Craftsman 917.377425 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTS[MAN+

6.5 HORSEPOWER 22" SIDE DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.377425

• 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: www.sears.com/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

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 circumstancas. TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower

propedy. Learn how to quicldy 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.

• Dross properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or weadng 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 pads. 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 indication of damage; step 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 belts 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 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 tocool before stodng 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 CAUTIONffI 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.

AWARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswere available when this lawn mower was produced. They am not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutletsand sewice

centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you providethe model number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not applyto your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

FOR

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

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 facton/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.

SPARK PLUGS

WHEELS

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.

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.

Operator presence control bar

Upper handle

• Your lawn mower handle can be

adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to =Adjust Handle" in the Service

Lift up

and Adjustment section of this manual.

position

Lowe r handle

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 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 SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle control

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Mulcher door

Drive control lever

Gasoline filler cap

Pdmer

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This Dawnmower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine.

iNheel 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 handla to startthe engine. Release to stop the engine. Primer - pumps additionalfuelfrom the carburetor to the cylinderfor use when

_ acoldengine.

Starter handle - usedforstartingthe engine.

Drive controllever - usedto angage power-

propelledforwardmotionof lawn mower.

Mulcher- allowsconvers'_ontodfschargeor

bag_ng operaUon.

can resultin 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 or standard

safetyglasses.

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

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 until itclicks; then release thelever.

• 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 slightlyuntilthe drive control disengeges.

Hold operator presence control bar down to handle to continue mowing without self-

propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

tuming corners, push down on handle and

liftfrontwheels off ground while tuming lawn mower,

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheals for low cutand lower wheels

for high cut.

• Adjustcutting heightto suityour require- merits. Medium positionis bestfor 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 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

•_ Mulcher Door

Operator presence control Drive

bar _ control

To engage ddve control

Drive control disengaged

Bracket

_:_CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn

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

approved grass catcher in place.

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 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.

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.

_cWhARNING; Experience indicates that

ol blenood fueJs _calleo 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.

f._,.,CAUTION: Fill to bosom of gas.tank

iHerneck. Do not ovenill. 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.

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

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 speciaJmulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that as they fall onto the

lawn they willdisperse into the grass and

notbe 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

providethe best recuttingaction of the

blades,

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet. 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 cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts

offonly 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 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

mowslowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may requirethat an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the

clippings. When doinga second cut, mow across or perpendicular tothe first cut path.

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

change to east to west the next week. This

will help prevent matting and graining of

the lawn.

1- Changemoreoftenwhenoperatingundera heavyloadorinhighambienttemperatures.

2 °S_ moreoftenwhenopera_g k_dklyordustyoondltlons. 3 -ReptaceI_adesrno_eoftenwhenmowingInundy SOIL 4 -Charge48holmat endof _uon.

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 inthis manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodicallyto properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

mentssection of this manual should be

chscked at least once each seascn.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filterelement and check

blade forwear. A new spark plugand dean/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 (xl level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unitwelllubricated(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

_Wheel

adjuster

_)Engine

oil

mounting pin

_)Spray lubricante

¢DReferto 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.

(DMulcher door

_)Brake

spring bracket

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