Craftsman 917377391 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN']

6.75 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377391

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.condcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

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

Assembly .............................................. 5

Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ...................... t0

Maintenance ....................................... 10

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of pumhase, 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 workman-
ship,

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 15

Troubleshooting ................................. 17

Repair Parts ........................................ 37

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

This Warranty does notcover:

• Expendableitemswhichbecome worn duringnormaluse, suchas rotarymower
blades,bladeadapters,belts,aircleanersandspark plug.

• Repairsnecessarybecause of operatorabuse or negligence,includingbent
crankshaftsandthefailure to maintainthe equipmentaccording1othe instructions

containedin theowner'smanual.

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 rightswhich
vary from state tostate.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious injury or death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and

the proper use of the machine before

stading.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating pads. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,

who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as

rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of

accessodes. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

2

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,orroads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when
operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.
DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced-
footing could cause slipping.

II1. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

*s not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where

you last saw them;

• Keep children out of the trimming area

and underthe watchfulcareof another 3

responsible adult,

• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small
children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline

and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent acciden-
ta! starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade

attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.

Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.

_Lookforthissymboltopointout

importantsafetyprecautions.Itmeans
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!YOUR

SAFETY ISINVOLVED.

_, WARNING: In ordertoprevent

accidentalstartingwhensettingup,

transporting,adjustingor makingrepairs,

alwaysdisconnectspark plugwireand
placewirewhere itcannotcontactspark

plug.

_WARNING: Engine exhaust: som_ of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive

harm.

_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of Califomia to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling,

These accessories were availablewhenthis lawnmowerwas produced.They an=not
shipped with your mower.Theyare alsoavailableatmost Searsretailoutletsand

servicecenters. MostSearsstorescanalso orderrepairpartsfor you,whenyou
providethe model numberofyourlawnmower. Some oftheseaccessoriesmay not

applytoyour lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER AITS

STABILIZER

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERe

BELTS BLADES

FOR

SIDE DfSCHARGE

GRASSCATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLASE ADAPTERS WHEELS

4

GI_ CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and 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 in
the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All pads such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete 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

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

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

3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing

position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise

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

knobs.

3. 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 Adjustments
section of this manual.

Operator presence
controlbar _'_

Upper handle _ //// /y ,_

_<:::"_:_..._t_li_ Mowing

///,i.

,, _,<_--_:..

_ _poston

Lowerhandle

TO INSTALL AT'rACHMENTS
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 can now install catcher or
optional clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening

of mower.

4_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
w=thoutmulcher plug in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass catcher

in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed

or prepped open.

Mulcher plu

5

KNOWYOURLAWNMCNVER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize youmelf

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 WANNING ON OFF ANn FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

::::::\

Engineo,
capw/

dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OiL OR GASOLINE in (oneach wheel)

the engine.

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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns 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.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starling a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the
engine,
Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower.

Muk_her plug - must be removed to
convert to bagging or discharging

6 operation.

Gasolinecap

Housing

Wheeladjuster

Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultin

foreignobjectsthrowninto
theeyes,whichcanresult
insevereeye 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.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAW.N MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_kCAUTION: 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 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 CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, 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-
ments. 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. PlateTab

LowerWheels forHighCut / _L

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame

side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

2. 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 prepped open,

Pivot

frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. 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 catcher

handle

Grass
catcher

handle

Raise Wheels for LowCut

"ever

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
releasing 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

against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning comers, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presencecontrolbar Drive

_\ .,_/_X"X control

To engage Drive control
drive control disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see
=ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual,

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate reading. To read proper level,

tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to

read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-

line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

_WARNING: Experience indicatesthat

alcohol blended fuels (called gesohol 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 fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_k 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.

Engineoilcap Gasolinefillercap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a'cold engine, push pdmer
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.

2. 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

• 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'rIPS

• Undercertainconditions,suchas very

tallgrass,itmay be necessaryto raise

theheightofcut to reduce pushing
effortand tokeepfromovedoadingthe

engineand leavingclumpsof grass
clippings,tt may alsobe necessaryto

reducegroundspeed and/orrunthe
lawn mowerover the area a second

time.

• Forextremelyheavycutting,reducethe
widthof cutby overlappingpreviously

cutpathand mow slowly.

• Forbettergrassbaggingand most

cuttingconditions,the enginespeed
shouldbe set in thefastposition.

• When usinga rear dischargelawn

mowerin moist,heavygrass,clumpsof
cutgrassmaynot enterthegrass

catcher. Reducegroundspeed

(pushingspeed) and/or runthe lawn
moweroverthe area a secondtime.

• If atrailofclippingsislefton theright

side of a reardischargemower,mow in
a clockwisedirectionwitha small

overlapto collectthe clippingson the
next pass.

• Poresinclothgrasscatcherscan

becomefilledwithdirt anddustwith use
andcatcherswillcoltectlessgrass. To

preventthis, regularlyhosecatcheroff
withwaterand let drybefore using.

• Keeptopof enginearoundstarterclear

and cleanof grassclippingsandchaff.
Thiswillhelpengineair flowand
extendenginelife.

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut

the grass clippings many 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 biodegrede 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 afternoon. 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

cutting height so that the lawn mower

cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown

it will be necessary to raise 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 perpendicu-

lar to the first cut 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 lawn.

9