Craftsman 917377523 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRIIFTSHAN

5.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377523

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and followall
Safety Rulesand Instructions

beforeoperatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 16
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37

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 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 standard's require operator •
presence controls to mimimize 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.

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 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 proce-
dure outlined above, then repair any

damage before restarting and operating
your 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 exces-
sively 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,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!H 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.

_.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 pads 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 AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

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.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down flat.

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

1 GRASSCATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

• 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.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles 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.

4

• 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 _ r,_

Upper handle ,,_ /_P__,-,,,

Lift uO ,.../J/i • _ .,y

"_ Mowing position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.

Mulcher plug

_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without mulcher plug in place or
approved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

5

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

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

Engine zone control cable

presence control bar

Drive control

Starter handle

Grass catche_

lever

landle knob

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Housing

Mulcher plug

Gasoline

Primer

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.

Wheel adjuster

(on every 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 handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to
convert to bagging or discharging
operation.

Starter handle- used for starting the
engine.

6

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the 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.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I, 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

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.

TO ADJUST cUTrlNG HEIGHT

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

• Adjust cutting height to suit your

requirements. Medium position is best

for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. 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 Plate Tab

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be

closed while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing

and place the grass catcher frame onto
the formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

,q,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never

attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

P,ear door

Hinge Grass

catcher frame

Forme, "_
tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release

operator presence control bar to stop
engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

7

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 drive
control 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 comers, push down on handle and

liftfront wheels off ground while turning
lawn mower.

Operator presence

control bar

Drive Drive

To engage control control
drive control disengaged

Drive control

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 overfill.

• 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 GASOUNE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank.

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. 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 off 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 neces-
sary to repeat priming steps. In warmer

weather over primieg 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.

Gasoline filler cap

Engine oilcap

debris plug

inside)

i Discard

8

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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may not enter the grass

catcher. Reduce ground speed

(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.

• 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.

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 afternoon. 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
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.
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 pattem 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 graining of
the lawn.

Max. 1/3

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners -I1_
Cleardtnspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) V t V q
Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover
(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys
(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

Lubrication Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge
IElectric Start MowersI

Check Engine Oil Level IV!
Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

1 -Change more olten when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures,
2 -Service more often when operating indirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 -Charge 48 hours at end of season,

v'

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V#1,2

V'2

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 in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual should
be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
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 unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

O Spay lubricant

(_ Refer to MAINTENANCE "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.

10

SERVICE DATES

i,,,

v'

v'

V'_

V'4

LUBRICATION CHART

_ Wheel Adjuster

I

"_(_ Rear door

(_) Handle bracket hinge

mounting pin

Engine oil