Craftsman 917.377300 User Manual

AIRS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377300 OWNER'SMANUAL

* Assembly

- Operation

Customer

Responsibilities

®Service

- Adjustments

- Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

156619 REV. 1 11.15.96 VBL Printed in U.S.A.

I III

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers &

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJEGTS_

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manuai 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 it has been dropped or damaged in
any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments thatare not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine isrunning.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof

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 running orwhen the engine is hot.

Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine,

• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your
mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being
cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep afirm hold

on the handles and walk,

° Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep

clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using
your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.

o Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

attow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repaidng your mowe r,stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving

parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and

keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object.
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-

age before restarting and operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the

engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do notoperate your mower ifit vibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repairas required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-

ous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow

across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might
Ioseyourfooting. Donotmowexcessivelysteepslopes. Use

caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good footing.

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

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be

sure they are tightened properly.

° Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for

proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.

• Keep atl 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 on|y replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the

manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

• AIIow 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.

portant safety precautions. It means
Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTION!t! BECOMEALERTtH YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ii ii i III,IIIIIIHIIIIIII i iii iiiiiiii

i _ CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
I _JL plug wire and place wire where it can-

I _ not contact spark plug in order to pre-
I U vent accidental starting when setting

! up, transporting, adjusting or making

I repairs. .......

IIIII I II I Jllllllll IIIII III IIII

A WARNING A

The engine exhaust from this product con-

tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized

Service Center/Department. We have competent, wefl-

trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this _awn 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 9! 7.377300

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BEFOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE

LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6.6
DISPLACEMENT: 12,56CU. tN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR ONLY
OIL TYPE (API-SFiSG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS.
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM

GAP: ,030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: _NTAKE: _008"

EXHAUST: .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Fo_Iowa regular schedute in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.

- Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two 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 wii! repair free of charge any

detect in material or workmanship,

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from

the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

- Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark plug.

- Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE tS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE 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 may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA. HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............ . ............................................... 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSmBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6

OPERATION .................................................................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... t2

INDEX

A

Accessories .................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor ............................ 16

Drive Bett ............................... 15

Engine Speed ........................ 16

Handle Height ........................ 16

Height of Cut ............................ 9

Air Filter:

Replacement ........................ 14

Service ................................... 14

Assembly ........................................ 6

B

Blade:

Sharpening ............................ 13

Replacement ......................... 13

C

Controls:

Drive Contro ............................ 8

Engine Zone Controi ................ 8

Engine Speed Control ............. 8

Operator Presence

Control Bar .............................. 8

Customer Responsibilities... 3, 12-14

Air Filter ................................. 14

Blade Care/Replacement ...... 13

Drive Wheels. ........................ 13

Engine ................................... 14

Lubrication ............................. 14

Spark Plug ............................. 14

Cutting Levels ................................ 9

Engine:

Air Fitter ................................ 14

Oil Change ............................ 14

Oi! Level ................................ 14

Oil Type ................................ 14

Starting ................................. 10

Stopping ............................... 10

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

Fuel:

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 ................................... t2

Storage .................................. t6

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. t5

STORAGE ................................................................... 17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. t9

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 20-24

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 26-28

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 30

E

F

H

L

M

O

Oserat_on:

Drive Control ............................ 9

Engine Control ......................... 9

Grass Catcher ......................... 9

Mower ...................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar .............................. 9

Options:

Accessories ............................. 5

R

Repair Parts:

Engine .............................. 24_28

Lawn Mower ..................... 20-23

Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 12-14

S

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

Service and Adjustments ............. 15

Carburetor ............................. ! 6

Drive Belt .................................

Engine Speed ........................ 16

Handle ................................... 16

Spark Plug .................................... 14

Specifications ................................. 3

Speed Control:

Engine ..................................... 8

Starting the Engine ....................... 10

Stopping the Engine .................... 10

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

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 19

W

Warranty ......................................... 3

.................... L ................................... __ .........

LAWN M ACC IES

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn
mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

_ = ......

MULCHER KiTS

STABILIZER

\

\

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

@

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BLADES

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

WHEELS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

MBLY

Read these instructions and this manuat in 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 shiDoing purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the parts bag, To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you

assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct

tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

= Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat,

" Remove atl 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.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

. Raise handles untii lower handle section locks into

olace in mowing oosition.

• 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 ae used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place,

• You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor,

,, To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug

into discharge opening of mower.

MULCHER

FIG. 2

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 propped open.

OPERATOR PRESENCE _ ^ _,
CONTROL BAR _ ._¢_) Y/'_,>. -.

//// UFT UP ,_' /I/

__"/ _ _,_.. ,--

LOWER HANDLE

FIG. 1

;EMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

o 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.
= Whet" frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,

immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag
as shown in inset.

o Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until

both ends of frame are exposed out of the front Open-
ing.

* AssembJe lower frame to tubular frame as shown, Be

sure handle _s outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown in inset.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them ',nwarm

water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, tet it dry before

using.

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

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

LOWER

J FRAME

(Frames must
be fully seated)

TUBULAR

FRAME /

FIG. 3B

LOWER FRAME HANDLE /

\

FIG. 3C

HINGE "-- -_=_'_"

BRACKET GRASS

/

CATCHER

FRAME

/

/

SEWN HEM

FORMED
TABS

FiG. 4

\

FLIP LID

FiG, 3A

7

OPERATION

-.- ................ -

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the

illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference,

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature 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

/

MULCHER PLUG GASOLINE CAP

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE KNOB

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

/

/

COVER

/

PRIMER

WHEEL ADJUSTER

(ON EACH WHEEL)

\ HOUSING

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the

engine,

PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine,

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-

pelled forwarc 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,

OPERATION

_e operation of any lawn-"-'_mowe----_canresult in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which ca___

_' ___._._ _ result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your
_ lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

[..__..__ mask over the spectacles Or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

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 (See Fig. 5)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the

side of the engine. High (4it) position is for starting the

engine, norma cutting, and better grass bagging, Low

(,,_ml)position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this

fawn mower in order to minimize the

risk of blade contact injury. Do not
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function ofthe operator con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is

running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the Iawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

LOWER WH EELS PLATE TAB
FOR HIGH CUT

LEVER

RAISE WHEELS
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 remove the grass catcher by the

handle.

= Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause

unnecessary wear.

.// ._

........... __._.__..__

FlG. 5

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig, 6)

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

• Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium 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 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.

FIG. 7

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)

. Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator

presence control bar down to the handle and pushing

the drive control lever forward until it clicks: then

release the lever.

Forward motion will stop when the operator presence
control bar is released. To stop forwara motion without

stopping engine, release the operator presence control
bar slightly until the drive control d sengages. Hold

operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.

To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground

while turning lawn mower.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

X_\ CONTROL BAR

o.,w

TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL DI__.EN_GED=

FIG. 8