Craftsman 917377282 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.0 HOR EPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377282

Safety Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

, EspaSol o Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Warranty _. 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13 Assembly 4 Storage 14

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15

Maintenance ScheduLe t0 Repair Parts 32 MaMtenance 10 Parts Ordering BackCover

LIMITED 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 wilt 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 ptugo

- Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con- tained in the owner's manual

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest sears service center/department in the unffed 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, ROEBUCKAND CO.., [3/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

Read. this operator's manual carefully.. Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower

properly. Leam how to quickly stop

mower.

. Do not allow children to use your mowen

Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions..

- Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,, especially small children and

pets.

. Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this manual

. Do not operate mower if it has been

dropped or damaged in any manner.

Always have damage repaired before

using your mower°

o De not use accessory attachments that

are not recommended by the manufac.

turer.o Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

The blade turns when the engine is

running_

PREPARATION:

o Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects° These objects wilf be thrown by the blade

and can cause severe injury.

,, AlWays wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using

your mower.

o 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 runnin_ or when the engine is

hot..Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean

offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe

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 pads, Keep clear of the discharge

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 areas.

o Never direct discharge of matedal toward

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

° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing

your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving

parts have stopped,. "]"hen 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 objecL Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage

before restarting and operating your mower.

o Do not change the governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,

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

o Do not run the engine indoors_Exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

o Never cut grass by puIling the mower

towards your Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow exces- sively steep slopes,, Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions - maintain

good footing..

° Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catchei Or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing bolts often to be sure they are tightened properly,.

o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at

frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working condition°

,, Keep all safety devices in place and

working.

° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil..

,, Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tion and wear and replace worn bags.

Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your mower..

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..

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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced°Theyarealso availableatmostSearsretailoutletsandServicecenters,MostSearsstorescanalsoorder

repairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidetilemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someofthese accessoriesmaynotapplytoyour'lawnmower.

LAWNMOWERPERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

-FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower. 'four new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with

the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping pu_oses_ 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 operalion of your

lawn mower, all parts and hardware you

assemble must be lightened securely Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper

tightness. TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.. o Cut down two end comets 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..

MULCHER KiTS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE D{SCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AiR FILTERS

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

- Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS NOT' TO PINCH OR

DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

• Raise handles until lower handle seclion locks into place in mowing position

• Remove prote_ve padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs_

. Remove hand!e padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper Ilandteo

o Your lawn mower handle cad be adjusted

for your mowing comfort,, Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the real wheels on your lawn mower are not adjusted

to the same position as the front wheels.. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to

the same cutting height position. Operator presence control bar

Upper

- Mowing P0sitioh

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower Was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher, To Convert to bagging or discharging:.

o Open rear door i_nd remove mulcher plug.

Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now inst_l catcher or optional clipping deflector.

_, To return to mulching oPerat!on, install

mulcher p!ug into discharge opening of mower.. ;

Lower handle

':,: Mucher plug

CAUTION: DO not run youi" fawn mower

.withou[ m01cher plug in plb,ce Or approved. :_!ippiiig deflector Or.grass catcher in place,

NeVer atLempt to operate the lawn rfl0wer with. the rear door removed or propped

open.

KNOW' YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare .the illustrations witll your iawn mower to familiarize yourself

with the location of various controls and adjustments,, Save _his manual for future

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE -:ENGINE FAST SL,O'_,_'4 CHOKE

OR WARNING ON , ,. OFF

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

G rass

Mulcher plug

Gasoline filler cap

FUE!_, OLL{i: DANGER, KEEP HANDS

" " .AND FF.ET AWAY

operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w!dipstick

Housing

Engine speed control

Primer

Drive cover

Wheel adjuster (on ever,/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 [J.S_ Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion. The blade turns when the engine is runnlng.

Operator presence control bar - must be hetd down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuet from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine. Starter hand|e., used for starting the

engine.

Drive cont[ol lever - used to engage power-propelled ronsard motion of lawn

mower,,

Engine speed control - located on the side of the engine which aIFows you to select either fast or slow engine speed.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to

convert to bagging or discharging opera-

tion.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plate in place and door

closed or without an approved clipping deflector or grasscatcher in place Never

attempt to operate the lawn mower With the rear door removed or propped open_

ENGINE SPEED

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. Slow

position is for Light cutting, trimming and

fuel economy.

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 tile operator control The blade turns when the eng!ne is running.

• Your' lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate lab

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

,, Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower.

o Lift the rear door on the mower housing

and place the grass catcher frame onto

the formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• 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.

,,t,c.jjJ:_ear door

Hinge / Grass catcher bracket frame

TO ADJUST GUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut,

o Adjust cutting height to suit your

requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

° To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your require-

merits, 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.

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator presence control bar to stop engine°

,, Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emp-

tying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propellingiscontrolledbyholdingthe operatorpresencecontrolbardowntothe handleandpushingthedrivecontrollever

forwarduntilitclicks;thenreleasethedrive controllever.

,, 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 llandle to continu e mowing without self-

propelling,

- To keep dfrve control engaged when turning corners, pusl_ down on handle and lift front

wheels off ground while turning lawn

mower°

To engage disengaged drive control

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine°

. Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fill is clean.

. Remove engine oil cap wtdipstick and fill to

the full line on the dipstick

. Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil

to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual..

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill. o 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.

o Reinstall engine oil 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, dirb¢

conditions.

GAS ° Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, ciean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantflies that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness,.

Operator presence

control bar "\\

"%D,v.o D,ve

conlrot "" control

Drive control

IMPORTANT: When operating in

temperaturesbelow 320F(0°C), use fresh,

clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting

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 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 freshfuel next season See

Siorage 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 filler

neck, Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel, Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an

open flame,

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three (3)

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.

- Move engine speed control lever to fast position.

- 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.

Engine oil cap w/

Gasoline filler cap .._.I- dipstick

MOWING TIPS

o 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.

,, For extremely heavy cutting, reduce time

width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster

setting higher than the front for better discharge, of grass.

o For better grass bagging and most cutting

conditions, the engine speed should be set in,the fast pos[tion_

o When using a rear discharge lawn mower in

moist, heavy grass, dumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Rei::iuce

ground speed (puShing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the af_eaa.second

time. -.... :_-:

• If a trail of grass Clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge tawn mower, mow

in a clockwise direction with a.small overlap

to collect the clippings on th.e next pass.,

° Keep top of engine around Staffer clear and

clean of grass clippings and chaff_This wi!!

help engine air flow and extend engine life,

° 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 catchers off with water and let dry before using.

Max,, 1/3

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash_ See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE section ofthis manual.

. The special mulching blade wilt recut the

grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the

lawn they wil[ disperse into the grass and. not be noticed. Ais0, the mulched grass Will

biodegrade quickly to provide nutnents for

the lawn: Always mulch with your highest

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

,, Avoid cutting youl: lawn when it is weL Wet

grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulclhing action,. "The best time to mow your _lawn is the eady aftemo6n, At this

time the grass has dried and the newly cut

area wilt not be exposed Io the direct sun.

. Forbest results, adjiJst the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the !awn is overgrown it will be necessary

tOraise 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 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 tirstcut 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 matting and graining of the

lawno

I. V'

El Replace Air Filler Paper Cartridge V' 2

t - Chang_ moie often when operagng undor a heavy load or in high ambient tomperalums. 2 - Service more olton wlten operallng (n d_y _r dusty condElom_

3 * Replace blades mote often when mov,4ngin sandy salt. 4 -.Charge 48 hours a! 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

ful! value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this

manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season. . Once a year, replace the spark plug,

replace air filter' element and check blade for wear, A new spark plug and

clean!new air fleer element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your'

engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level,

• Check for loose fasteners,.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Rear door

(_ Handle bracket

mounting pin

(_) Spay lubricanle

Refer to CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES "ENGINE" section.

I[VtPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wlleel bearings. Viscous lubricants

wilt attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self lubricating bearings, if

you feel they must be lubricated, use only

a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

hinge

PRODUCT SPECmFRCATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377282 SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: &0 DISPLACEMENT: It.6 CUo IN_ GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6QUARTS

. UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SFiSG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OtL CAPACITY: 20 OZ& SPARK PL.UG(GAP: .,030") CHAMPION RJ19L

VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: _005" - .007"

EXHAUST_ .007"- .009" SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .010 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35..40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the

lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above,

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when

performing any maintenance.

TIRES

. Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, 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 sharpo 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 blade and

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

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

o Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise, Use a 9/16" box or opemend wrench.

o 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 properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE ° 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,

. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine_

° Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washei' into blade adapter and crankshaft.

• Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

bladebolt,turningclockwise.

. The recommendedtighteningtorqueis

35-40ft. Ibs..

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated,

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

is balanced. TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced.. An unbalanced blade will cause

eventuat damage to lawn mower or engine°

" The blade can be sharpened with a file

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

_, To check blade balance, drive a nait into

a beam or wall Leave abouf 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 f.tle blade moves downward, sharpen the

Crank-

Blade shaft

adapter keyway

bolt-.... X _.... "{_r_.:

"--.. _-::.3::*,'.--._1, "_'_:,, , Crank-

.... ./1 ...._,i't_¢,,j_ snar_

washer / Trailing Blacle

Lockwashe_r edge adapter

• Remove hubcaps, hairpin COtters and

: w&&14drs.

o Remove wheels from wheel adjusters, ° Remove any trash or grass cuttings from

inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive

wheel gear teeth.

° Put wheels back in place.

• if after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact your nearest :

authorized service center.

GEAR CASE

o To keep your drive system working

properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and flee

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 factoi-y, The only time the lubricant needs attention is if

service has been performed on the gear case,

o If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium t Grease, Part No,.

750355. Do not substitute. ENGINE LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API semvice classification SF, SG or SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according

to your expected operating temperature.

04 r_

¢O

"t'-

O")

ILl

..J

Izl

0 0

r¢ ill

heavy end until the blade is balanced,.

GRASS CATCHER o The grass catcher may be hosed witfl

water, but must be dry when used.

Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac o turer 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.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, IOW30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,

these multi-viscosity oits will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently 1o 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 nor.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. Tigh_ten oil plug .securely each time you check the oil level,

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drair_fuel tank by running e,ngine until fuel tank is empty.

t- 0

,, Disconnect spark plug wire from spad( plug

and place wire where it cannot come in

contaci with spark plug.

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

• 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 inside of engine..

o Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mowe( and

on side of engine.

o Fiti engine with oil Fill.only to the "FULL" line

on the dipstick., DO NOT overfill

. Replace engine oil.cap. _: , Reconnect Spark plug wir_to spark Plug.

' i;-I :___ ........ ...,Co tata.er

• ,.

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run property 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,

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

,, Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove. ,, Carefully remove cartridge,.

° CIean by gently tapping on a fiat

surface° If very did.y, replace cartridge or clean as follows: Wash in a low or non-

sudsing detergent and warm water

solution,, Rinse thoroughly with flowing

water from mesh side until water runs

clear. Let cartridge air dry thoroughly before using,,

CAUTION: Pet[oleurn solvents, such as

kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge, Do not use

pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

Back

Sfots

Cartridge Cover

plate

Cover tabs

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire: hazard, and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change youi:spark plugeachyeado make

your.. engipe start easier and run better. Set.

spark-plug gap at .030 inch:

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For bes( performance, keep mower housing Tree ofbuilt-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after

each use.

CAUTION: Disbonnect spark plug wire from spain, plug and place v¢irewhere it cannot

come _nc:ontact with the spark plug_

- 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 buildup of grass and fLrash.

. Clean engine often to keep trash from

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

o Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of

all gasoline, oil, etc,,

,, We do not recommend using a garden

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

carburetor are covered to keep waterout_

Water inengine 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 buildup of

trash or grass on underside of drive cover_

t 3

CAUTION; BEFOREPERFORMING

ANYSERVICEORADJUSTMENTS: o Releasecontroibar.

o .Makesurethebladeandallmoving

palls havecompletelystopped°

o Disconnectsparkplugwirefrom

sparkplugandplacewhereit cannot comein contactwithplug,

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUSTCU'FTINGHEIGHT

See"TOADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT*'in theOperationsectionofthis manuaL

REARDEFLECTOR Thereardeflector,attachedbetweenthe

rearwheelsofyourlawnmower,is :

provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be t.hrown out the rear of the:

lawn mower into the operator's mowing position, If the rear deflector becomes

damaged, it should be replaced.. TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

o Remove drive cover. Remove belt by

pusI_ing down on gear case pulley and

.rolling belt off it.

° Turn lawn mower on its side with

carburetor and fuel cap up.

° Remove blade. = Remove debris shield.

o 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,

,, To change from medium low to medium

high position, the upper and lower handle

sections will have to be turned over,

° Remove the cable clips, o Remove the controls and operator presence

control bar from the upper handle°

o Remove the starter rope guide from the

lower handle°

o Remove hairpin cotters,. o Disconnect the lower handle from the

handle brackets,.

o Turn the handle over and reassemble the

hairpin cotters that have been removed,

,, Reassemble the starter rope guide, o Reassemble the controls and the operator

presence control bar to the upper handle,

CAUTION: The operator' presence

control bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake engagement when control bar

is re_eased. Do not over tighten the fasteners holding the controls to the upper

handle, ,, To change from medium low to high

position onty the upper handle section will have to be turned over°

° To change from medium Iow to low

position, only the lower handle section

will have to be turned over.

Shipping position

Medium ]ow Medium high

Drive cover Belt

Push .t

down TO ADJUST HANDLE Your lawn mower handle can be raised or

lowered for your mowing comfort.. Four (4) positions are available: high, medium

high, medium low and low. Handles are shipped mounted in the medium Iow

position.

Low

High

Lower handle

Squeeze to remove

Handle bracket

Hairpin cotter

ENGINE

ENGINE SPEED

"four engine speed has been factory sol

Do not attempt to increase engine speed

or it may result in pelsonal 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

'four carburetor is not adjustable. If your

engine does not operate properiy 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 AUTHORIZED service center, which has proper

equipment and experience to make any

necessary adjustments.

immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more,

LAWN MOWER

When lawn mower is to be stored for a

period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etco Store in a clean, dry area. o Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEAN-

ING" in the Customer Responsibilities

section of this manual),

. Lubricate as shown in the Customer

Responsibilities section of this manual

° Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and

pins are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and

wear. Replace if necessary°

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting°

HANDLE You can fold your lawn mower handle for

storage. ° Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower

hand]e toward each other until the lower handle clears the handle bracket, then

move handle forward,

• Loosen upper handle mounting bolts

enough to allow upper handle to be folded back,

IMPORTANT_ When folding the handle

for storage or transportation; be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may

damage the control cables.

• When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle wilt

automatically lock into the mowing position Lower handle

Handle

racket

Squeeze to fold

Hairpin cotter

Operator presence conlrol bar

Upper Handle _-_y //_/

Fold forward __,/'_

lorsterago J

__! iA" Fold

.: ....... :. j,.k"7

__; t'\ backward

__ Mowing

Lower handle position

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377282 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual