Craftsman 917377423 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

I:RI:IFTSHI:IN°

6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377423

• 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: wwwsears corn/craftsman

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

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 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 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 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 governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if itvibrates

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,

_pace heater, clothes dryer, etc.

Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

p_ugCAUTION: Always disconnect spark

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 this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. 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

A

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

STABILI_'FR

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

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 OILOR 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. 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-
sary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with

mower.

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Cut down two end corners 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

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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

• 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 Adjustment section of this manual.

Operator presence control
bar

Upper handle

Lift up

//

/

Mowing
position

Lower

handle

KNOWYOUR 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 with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control

Drive control lever

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle control

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Gasoline filler cap

Primer

Mulcher door

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is sing

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

Jster

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 Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operatorpresence 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

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-

propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher - allows conversion to discharge or

bagging operation.

starting a cold engine.

5

operation of any lawn mower

can result in foreign objects thrown

intothe 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.
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

_kCAUTION:. Federal regulations
requtre an engtne 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.

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 dicks; 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
li_ front wheels off ground while turning

lawn mower.

Operator presence control
bar

Drive

TO ADJUST CUTRNG 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-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

Lower wheels for
high cut

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 return to mulching operation,

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

Deflector

_CAUTION: Do not lawn

mower without mulcher door in closed

position, discharge deflector in place, or

approved grass catcher in place.

_ _,'_._ IV_ulcherDoor

"_ "_- -- Mounting

Plate tab

Bracket

operate your

er

To engage drive control

Drive
control

disengaged

6

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 clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into

engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20ozs. of oil. Fortypeand
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 of{en under dusty,

dirtycondrdons.

ADD GASOUNE

• 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.

_{:_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol 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

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. •

_CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas, tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe orr 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 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.

Engine oil cap _ ,----"-- Gasoline filler

cap

\I I

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 aree 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

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 spedai 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 g_ass

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 af{emoon. 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. Ifthe 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 perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattem from week to
week. Mow north to couth one weak then

change to east to west the next week. This

will help prevent matting and graining of
the lawn.

Max. 1/3

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners "If
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) V # _ I_

M Clean Lawn Mower I/

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

O Clean Under Drive Cover

ICheck drive belUpulleys

E i (Power-Propellsd Mowers) I1_

Check!Sharpen/Replace Blade i_s

Lubrication Chart _1

Clean Battery/Recharge

EleCtric Start Mowers I ll_ 1_4

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change Engine Oil 1_1.2
G Clean Air Filter II/=

| Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge 1_12

t - Change more oftenwhar_operating under a heavy loador in highambienttemperatures.
2 - Sewice more oftenwhen operatingin dirty or dusty conditions,

3 - Replace bladesmoreoften when mowingin s_.ndysoil.
4 - Charge 48 hours_ end of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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 instTucted in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to pmpedy 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.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unitwell lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART%

LUBRICATION CHART

_Mulcher

_Wheel door

adjuster

_)Engine

oil

bracket

mountingpin

d)Spray lubricante

•)Refer to MAINTINANCE "ENGINE"

SECTION.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plasti(

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.

_)Brake

spring
bracket

9