air

filter and carburetor are up. Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.

o Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulating. A c_ogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oit,etc°

° We do not recommend using a garden

hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and

carburetor are covered to keep water ouL Water in engine can result in shortened

engine life,

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a

season. Scrape underside of cover with putty

knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

Air filter

Air filter cover

counter

clockwise

to tighten

,.If,CAUTION: Before performing any

service and adjustments: , Release control bar and stop engine.

= Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped.

- Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in

contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR The rear deflector, attached between the rear

wheets of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects wilt be

thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing position, tfthe rear

deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT 6 Remove drive cover. Remove belt by

pushing down on gear case pulley and roll beltoff.

• Turn lawn mower on its side with carbure-

tor and fuel cap up.

- Remove blade,

• R6move debris shield. ° Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

• Install new belt by reversing above steps.

• Always use factory approved belt to assure

fit and long life.

Drive cover

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The upper handle may be adjusted to four (4) different height positions, o Loosen both handle knobs only enough

to allow the upper handle to pivot to the desired adjustment position.,

o Tighten both handle knobs securely,

Handle Knob

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame°

NOTE: tf vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

_,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.

Belt

Push down

Catcher frame

handle

opening

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a n6n_-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control If your

engine does not operate properly due to

suspected carburetor problems, take your

lawn mower to an authorized service

center for repair and/or adjustment.

IMPORTANT; never tamper with the

engine governor, which is factory set for

proper engine speed° Overspeeding the

engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous, if you think the

engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact your nearest authorzed service center, which has proper

equipment and experience to make any

necessary adjustments.

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377220 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual