Craftsman 917377424 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRrlFTSMRN

6.5 HORSEPOWER,

22" SIDE DISCHARG_I_

POWER PROPELLE_i
ROTARY LAWN MOWI_Ia

Model No.

917.377424

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Visit our Craftsman website: 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 manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
propedy. 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

• Dross 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 govemor 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 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 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

/I, 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER K_S

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

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. 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.

GRAss CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

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 pads.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully s,
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//_

u.up I ow,ng

_ _)/'/ position

ow;re

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

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

Engine zone control cabk

Starter handle _ control

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine, tCheel adjuster
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.

Drive control lever

Gasoline filler cap

Primer

Drive cover

(on each wheel)

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

Release to stop the engine.
Pdmer - pumps add_ fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinderfor use when
starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starlingthe engine.
Drive control lever- used to engage power-

propelled forward motion of lawn mower.
Mulcher- allows conversion to discharge or

begging operation.

5

can result in foreign objects thrown

The operation of any lawn mower

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 orstandard

safety glasses.

HOWTO 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

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
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 untilitdicks; then release the lever.

• Forward motion willstop when the operator
presence control bar is released. To stop

forward motion without stopping engine,

release the operator presence control bar
slightly untilthe 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 tuming
lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTnNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for highcut.

• Adjust cuttingheightto suit your require-
ments. Medium positionis bast for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheal. Move wheel
up or down to suityour requirements. Be

sure allwheels 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 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

Door

Operator presence control

bar

To engage drive control

Drive

control

Mounting
Bracket

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

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

Drive control
disengaged

6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oilin the

engine.

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

• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full

lineon the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into

engine for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do not over till.

• Check oillevel 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 oil after 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.

_cWhAoRNING." Experience indicates that

I blenaed fuels tcallea gasonol 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 bosom of gas,tank
filler neck. Do not oveniil. 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 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

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.

MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
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 insize so that as they fall ontothe

lawn they willdisperse intothe 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,adjustthe lawn mower
cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts
off onlythe top one-thirdof the grass

blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be
necessary to raisethe height of cut to

reduce pushing effortand 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 condition_
may require that an area be mulcheda
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the first cutpath

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

change to east towest the next week. Thi_
will help prevent matting and graining of

the lawn.

8

MAINTENANCE _ ILE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Lo_se Fasteners

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped)

Clean Lawn Mower
Clean Under Onve Cover

(Power-Propelled Mowers)
Check ddve belt/pulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers)
Check/Shaq_on/Replace Blade

Lubdcetion Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge

Electric Start Mowers)

Check Engine Oil Level
Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filler Paper Cartridge

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Sen, ice more often when operating in dirty _ dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at endof season.

v'

t/

l/

t/3

V' I/,

1/'1,2

I/=

=/=

SERVICE DATES

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 instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments inthe 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

(DWheel
adjuster

_Engine

oil

mounting pin

_Spray lubricants
_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 lubdcant
sparingly.

(_Muicher
door

OBrake

spring
bracket

9