Craftsman 917377532 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

rRnFTSMnN°

6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377532

• 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

Visitour Craftsman website:www.sears.condcraftsman

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 1WO 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

propedy. Leam 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 ofsuch attachments may be

hazardous.

The blade turns when the engine is

running.

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.

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, reads,
and any gravel-covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of matedal

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 runthe engine indoors.Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pullingthe 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

operatingthe 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 prepedy.

• 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.

_IICAUTION: Always disconnect spark

p-l'_'gwire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent

accider_tal starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

_eWARNING

engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of

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

3

These accessorieswere availablewhenthislawnmowerwas produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They arealsoavailableatmostSears retailoutletsand service
centers. Most Searsstorescan alsoorderrepairparts for you,when you providethe model

numberof yourlawnmower. Some of these accessoriesmay notapplytoyour lawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

'

FOR REARDISCHARGELAWNMOWERS MULCHER KITS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

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.

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS

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.

• Remove all pacldng 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.

4

HOWTOSETUPYOURLAWNMOWER

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.

• 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 \

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
mowe_

Mulcher plug

Upper handle _Lift upj

_ Mowing position

Lower handle

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 illustrationswith 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

Starter handle

Grass catcher,.., knob

Mulcher plug

Gasoline filler

Primer

IMPORTANT" This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the

engine.

_resence control bar

Drive control
lever

cap w/dipstick

Housing

Drive cover

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.

Starter handle- used for starting the
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.

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.

HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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 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 CUTTING 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.

_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 prepped open.

Rear door

Hinge " Grass
bracket catcher frame

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

DRNECONTROL

• 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 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 tuming
lawn mower.

To engage Drive control
drive control

Operator presence

control bar

Drive Drive
control control

disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis dean.

• 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 on slowly. Do not over fin.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fill to full line on dipatick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cop and tighten.

• Change the oil after even/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.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel

freshness.

a_WARNING: Experience indicates that

hol 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 untilthe

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.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying tostart. 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 itmay be neces-
sary to repeat priming steps. In warmer

weather over priming may cause flooding
and engine wll not start. Ifyou do flood

engine, wait a few minutes before attempting

to start and do not repeat priming steps.

Gasoline filler cap

Engine oil cap

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 bast 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 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 graining of

the lawn.

9