Craftsman 917377332 Owner’s Manual
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.377332
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
OWNER'S MANUAL
oAdjustments
Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
!61309 06°30°97 VBL Printed in U,S_A. "
_hb Safe Oper_tioh-P_.a-ctices _for-W_ll(,Beh ind
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING 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°
SAFETY RULES Mowers
TRAINING:
o Readthisoperator's manualcarefully°Becomefamiliar with
thecontrolsand know howtooperateyour mowerproperly.
Learnhow toquicklystopmower.
,, Donotallowchildrentouse your mower_Neverallowadults
to usemowerwithoutproperinstructions._
• Keep the area of operationclear of all persons,especially
small childrenand pets.
° Use mower only as the manufacturer intendedand as de-
scribed in thismanual
= 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 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 tighL
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyesand mind onyour mower and thearea being
cut. Do not let otherinterestsdistract you.
= Donotmowwetorslipperygrass_Neverrunwhileoperating
• 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 mowen
• 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_ Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as 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
lose your footing Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
changing directions - maintain good footing
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,
grass catcher or other safety devices in place..
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
° Check the blade and the engine mounting 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.
° 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°
............................ I I Illll I! II _l'll'"ll'l _ : : I/
portant safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONf!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
Look for this symbol to point out im-
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
your mower.Alwaysbesureofyourfooting- keepa firmhold
on the handlesand walk,
° Do not put hands orfeet near or underrotatingparts_Keep
clear ofthedischargeopeningat alltimes.
• Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou leaveorare notusing
your mower,orbeforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,and
any gravel-covered areas.
° Never direct dischargeof materialtoward bystandersnor
.... :/i .......
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
I _ CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, .............
allow anyonenear themowerwhileyouare operatingit,
• Beforecleaning,inspecting,orrepairingyour mower,stopthe
A WARNING A
engineand make absolutelysure the blade and all moving
partshavestopped° Then disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting,
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains cl_emicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
................ iill
I
2
CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower_ It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Shoufd you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department.. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower,
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.377332
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFaCATtONS
HORSEPOWER: 6.25
DISPLACEMENT: 1256 CU. I11.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR ONLY
OILTYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJtgLM
(GAP: 030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004" - 008"
EXHAUST: 004"- 008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0t25 1N
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 RESPONSIBIUT ES
• 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:
o 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 1SAVAILABLE 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 STATE&
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/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, IL 60684
3
PRO ;,,CT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUS .. ,VIERRESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,12-15
WAI' :, ,NTY .................................................................. 3
ASS ' .BLY ................................................................... 6
OPE :.TION .................................................................. 8
iN ;2X•
A
Adju_
Air F
Ass
Blade:
Contro!s:
Customer Responsioilities ......3,12-15
Cutting Levels .................................. 9
Jnts:
(
,uretor ............................... 17
i
Control ................................16
._eSpeed ................................17
'le Height .................................I7
_tof Cut ...................................9
_cement ................................15
_ce........................................15
:,ly ................................................6
B
Sh rpening ...................................13
ReiJlacement .............................13
C
Drive Control .......................................8
Engine Zone Control .......................8
En,]ine Speed Control .................8
Operator Presence Control Bar 8
Air Filter. ...........................................15
Blade Care!Replacement ...... 13
Drive Wheels ............................. 14
Engine ............................................t 5
Lubrication ................................ t5
Spark Plug ............................... 15
Engine:
Air Filter .........................................! 5
Oil Change ................................. 15
Oil Level .........................................15
Oil Type ..................................... 15
Starting .........................................10
Stopping ........................................10
Storage .......................................18
Fuel:
Capacity .........................................3
Storage ...................................... 18
Type .................................................10
Handle Adjustment:
Assembly .................................... 6
Cutting Height ........................... 17
Lubrication:
Engine ...................................... 15
Lawn Mower ........................... 12
Maintenance Agreement ................ 3
Maintenance Schedule ................... 12
Mowing Tips .......................................11
Oil:
Engine ....................................... 15
Storage ...................................... 18
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 12
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS."_,o_"_,o ........_o_......... 16
STORAGE ..................................................................... 18
REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER ......................... 19"o23
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 24_26
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................... 27
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 28
E
F
Operation:
Drive Control .......................................I0
Engine Control ............................. 9
Grass Catcher. ............................9
Mower ........................................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar9
R
Repair Parts:
Engine ...................................24-26
Lawn Mower ...........................I9-23
Responsibilities, Custorne[ .....3,12-15
S
Safety Rules ............................................2
H
L
M
Service and Adjustments .............. 16
Carburetor. ................................ 17
Drive Belt ................................... 16
Drive Control ...............................17
Engine Speed .................................17
Handle ..........................................17
Spark Plug ...........................................15
Specifications .........................................3
Speed ControL:
Engine ..............................................17
Starting the Engine ...........................10
Stopping the Engine .........................10
Storage ..................................................18
T
Trouble Shooting Chart .................. 27
O
W
Warranty .............................................. 3
4
LAW MOWER ACCESSO 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
_J
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
,i , i ii Jill,iL ill, ii ,,,i ll,i ii ,,i ll,,_l:l
o
BELTS BLADES
S
i
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
/
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
5
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions and this manua! 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 shipping purposes_ To ensure safe and proper opera-
tion of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete
the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with mower_
o Cut down two end corner's of carton and lay end
panel down flat.
° Remove all packing materials except padding be-
tween upper and lower handle and padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1A & 1B)
IIMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES
° Raise lower handle section to operating position and
squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards
each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment holes.
o Remove protective padding, raise upper' handle sec-
tion to operating position and tighten handle knobs
securely.
, Remove any packing material from around control bar..
, Your handles may be adjusted for your' mowing com-
fort, Refer to Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear' 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.
OPERATORPRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER HANDLE
HANDLE
PIN
MOWING POSITION
FIG. 1A
,3-POSI_ON
HANDLE
ADJUSTMENT
BRACKET
J
FIG. 1B
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mutcher. 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-
toro
• To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower.
MULCHER PLUG'
FIG. 2
ii i,,,,ll , i,, ,,,,,,,111, 1'Ill.............
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.
6
ASSEMBLY
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,
. 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,,
o Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown,, Be
sure handle is 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 in warm
water for a few minutes, If bag gets wet, let itdry 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,.
_ OWER
_ -1_t
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
I
TUBULAR
FRAME
FRAME
rues must
ullyseated}
//
FIG. 3B
FIG, 3C
without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
SEWN HEM
HEM
FLIP LID
FIG, 3A
BRACKET
FORMED
TABS
FIG. 4
DOOR
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
/
\
\
7
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ TH1S OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the tocation of various controls and adjustments_ Save this
manual {or future reference,
These symbols may appear' on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.
g
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
STARTER HANDLE
"HANDLE KNOB
GRASS BAG
GASOLINE FILLER CAP
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER
MULCHER PLUG
ENGINE OIL CAP
WITH DIPSTICK
FIGo 6
................................. , Hl,,i,:i,/,,J,
WHEEL ADJUSTER HOUSING
(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 US Consumer Product Safety Commission° The blade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR- must beheld
down to the handle to start the engine, Release to stop the
engine_
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - located on the side
of the engine which allows you to select either high or low
engine speed.
DRIVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER - used to select the
drive speed of your lawn mower..
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 BAR - used to engage power-propelled
forward motion of lawn mower.
MULCHER PLUG -located at the rear discharge opening,
must be removed when converting to bagging operation
8
OPERATmON
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 tile spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 7)
The engine speed is controlled by a iever located on the
side of the engine High position is for starting engine,
normal cutting and better grass bagging. Low position isfor
light cutting, trimming and fuel economy°
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUT'ION: Federal regulations require
lawn mower in order to minimize the
an engine control to be installed on this
risk of blade contact injury. Do not
under any circumstances attempt to
defeat the function of the 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 lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mutcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging,
see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this
manual.
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER
'PRIMER
FIG. 7
FIG. 8
CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
CONVERT LAWN MOWER:
o Release control bar to stop engine,
° Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped_
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)
- 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..
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 9)
• Raise wheels for low 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.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheel_; 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.
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT
ER
RAISE WHEELS
FOR LOW CUT
FIG. 9
9
Loading...