Craftsman 917377411 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RRFTSMRN°

5.5 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377411

• 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, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman webslte: www.sears.com/cmftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 10
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13
Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 5 Troubleshooting 16

Maintenance Schedule 9 Repair Parts 35
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 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.

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
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, 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 manuel 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.

2

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 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 pmpedy. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoos 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 matedal
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 governor 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 propedy.

• 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.

_i,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

/I, 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.

3

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

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutletsand service
centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts foryou, when you provide the model

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

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

, SIDE DISCHARGE
i LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS SLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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 inthe
engine.

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

those parts left unassembled for shipping

purposes. 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 neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts

such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-
san/to complete the assembly have been

placed in the pads bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with
mower.

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

• 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

toose 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.

4

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Remove handle padding holding

Operator presence control

operator presence control bar to upper
handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be

Upper handle Liftup

//

adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to =Adjust Handle" in the Service

and Adjustment section of this manual.

Lift up_ _'Mowing

- position

i 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 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 wiih the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

ORWARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Ddve control lever

control

Gasoline filler cap

Primer

Drive cover

,g

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE Wheel adjuster

in the engine, 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- mustbe
hetddowntothehandletostartthe engine.

Releasetostoptheengine.

Starter handle - used forstartingthe engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-
propelled forward motion of lawn mowe_.

Primer- pumpsack:r_onalfuelfromthe
carburetorto thecylinderfor usewhen
startinga cold engine.

5

can result in foreign objects thrown

The operation of any lawn mower
intothe eyes, which can resultin

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.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

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

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: 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
tums 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.

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

tuming comers, push down on handle and
liftfront wheels off ground while turning
lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheals
for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium positionis best for most
lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit yourrequirements. 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.

Lower wheels for Plate tab
high cut

Lever

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 CONVERT TO DISCHARGING

MOWER

• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.

• Mower can now be used for side

discharging or optional grass catcher

can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.

Discharge

Operator presence control Drive

bar _ control

To engage drive control

Drive control

disengaged

Mulcher plate

_CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn

mower without mulcher door in closed
position, discharge deflector in place, or

6 approved grass catcher in place.

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE

OIL

Yourlawnmower is shipped withoutoil inthe

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fillis clean.

• Remove engine oilcap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.

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

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pouroil slowly. Do not over fill.

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

• To read proper level, tighten engine oilcap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need
to change the oilmore often under dusty,
dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline
will increase carbon and lead oxide

deposits and reduce valve life). Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.

a_llW.ARNING; Experience indicates that

conol blenoed fuels tcalleo gasohol 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.

_I,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas.tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe on any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer
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.

• 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.

Engi

cap

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.

• 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

7

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
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 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 aftemoon. 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
cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts

off onlythe top one-third ofthe grass
blades. Ifthe lawn isovergrown itwill be

necessary to raise the height of cutto
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 previouslycut path and

mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions
may require that an area he mulched a

second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the firstcut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to
week. Mow northto south one week then

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

the lawn.

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for LooseFasteners
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher

(If Equipped)
Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover
(Power-propelled Mowers)
Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-propelled Mowers)
ChecldSharpep/ReplaceBlade

LubricationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge
tEtectdc Start MowersI

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter

InspectMuffler

Clean or ReplaceSpark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

1 - Change more ohen when operating under _ heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Serv;ce more oflen when opera_'lg in ditty or dusty conditinns+

3 - Reptace bladae more often when mowing in sandy soil
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

1/

v'

i/

+/3

v' _4

1_'1.2

V'=

SERVICE DATES

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive full
value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructedin this manual.
Some adjustments willneed to be made
periodicallyto properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual should be

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean
or replace air filter element and check
blade for wear. A new spark plug and

clean/new air filter element 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 for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION

Keep un'dweltlubricated(See "LUBRICATION
CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_Handle bracket
mountingpin

@Spray lubricante

•)Refer to MAINTINANCE "ENGINE"
SECTION.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

attract dust and dirt that will shorten the
life of the self lubricating bearings. If you

feel they must be lubricated, use only a
dry, powdered graphite type lubricant
sparingly.

9