Craftsman 917377250 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.377250 OWNER'S MANUAL
o Assembly
o Operation
o Customer
Responsibilities
Service
Adjustments
o Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
156526 01.11,97 VBL
Printed in U,S.A,
llllli
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 M1NIMIZE THE RiSK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT tS
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 propedy.
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 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 use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. 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 runningor when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before tiltingthe
gastank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engme_
• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower_ Never attempt to do this while the engine isrunntng.
• 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 reave 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 lt.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairingyour mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and alt moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plugwire and
keep it away from the spark ptug 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 resulL
* Do not operate your mower tfit vibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.
o 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 siopes, 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 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 botts 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 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 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 fuet 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
CAUTIONIt! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
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ii, i , iiiiiiii1,11,11,111111 !11 ii iiiii
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
_1) 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
,11111111=11=1=11=
= i, i,=1=1=11 i1=11,=1
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains ctiemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
i1,1iiii, ii ,11, iii i iiiiiii
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, welt-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower°
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly, Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",
MODEL
NUMBER 917_377250
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE..
PRODUCT SPECUFaCATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 4,5
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5CU IN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS,.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJt9LM
(GAP: .030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: 008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: O125 IN,
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT LBS.
C__
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product, Contact your nearest Sears store for details
CUSTOMER RESPONSglBgUTUES
,, Read and observe the safety rules.
o 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
LIMgTED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any
defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase°
This Warranty does not cover:
= Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug.
= Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the ownel% manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT tN 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 CO,., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
............................. i,, i i i,,mNi,i i i
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 11-13
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
iNDEX
A
Accessories ..................................... 5 Engine:
Adjustments:
Carburetor .............................. 15
Drive Belt .................................. !4
Engine Speed ........................ 15
Handle Height ........................ 15
Height of Cut ............................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ......................... 13
Service .................................... 13
Assembly ......................................... 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................. 12
Replacement ......................... 12
C
ControIs:
Engine Zone Control ................ 9
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator' Presence
Control Bar .............................. 8
Customer Responsibilities., 3, 11-13
Air Filter ................................. 13
Blade Care/Replacement ...... t2
Drive Wheels ......................... 12
Engine ................................... 13
Lubrication ............................. I3
Spark Plug ............................. 13
Cutting Levels ................................ 9
Air Filter .................................... 13
Oil Change .................................13
Oil Level ................................... 13
Oil Type ................................... 13
Starting .................................... 10
Stopping ................................. 10
Storage .................................... 16
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage ................................... 16
Type ......................................... 10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 6
Cutting Height ..............................15
Lubrication:
Engine .................................... 13
Lawn Mower ........................... 11
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................. 1t
Mowing Tips .................................. 10
Oit:
Engine .................................... 13
Storage .................................... 16
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................................14
STORAGE ................................................................... 16
TROUBLESHOOTING ................ ................................. 17
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-21
REPAIR PARTS- ENGINE .................................... 22-24
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 26
E
Operation:
Drive Control .....................................9
Engine Control ............................ 9
Grass Catcher' o....._......................9
Mower ........................................ 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar ...................................9
Options:
Accessories ....................................5
F
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ...................................22-24
Lawn Mower'. ...................... t8-21
H
Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 11-13
S
Safety Rules ....................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ............. 14
L
M
0
Carburetor _............................ 15
Drive Belt ............................... 14
Engine Speed .......................... 15
Handle .................................... 15
Spark Plug ........................................ 13
Specifications ................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ........................................ 9
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ...................... 10
Sto rage ............................................. ! 6
T
Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 17
W
Warranty .......................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
..... i,i ..... ilqll _ ..... _, ,,, , .................................. .... ........... ,11
These accessories were avaiiable 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 iawn mower°
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
BELTS BLADES
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
........... i =,,,= ,,,,mH ¸
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manual ir_ its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.. 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,
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with mower.
• Cut down two end comers of carton and tay end panel
down fiat,,
° 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 thor-
oughly for additional loose parts,
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position,,
• Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding 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 ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
, Open rear door and remove mulcher plugo Store
muicher plug in a safe place.
, You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor_
o To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
MULCHER PLATE
,,i, =,=
,i, ,,,=1 ,i H,=,,I' ,=, =,,= i,,
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or prepped open.
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
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