Craftsman 917377421 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
rRRFTSMRN"
6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" EZ MULCH
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377421
• 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
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 33
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 retuming the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears Service Center/Depadment 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
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controlsand
know how to operate your mower prop-
erly. Leam how to quicklystop mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions. ::_
• Keep the area of operationclear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this manu-
al.
• Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before
usingyour mower.
• Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
• The blade tums when the engine is run-
ning.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughlycheck 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 properly.Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
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• 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 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 in-
dication 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 pullingthe mower
towards you. Mow acrossthe face of
slopes, never up and down or you
mightlose your footing. Do not mow ex-
cessivelysteep slopes. Use caution
when operatingthe mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions--
maintaingood footing.
• Never operate your mower without prop-
er 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 tight-
ened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at fre-
quent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure mower is in safe working condition.
• Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
• To reduce firs 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 rec-
ommended by and comply with specifi-
cations 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.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot con-
tact spark plug in order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
3
These accessorias 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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
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 boon assembled at
the factory with the exception of those
pads left unassembled for shipping pur-
poses. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., neceSSary to complete the as-
sembly have been placed in the pads bag.
To ensure safe and proper operation of
your lawn mower, all padsand 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 comers of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
V
MULCHER KITS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower han-
dle and padding holding operator pres-
ence control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose pads.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully
so as not to pinch or damage control
cables.
• Raise handles until lower handle sec-
tion locks into place in mowing position.
• Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handles and tighten both handle
knobs.
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
4
• Removehandlepaddingholdingopera-
torpresencecontrolbarto upperhan-
dle.
• Your lawn mower handle can be adjust-
ed for your mowing comfort. Refer to
"Adjust Handle" in the Service and Ad-
justment section of this manual.
Operatorpresence
controlbeJ
Upper han-
dle
Liftup
Lower
handle (
Mowing
position
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNERS MANUAl_AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Comparethe _ wi_ yourlawnmowertofarniliadzeyourselfw#hthelocationof
variouscontrolsandadj_ Save_is manualforfuture reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literaturesupplied with the prod-
uct. Learn and understand their 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
_Drivecontrol lever
Starter handle
Handle knob
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Deflector
Muicher door
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
Commission. 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 car-
buretor to the cylinder for usa 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 Door - allows conversion to dis-
charge or bagging operation.
Gasoline fillercap
Primer
Drive cover
Lawn mower housing
6
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan
resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe
eyes, which can result in severe eye dam-
age. 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 CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: 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 cimum-
stances 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'I'rlNG HEIGHT
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your 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-pesition adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
Lower Wheels for High Cut Tab _
Raise _ _ Lever
Wheels for
Low Cut
- Plate
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive con-
trol lever forward until it clicks; then
release the lever.
• Forward motion will stop when the opera-
tor 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 lift front wheels off ground while tum-
ing lawn mower.
Operator presence control bar Drive control
To engage _ _'_, Drive control
drive control disengaged
NOTE: Your lawn mower has been
shipped ready for mulching operation. To
convert to discharging operation, you
must install the discharge deflector attach-
ment 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 deflec-
tor frame.
• To return to mulching operation, reverse
the above steps and be sure door is in
closed position.
CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in locked
position, discharge deflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.
Deflector _ar Door
_'_/-- Mounting
7
bracket
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL
Yourlawnmowerisshippedwithoutoilin
theengine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around
oil fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill
to the full line on the dipstick.
• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of
oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil
cap each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• 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.
GAS
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur-
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that al- •
cohol blended fuels (called 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 en-
gine while in storage. To avoid engine •
problems, the fuel system should be emp-
tied before storage of 30 days or longer.
Drain the fuel tank, start the engine and let
it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See
Storage Instructions for additional informa-
tion. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent •
damage may occur.
Gasoline
Engine oil cap
w/dipstick
filler cap
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 pres-
ence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces-
sary to repeat priming steps. In warmer
weather over priming may cause flooding
and engine will not starL If you do flood
engine, wait a few minutes before attempt-
ing to start and do not repeat priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
Under certain conditions, such as very tail
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 clip-
pings off of walkways, flower beds, etc.,
make the first cuts in a clockwise direc-
tion.
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 catchers 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.
8
MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT:Forbestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfreeofbuilt-upgrassand
trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
HOUSING after each use. 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 nutri-
ents 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
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, mow slowly and raise the rear of the
lawn mower one wheel adjuster setting
higher than the front.
• Certain types of grass and grass condi-
tions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a second
cut, mow across or perpendicular 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 grain-
ing of the lawn.
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