Craftsman 917.377390 User Manual

Owner's Manual

rRAFTXMAN°

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.377390

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Assembly 4 Storage 16 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

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:

• 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 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 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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 manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

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

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as 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.

• Do not use accessory attachments that

are not recommended by the manufac- turer. 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 or when 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 a firm hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge 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.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating you

mower.

• Do not change the govemor 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.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• 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 or when 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 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.

• 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_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.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced.They are not

shipped with your mower, They are also available at most Sears retailoutletsand service

centers. Mast Sears stores can also order repair pads for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply toyour lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

.{@F.,_'_Y.*°. J

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual in its

entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower. IMPORTANT- This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

-Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory withthe exception ofthose pads

left unassembled for shipping purposes. All partssuch as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have

been placed in the pads bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all pads and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TOREMOVE LAWNMOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose pads included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all pecking 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 thoroughly for additional loose

pads.

HOWTO SETUPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handlescarefully 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 section 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 mow_g comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence control

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. Toconvert to bagging or discharging:

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

• You can now installcatcher or optional clipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated properly.

Upper handle

bar _U_

Lowerhandle

Lift up

t Mowing

position

Mulcher plug

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug in place or

approved clipping deflector or grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location qf variqus qontrolsand adjustment _. Save _hismanual fqr fyture reference,

_ symbols may appearon your lawn mower orin literaturesuppliedwilh the product.Learnand

understandtheir meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug _

Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

Gasoline cap

Housing

Wheel adjuster

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (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

tums when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be

held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine. Palmer - 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-

propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - mustbe removed to convertto bagging or discharging operation.

mower can result in foreign

The operation of any lawn

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 spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

A, CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to De installeo 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 control. The blade turns when the engine 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.

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels forlow cut and lower wheels for highcut.

• Adjustcuttingheight to suityourrequire- ments. Medium positionis best for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height,squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suityour 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.

Plate Tab

LowerWheels for High

TO A'n'ACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame

hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

ACAUTION." 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 prepped open.

door

Grass

catcher

handle

Pivot

pins Catcher

frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame

handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippings from bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Bag handle

(

Grass

frame

handle

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

DRIVE CONTROL

• 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 continue mowing without self-

propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on handle

and liftfront wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

Drive

control

ADD GASOUNE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be

used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_WARNING: .E._.rience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids duringstorage. Acidicgas

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 untilthe fuel lines and carburetorare empty, Use

fresh fuel nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor additional information. Never

use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may

Occur.

To engage drive Drive control control disengaged

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 dean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

lineon the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and .grade of oilto use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do not overfill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed, Fillto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil afterevery 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty conditions.

_CAUTION: Fillto 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.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primerthree (3) times before tryingtostart. Use a firm

push. This step is not usually necessary

when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pull starter handle

quicldy. Do not allowstarter 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.

MOWING TIPS

• 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. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (push- ing speed) and/or run the lawn mower

over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• 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 catcher off

with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-upgrass and trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section

ofthis manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippingsmany times and reduce

them in size so that as they fall onto the

lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

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

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the early aftemocn. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

SUn.

• For best results,adjust the lawn mower cuttingheightso that the lawn mower cuts

off onlythe top one-thirdofthe grass blades.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary

to raisethe height ofcut to reduce pushing effortand to keep from overioadingthe

engine and leaving clumpsof mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce yourwidth ofcut by overlapping previouslycutpath and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grassand grass cond_ions may requirethat an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut,mow across or perpendicular to the firstcut path.

• Change your curlingpattern from weak to weak, Mow northto southone week then

change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent mattingand grainingofthe

lawn.

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