Craftsman 917377401 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RI:IFTSMAN+

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" EZ MULCH

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377401

• Safety

• ' Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

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

Warranty • 2 Product Specifications , 10
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 5 Troubleshooting 15

Maintenance Schedule 9 Repair Parts 33

Maintenance 9 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 clays from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become wom during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary becauseof 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 retuming 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 pres-
ence 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-
turar. 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•

2

• Dress pmpedy. 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

olt 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 discharge

opening at alltimes.

• 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 restading and operating you

mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or

personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower it 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 do,hn or you might
lose your footing. Do not mow exces-

sively 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 mount-
ing 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 wom 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 stodng in any

enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may roach

an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,

clothes dryer, etc.

ACAUTION: 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.

3

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthis lawn mower was produced. They are also

available at most Sears retail outlets and servicecenters. Most Sea_ 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

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

%

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER K_S

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWNMOWERS

STABIMZER

FOR

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructions and this manual 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. 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.

AIR RLTERS

• Remove all 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 thoroughly for additional loose

parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle 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 section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper

handle.

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

4

• Yourlawnmowerhandle can be

Operator presence control bar

adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service

Upper handle

and Adjustment section of this manual.

Liftup

position

Lower
handle

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 yourselfwiththe

location of various controlsand.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 _.OW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF ANO FEET AWAY

Operatorpresencecontrolbar-

Drive controllever

Enginezone controlcable

Starter handle control

Handle knob

Engineoil capwith dipstick

Mulcherdoor Drive cover

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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be
held down to the handle tostart the engine.

Release to stop the engine.
Pdmer- pumps additionalfuel from the
carburetortothe cylinderfor use when starting

I

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.
Drive control lever - used tOengage power-

propelled forward motionof lawn mower.

Mulcher- allows conversionto discharge or
bagging operation.

a cold engine.

5

The opera,on ofany lawn mower can result in
foreign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can

resultinsevere eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shieldswhile operating

your lawn mower or performing any a_ust-

ments or repairs. We recommend a wide

vision safety mask over spectacles or standard

safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
&CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire an

engine control to be ir_taned on this lawn

mower in orderto minimize the riskof blade
contactinjury.Do not under any circumstances

attemptto defeat the functionof _ operator

control. The blade tums when the engine is
running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped wi_ an

operator presence controlbar which

requirestheoperatortobe pesiloned
behindthe lawn mower handle to startand

operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Serf-propellingiscontrolled by holdingthe

operator presence controlbar down to the
handle and pushing the drive controllave"

fomrard untilitdicks; then release the lever.

• Forward rnotionwillstopwhen the operator

presence controlbar is relaased. To stop

forwardmolJonwithoutstoppingengine,

release the operator presence controlbar
slightlyuntilthe drive controldisengages.

Hold operator presence control bar down to
handla to continue mowing withoutself-

prop ,ng.

• To keep drivecontrolengaged when fuming

comers, push down on handle and liftfront
wheels offground while turninglawn

_r.

Operator presencecontrol Drive
bar

_"\ " L control

TO ADJUST CuI"nNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cutand lower wheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cuttingheighttos_Jityour require-
ments. Medium pe.s_on is best for most

lawns.

• To change cuttingheight,squeeze a_uster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or

down to suityour requirements. Be sure all
wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster isproperly posi_onedwhen
plate tab k'_erts into hole inlever. Also, 9-

aG_usters('dso equipped) allow lever

tobe positionedbetwean the plate tabs.

Lower wheels for

highcut

Raise wheels for low
cut

NOTE: Your lawn mower has been

shipped ready for mulching operation. To
convert to discharging operation, you must

install the discharge deflector attachment
included with your mower.

TO INSTALL DISCHARGING

DEFLECTOR

• Lift door upward on it's hinge until the

deflector frame can be hooked over the
door mounting bracket as shown.

• Release the door to rest against

deflector frame.

• To retum to mulching operation, reverse

the above steps and be sure door is in
closed position.

Deflector "__-_._--_-- MulcherDoor

,ACAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in closed

position, discharge deflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.

Platetab

_kevor

Mounting
Bracket

To engage ddve control disengaged

6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL
Yourlawn mower isshipped without oilin the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill isclean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full line
on the dipst_

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance

sectionofthis manual.

• Pouroil slowly. Do notoverfill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oilif
needed. RUto MI line on d'_tlok.

• To read proper level, tightenengine oilcap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and lighten.

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

to change the oilmore often under dusty,

dirtyconditions.

GAS

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, 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: Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gaschoi or using ethanol
or methanol) can attractmoisture which leads

to separation and formation of acids during

storage. Acidicgas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid

engine problems, the fuel system shouldbe
emptied before storage of 30 days or longer.

Drain the fuel tank, startthe engine and let it
rununtilfuel lines and carburetor are empty.

Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage
Instructionsfor additional inforrnation. Never

use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) 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.

• 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, 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.

Engineoilcap

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 cu_ing, 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.

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting
in a counter-clockwise direction, starting

at the outside of the area to be cut,

spreads grass clippings more evenly
and puts less load on the engine. To

keep clippings off of walkways, flower
beds, etc., make the first cuts in a
clockwise direction.

• 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.

7

MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT:Forbeatpe_ormanne,keep

mowerhousingfree ofbuilt-up grass and

trash. See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE

sectionof this manual.

• The special mulchingblade willrecutthe

grass dippings many times and reduce
them in size sothat as they fallonto the

lawn they will disperse into the grass and
notbe noticed. Also, the mulched grasswill
biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor

the lawn. Always mulch with yourhighest

engine (blade) speed as this will providethe

best recurringactionof the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it is wet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes
withthe mulchingaction. The best ltme to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newly

cutarea will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best resuits,adjust the lawn mower
cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts

offonlythe toOone-third of the grass blades.
ffthe lawn ssovergrown itwdlbe necessary

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing

effortand to keep from overloadingthe
engine and leaving dumps of mulched

grass. Forextremely heavy mulching,
reduce yourwidthof cutby overlapping
previouslycut path and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass cond_Jons

may require that an area be mulched a
secondtime to completely hide the
dippings. When doinga second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the firstcut path.

• Change yourcuttingpatternfrom week to
week. Mow northto southone weak then

change to east to west the next weak. This
will help prevent matting and grainingof the

lawn.

.EOU SE V,CE OATES

Check for Loose Fasteners !If J I_

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped)

M Clean Lawn Mower

_Power-Prope_kKIMowers)

O Clean Under DriveCover

Check drive belt/pulleys

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check/Shar_eNReplace Blade

Lubrication Chart
Clean Battery/Rectlarge

_-_ st,.Mo_,,1

E Check EncjineOil Lev_

N ChangeF__ineO=

G Clean AirFilter

I _nspectMul_'le_

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E :_,ep_e Ak Fi_ Paper Cartddge

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GENERALRECOMMENDA_ONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not

coveritemsthathavebeensubjectedto

operator abuse or negligence. To receivefull

value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as inked inthis manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made

periodicallyto properly maintain your unit.
Alladjustmentsin the Service and Adjust-

ments sectionofthis manual should be

chacked at least ance eash season.

• Onceayear, replace the spark plug, clean

or replace airfilter element and check blade
for wear. A new spark plug and dean/new
air filterelement assures proper air-fuel
mixture and helps your engine run better

and last longer.

• Followthe maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check forloosefasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated(See "LUBRICATION

CHART').

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Wheel (_) Mulcherdoor

adjuster

oil

(_ Spray lubricante
(_) Referto MAINTINANCE "ENGINE"

SECTION.

IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease plastic

wheel bearings. V'_scouslubricantswill attract
dust and dirtthat will shorten the life of the self

lubricatingbearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated,use only a dry,powdered graphite

type lubricantsparingly.

(_) Brakespring

(_ bracket

Handle bracket
mountingpin

9