Craftsman 917377260 Owner’s Manual
/:IN°
DEL N BER 917.377260
Assembly
Operation
Customer
Responsibilities
oService
OWNER'S MANUAL
=Adjustments
. Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
156495 REV, 2 11.6,96 VBL Printed in U,SoA.
_' ' _ " .... i| ii ......
& SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATfNG 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,
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
TRAINING:
• Reed thisoperator'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 de-
scribed in this manual°
• Do not operate mower If ithas been dropped or damaged in
any manner, Always have damage repaired before using
your mower,
• Do not useaccessory attachmentsthatarenotrecommended
by the manufacturer, Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
• The bladeturnswhentheengine _srunning
PREPARATION:
, Always thoroughly check thearea 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_
o Check fuel tank before starting engine., Do not fill gas tank
indoors,when the engine isrunning orwhen theengine is hot.
Allow the engine tocool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank., Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine,.
= Always make wheel heightadjustments before starting your
mower, Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.
,_ Mow only in daylight or good artificial iight.
OPERATION:
o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut. Do not let other interestsdistract you_
,' Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure ofyour footing- keep a firm hold
on the handles and walk.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotatingparts. 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
a_lowanyone near the mower while you are operating it.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairingyour mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect thespark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
, Do not continueto run your mower if you hit aforeign 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 orpersonal injury may result.
. Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally,. Exces_
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely checkfor the cause of vibration and repair as required.
• Do not runthe 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 oryou might
ioseyourfooting, Donotmowexcessive]ysteepslopes Use
cautionwhen operating the moweronuneven terrain orwhen
changingdirections - maintain good footing,
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or othersafety devices in place
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be
sure they are tightened properly,
° Check all botts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for
proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condF
lion,,
• Keep all safety devices in place and working.
° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and o_1
° Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
reptace 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 bui]dlng
where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignitionsource
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc,.
i L L' ' nllu' I I ' I ll'H'lm
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions, it means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT_!I YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
plug wire and place wire where it can- !
not contact spark plug in order to pro- I
ii ,.................
vent accidental starting when setting !
up, transporting, adjusting or making !
................rep airs. , ,I
& WARNING &
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.
i
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower.. tt has been designed, engineered and manufao _
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance°
Should you experience any pr0biem you cannot easily
remedy, .please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service CentedDepanmenL 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_'L
MODEL
NUMBER 917.377260
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND K4EEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE_;%
PRODUCT SPEClIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 6
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINECAPACITY
ANDTYPE:
OILTYPE(API-SF/SG): SAE30 (ABOVE32;'F)
OIL CAPAC ITY: 20 OZS,
SPARK RLUG: CHAMPION J19LM, RJ19LM
(GAP: ,030") STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: iNTAKE: 005"
SOLIDSTATEIGNITION
AIR GAP: .0t0 IN.
BLADEBOLTTORQUE: 35-40FT LBS..
115 cu_ iN
1,6QUARTS
UNLEADEDREGULAR
SAE5W-30(below 32_F)
EXHAUST: ,007"
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is availabte on this product Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBgLITIES
o Read and observe the safety rules..
• Follow a regular scheduie in maintaining, caring for and using your Iawn mower
. Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibifities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's- manual
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For iwo years from date of pumhase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned u{o
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wili repair free of charge any
defect in material or worl{manshiF
ff 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, biade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug
° Repairs necessary because of operator abuse Ornegl gence, nciuding 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 ]'HE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE 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 rfiay also have other rights which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO,, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
3
"TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ........... ;....................................... ......... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ............... _...................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-.14
WARRANTY ....._............................................................. 3
OPERATION ...........,....................................................... 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .;.................................... 12
NDE×
A
Accessories ..................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ............................... 16
Drive BeEt...........................................15
Engine Speed ........................ t6
Handle Height ........................................16
Height of Cut ............................. 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ........................................! 4
Service ....................................,.... 14
Assembly ...................._...................................6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ........................;............13
Replacement ...................................t 3
C
Controls:
Drive Control .............................. 8
Engine Zone Control ................. 8
Engine Speed Control .............. 8
Operator Presence
control Bar :........................................8
Customer Responsibilities.,.,. 3, 12-14
Air Filter' ....................................14
Blade CarelReplacement ...........! 3
Drive Wheels .............................13
Engine ..................................................14
Lubrication .......................................t4
Spark Plug .......................;........ 14
Cutting Levels ...............................................9
,Engine:
Air Filter .....................................14
Oil Change ........:..........,....................14
Oii Level .................................. 14
Oil Type ........................................14
Starting ......................................10
Stopping ............................................10
Storage .....................................16
Fueli
Capacity .........................................3
Storage ........................................................16
Type_..........................:.............................10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ...........................................6
Cutting Height .....................................16
Lubrication:
Engine ........................................................14
Lawn Mower ..............................12
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ..........................12
Mowing Tips ......................................10
Oil:
Engine ............................................12
Storage ....................................................16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .................................. 15
STORAGE ....................... ............................................. 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ........ ......................................... 18
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ........... ,............ 19-23
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 24-29
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ....... ,............................. 3(3
E
F
H
L
O
Operation:
Drive Control ....................................9
Engine Control ........................... 9
Grass Catcher ..............................9
Mower ...............................................9
Operator Presence
Control Bar ...................................9
Options:
Accessories ..............................................5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine., ................................24-29
Lawn Mower ..........................t9-23
Responsibilities, Customer._ 3, 12-14
E
S
Safety Rules ,:............................:........................2
Serv!ce and Adjustments ............. 15
Carburetor .........................................16
Drive Belt ,,,:,"........................... 15
Engine Speed ..................................16
Handle ...............................................16
Spark Plug ................................;..............14
Specifications ,_,,_...........................................3
Speed Control:
Engine .........................................................8
Starting the Engine ..........................10
Stopping the Engine ........................t0
Storage ......................:.........................16
T
Trouble Shooting Chart .....................18
W
Warranty .................................................3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced They are atso 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 Iawn
mower, Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS cATCHERS
\
REAR DISCHARGE
FOR
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MADNTENANCE
i
MUFFLERS
BLADES
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS
WHEELS .
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
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 hasbeen assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping [burposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the paAs 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 looseparts includedwith mower.,
= Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end pafiel
down flat.
o Remove al! packing materials except padding between
upperand lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle,
° Roll fawn 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
ptace 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°
o Your lawn mower handle dan be adjusted for your
mowing comfort, Refer to "Adjust Hand]e" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual
TO INSTALL ATTACHIVlENTS
(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 plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place.
o You can now installcatcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor,,
• To return to mulching operation, install muicher plug
into discharge opening of mower_
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
MULCHERPLUG
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or ap-
catcher in place; Never attempt to op-
proved clipping deflector or grass
erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
6
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
• Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of
grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag
NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubular frame
o When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediatelywork the end of frame down inside the bag
as shown in inset.
° Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until
both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-
ing
o Assemble iowerframe to tubular frame as shown Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown in inset
o Slip vinyl bindings over frame
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too sliff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dr/before
using.
- Close the flip lid. Flip lid must beclosed while operating
lawn mower
; Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge brackeL
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mowe?
housing when'the rear door is Iowe_'edonto the grass
catcher frame
"_--'_- LOWER
-_ .__," _* I _ // II (Franiesmust
TUBULAR /// k _/
/ FRAME // "_-,,,_..,j"
FIG. 3B
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
FIG. 3C
without clipping deflector or approved
_ AUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
TUBULAR FRAME
SEWN HEM
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
FLIP LID
FIG. 3A
REAR DOOR
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
FORMED
TABS
FIG: 4
7
OPERATOON
KNOWYOUR 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 vadous controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
t I
These symbels may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand
their 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
GASOLINE CAP
MULCHER PLUG
ENG!NE
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
HANDLE KNOB
ENGINE oIL CAP WIDIPSTICK
'DRIVE COVER
/
PRIMER HOUSING
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards ofthe 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 he{d
down to the handle to start the engine., Release to stop the
engine°
PRIMER - pumps additionat fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engir_e,
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.,
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
peffed forwp.rd motion of lawn mower
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to select either fast (,_) or slow
(-_) engine Speed
MULCHER PLUG - must be removed to convert to bagging
or discharging operation,
8
.
_ result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shie{ds While operating your
lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can !
mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses,
E
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN i OWER
CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
deflector or grasscatcher in place.
closed or without an approved ciipping
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig, 5)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on tl_e
side of the engine,, Fast (_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging. Slow
(=_) position isforlight cutting, trimming andfuel economy.,
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
risk of blade contact injury. Do not
lawn mower in Order to minimize the
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the operator con-
";troL3".heb|ade turns when the engine is
running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operatorpres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the l_wn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower,
EHG_NE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
FIG. 5
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
o Raise wheels for lowcut and Jowerwheels forhigh cut
= Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements° Me-
dium position is best for most lawns,
o To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure a{I wheels are in the same
setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab
inserts into hole in lever.. Also, 9-position adjusters (if sb
qbUspped)allow lever to be positioned between the plate
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH OUT
RA,SE
FOR LOW CUT
FIG, 6
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)
= To remove grass catcher, release operator presence
control bar to stop engine,
Lift up rear door and removethe grass catcher by the
handle,
. Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear,
FIG, 7
DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
o Self..DroDetlina,is controlled by holding the operator
presence c0nt-rotbar down to the handle and pushing
the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the fever.,
o Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar isreleased, To stop forward motion without
stoppingengine, release theoperator presence control
bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without se!f-propelling
o 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
TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL p!,SENGAGED
FIG, 8
9
LEVER
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