Craftsman 917377301 Owner’s Manual
CRaFT XMRN°
MODEL 917.377301 OWNER'S MANUAL
• Assembly
• Operation
, Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
• Adjustments
• Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
159798 REV.1 04.01.97 VBL Printed in U.S,A.,
iii1I
IIII'II!!11'1'111II '111
& SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECT_
PAiLURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATP
SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT I.
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENC,
CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRAINING:
" Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mowen Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions+
• Keep the area of operation clear of atl persons, especially
small children and pets.
• Use mower onty 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 running orwhen the engine ishot.
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 lighL
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.
• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.
• Before cleaning; inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
• Do not continue to run your mower ifyou hit aforeign objec
Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dan"
age before restarting and operating you mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed thq
engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormaliy. Exces
sire vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine
safely check for the cause ofvibration and repair as required
° Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger
OUS.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mo_
across the face of slopes, never up and down oryou migh
toseyourfooting. Donot mowexcessivelysteepslopes. Us(
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwher
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 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.
° Atlow 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.
ii .i . iii ii lu. i ! ii n
J _ Look for this symbol to point out im-
I A JL portant safety precautions. It means
I _ CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
&
m i ,i 1,1,1 iii ......................
I_,,T,._,,IIII. iii IH_I,'I,U
SAFETY IS INVOLVED
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
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
repairs,
& WARNING &
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Calimr-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
i ,,,i,,wlllll iii
s
H,u
iiiiiii Hi iii
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, welF
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions wi]i
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.377301
SERIAL
NUMBER
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 6,6
DISPLACEMENT: I2.56 CLL IN,
GASOUNE CAPACITY t.5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR ONLY
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: ,030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE FOUND
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,
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
, 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.
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 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:
Experid_te items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower btades, 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 IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.
This Warranty gives you specific 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
iNDEX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A
Accessories ................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ............................ !6
Drive Belt ............................... 15
Engine Speed ........................ I6
Handle Height ........................ 16
Height of Cut ............................ 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ......................... 14
Service ................................... 14
Assembly ........................................ 6
B
Blade:
Sharpening ............................ 13
Replacement ......................... 13
O
Controls:
Drive Control ............................ 8
Engine Zone Control ................ 8
Engine Speed Control ............. 8
Operator Presence
Control Bar .............................. 8
Customer Responsibilities.. 3, 12-14
Air Filter ................................. t 4
Blade Care/Replacement ...... 13
Drive Wheels ......................... 13
Engine ................................... 14
Lubrication ............................ 14
Spark Plug ............................. 14
Cutting Levels ................................ 9
E
Engine:
Air Filter ................................. 14
Oil Change ............................. 14
Oi! Level ................................. t4
Oit Type ................................ 14
Starting .................................. 10
Stopping ................................ 10
Storage .................................. 16
F
Fuel:
Capacity ................................... 3
Storage .................................. 16
Type ....................................... 10
H
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly ................................. 6
Cutting Height ........................ 16
L
Lubrication:
Engine ................................... 14
Lawn Mower .......................... 12
M
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................. '12
Mowing Tips .................................. 10
O
Oil:
Engine ................................... 12
Storage .................................. ! 6
Operation:
Drive Control ............................ 9
Engine Control ........................... 9
Grass Catcher ......................... 9
Mower ...................................... 9
Operator Presence
Control Bar .............................. 9
Options:
Accessories ............................. 5
R
Repair Parts:
Engine .............................. 24-28
Lawn Mower. .................... 20-23
Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 12-I4
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ............. 15
Carburetor ............................. 16
Drive Belt ............................... t5
Engine Speed ........................ 16
Handle ................................... 16
Spark Plug .................................... 14
Specifications ................................. 3
Speed Control:
Engine ..................................... 8
Starting the Engine ....................... 10
Stopping the Engine ..................... 10
Storage ......................................... 16
!"
"Trouble Shooting Cha_t ................ 19
W
Warranty ......................................... 3
LAWN OWER ACCESSORIES
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
BELTS
BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
GRASS CATCHERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
FOR
WHEELS
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OiL
5
ASS LY
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new tawn
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 corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat,
, Remove all packing matefiats except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding opera[or
presence control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor°
eughiy 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 until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
, Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec_
tien into place on lower handle 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 sect}on 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 plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place.
You carl now install catcher or optionat clipping deflec-
tor.
, To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mowen
MULCHER PLUG
F_Go2
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
witt)out mutcher plug #'_p}ace or ap-.
catcher in place, Never attempt to o13-
proved clipping deflector or grass
erate the fawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
OPERATOR PRESENCE --":'_ " b,,
CONTROL BAR _- _._) ._-.
PPER.ANOLE // }h
LIFT UP _//// _1" /7 I/
_iP- _ |y;..'%,//
l .s&++_.2#..._../
//// LIFT UP //" iy
Xt& ,h. _ "-_,Y
.ow,°o.o..,o°
LOWER HANDLE
FiG, 1
•
ASSEMBLY
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.
, When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately work the end offrame 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.
• Assemble tower frame to tubular frame as shown: Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully
seated as shown Jninset.
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindirTgs are too stiff, hold them in warm
water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.
• CIosetheflip 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 brackeL
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is towered onto the grass
catcher frame.
TUBULAR
FRAME
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
/
FiG, 3B
FtG, 3C
LOWER
FRAME
be fully seated)
(Frames rnust
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
SEWN HEM
FIG. 3A
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
FiG. 4
FLIP LID
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
OR WARNING ON OFF
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASSCATCHER
FUEL
HANDLE KNOB
ENGINE OIL CAP W/DiPSTICK
OIL DANGER KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
OPERATORPRESENCE CONTROL, BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
DRWECOVER
MULCHERPLUG GASOLt_
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
PRIMER \_ HOUSING
WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH 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 U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade terns 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 opumps additional fuel from the carburetor tOthe
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.
DRiiVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelled forward motion of tawn mower,
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which al!ows you to select either fas[ (_'_) or slow
(_) engine speed.
MULCHER PLUG- must be removed to convert to bagging
or discharging operation.
8
OPERATION
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your
lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs, We recommend a wide vision safety
mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without muicher 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 (4) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Low
(_) position is for lightcutting, 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 the operator con-
trol. The b_ade 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 lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT
RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT
PLATE TAB
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.
ENGINE SPEED
CONTR, PRIMER
FIG, 5
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)
• Raise wheels for lowcut and lowerwheels 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,
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 forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control
bar slightly until the drive control disengages. 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
_, \ CONTROL BAR
, ! \
),
TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
9 FIG. 8
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