Craftsman 917377540 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RRFTSMI:INo

6.5 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377540

Safety

- Assembly Operation

,, rVlaintenance

. Espar3ol

Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments !4

Assembly 4 Storage 15 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 35 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

L,IMITED 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 workmanship. 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.

o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-

shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con- tained 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 tile United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights whicll

van,, from state to state_ SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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.

o Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

o 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_

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals, Wear only solid shoes wilh 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

hoLAltowtheenginetocoolforseveral mlnutesbeforefillingthegastank,Clean

offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe engine,

Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments beforestartingyourmower.Never

attempttodothiswhiletheengineis running.

Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial light,

OPERATION: o Keepyoureyesandmindonyourmower

andtheareabeingcuLDonotletother interestsdistractyou.

• Donotmowwetorslipperygrass.Never runwhileoperatingyourmower.Always besureofyourfooting-- keepafirm

holdonthehandlesandwalk.

o Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder

rotatingparts..Keepclearofthedischarge openingatalltimes.

• 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 iL

,, Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing

your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and atl moving

parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from lhe spark plug to prevent accidental starting,

o 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; 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 -- mainlain good footing_

° Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in ptace_

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

o Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing 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

o 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

mowen

° Allow engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

° Never store mower with fuet in the tank

inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source suctl

as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc_

CAUTION: 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_

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthisfawn mower was produced. "[hey 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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

,_ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

! ,,, ,,,,,........ • ................................. ,,,,,

BELTS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and thismanual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower, Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with

the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc,, necessary to complete the

assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

To ensure safe and proper operation of your

fawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely, Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper

tightness. TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON ° Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and lay end panel down fiat.

,, Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle,

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDEDISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

• 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 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 hand]e 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" inthe Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower _re not adjusted to the same position as the front

wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting height position,

Operalor I:

Uppper handle _.

Lift up

Mowing

position

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulchero To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mutcher 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. Be sure all tabs are seated propedy_

Lower handle

Mulcher plug

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.

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOURLAWN

MOWER.Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe loc_tionofvadouscontrolsandadlustments,Savethismanualforfuturereference, ____,,,

symbo_ may appear on your lawn mower or in l_er-aturesupplied with the product, Learn and understand

there meaning.

CAU'HON ENGINE ENGINe: FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL O{L DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

"_'x Opera!or presence control bar

Drive control lever

Srarter handle

Hand{e knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Drive cover

Engine oil cap wl dipstick

Wheel 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 Commission_ The blade turns when the engine is running,

Operator presence control bar- must be Drive control lever ' usecJ[o engage power_ held down to the handle to start the engine, propelled lorward motion of lawn mower.

Release to stop the engine. Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to Primer - pumps additional fuel from the bagging or discharging operation,

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan

resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe eyes,whichcanresultinsevereeye damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesor

eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawn mowerorperforminganyadjustmentsor

repairs Werecommendawidevision safetymaskoverthespectaclesor

standardsafetyglasses. HOWTOUSEYOURLAWNMOWER

CAUTION;Donotrunyourlawnmower

withoutmutcherplateinplaceanddoor closedorwithoutanapprovedclipping deflectororgrasscatcherinplace.Never attempttooperatethelawnmowerwith

thereardoorremovedor proppedopen.

ENGINESPEED

Theenginespeedwassetattile factor.i foroptimumperformance°Speedis 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,

o 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 o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheets

for high cuL

o Adjust cutting height to suit your require.,

ments. Medium position is best for most lawns.

o To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move ,wheel up or down to suit your requiremer_ts, Be sure ail 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.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

Close the flip lid Flip lid must be dosed while operating lawn mower.

Uft 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 Iowered 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 propped open.

Hinge bracket

Formed 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.

° Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will

cause unnecessary wear

DRIVECONTROL . Self.-propeilingiscontrolledbyholding

theoperatorpresencecontrolbardown tothehandleandpushingthedrive

controlleverforwarduntilit clicks;then releasethelever°

° Forwardmotionwillstopwhenthe

operatorpresencecontrolbaris

released,To stopforwardmotion

withoutstoppingengine,releasethe

operatorpresencecontrolbarslightly untilthedrivecontroldisengages.Hold

operatorpresencecontrolbardownto handletocontinuemowingwithoutself-

propelling.

• Tokeepdrivecontrolengagedwhen turningcorners,pushdownonhandle

andliftfrontwheelsoffgroundwhile

turninglawnmower,

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

\_ \ / ",,. Drive

To engage drive Drive contro! control desengaged

BEFORE STAR'lr]NG 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 w/dipstick and fill to

the full line on the dipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of oil

to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer

Responsibilities section ot this manual. o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill. ,, Check oil level before each use,. Add oil if

needed Fill to full lineon 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. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness,

IMPORTANT: When operating in

temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,

clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting, 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 ran 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.

Engine oil cap w/ Gasoline filler cap

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 quickty_ Do not allow slarter rope to snap back.

o 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 st_.rt, 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 tail glass, 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.

o For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1) whee! adjuster

setting higher than the front for better discharge of grass.

° 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 grass clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge lawn mowerl mow in a clockwise direction with a small overlap

to collect the clippings on lhe next pass.,

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff, "]"hiswilt

help engine air flow and extend engine life.

° 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 catchers off with water

and let dry before using..

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES Section of this manual

• The special mulching blade will recur the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fail 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 wilf provide the

best recutling action of the blades,

° Avoid cutting your fawn when it iswet. Wet

grass tends to form Clumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the eady afternoon. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct

SUR.

° For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one4hird of the grass blades,

tf 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 dumps of mulched -'

grass. For exlremely 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 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_

Max !/3

MA,.TE.A.O SO"EOU'E7 > .O OY "

F)LL IN DATES /_t__

ASYOUCOMPLETE .,'__.:_O_'.Y_._,,,_,_- _,

REGULAR SERVICE _Y_._..._q_Y£.'4'_,_ _£.._ SERVICE OATES

Check for Loose Fasteners I v' ) i ¢ I t. ..................... . , , ' ,,,,,I i ' '

Clean!Inspect Grass Catcher

(!f Equipped)

M CleanLawn Mower

(Power-Propelldd Mowers)

Clean Under Drive Cover Check drive belVpulieys

E (Power-Prope!led Mowers) R ChecitJSharpenlRepIaceB)ade

Lubrication Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge ................................ __

(Electric Start Mowers) _ 6,/'4

E Check Engine O!! Level _ ...........................

N ._ .......................................... vg _ ,. _............

G Ctear_,A ir Filler ................... _ .......,t ........

I Inspect Mulller V' .

N €)_ or ReplaceSpark Plug I_ ................

E Replace Air Filler Paper Cartridge 6/_

t ,, C;)_enga more often when eperafing under a heavy le_d or it) high ambfen_ tomperalures

2 - Service mere often when operating indirbt or dus_ c_dillons

3 ,, POp,lee b_ades more often when mew_ng in sandy sou

4., Ohezge 48 hours at arld 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, ope[ator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your uniL A!l adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section o_ 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 air4uel mixture and helps your

engine ran 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 we)I lubricated (See "LUBRICA- TION CHART"),

..... J__ ",_._ 'r SERVICE D ..............

i/ t/ i/ =........._---,-+------t----_ ....

V # = i,

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (_) Engine

"" (_ Rear door

1_ Handle bracke_ hinge

mounting pin

(_ Spraylubricant

(_) Referto CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

"ENGINE" section.,

1MPORrANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings, Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the tife of the self lubricating bearings, If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a d)y, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly,

oil

Brake

spring

bracket

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917,377540 SERIAl.. NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 6,5 DISPLACEMENT: tl .5 CU. tN_ GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1_6QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SFiSG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS SPARK PLUG(GAP: _030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM

V'ALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing,Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing

any maintenance.

TIRES ° Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept

sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades,

TO REMOVE BLADE ,, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug

and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

,, Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air

filter and carburetor are up.

o Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing toprevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

, Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap

blade with heavy cloth.

° Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise. Use a 9/t6" box of open-end wrench.

• Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work

properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

70 REPLACE BLADE

° Position the blade adapter on the engine

crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

, Position blade onthe blade adapter aligning

the two (2) holes in the blade wilh the raised

lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

• Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter

and crankshaft.

° Use block of wood between blade and lawn

mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35- 40 ft. lbs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated,

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-. ing blade - but ifyou do, be sure the blade

is balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower or

engtne.

. The blade can be sharpened with a file or

on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall, Leave about one inch of the

straight nail exposed.. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is

balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position_ If either end of the blade moves

downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced,.

Blade Crank sha|t

adapter '"---....7_'--"" ""_ way

° Remove any trash or grass cuttings from

inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive wheel gear teeth..

,, Put wheels back in place, ,, If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not

turn freely, contact your nearest authorized service center.

GEAR CASE

o To keep your drive system working

properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-upo Clean under the drive

cover twice a season.

o The gear case is filled with lubricant to

the proper level at the factor'.,/, The only time the lubricant needs attention is if

service has been performed on the gear

case.

• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starpiex Premium I Grease, Part No.

750355° Do not substitute°

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API service classification SF,SG, or SH.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade accord- ing to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

Boll I \ " " I "\- shaft

Lock \ Trailing 13lade

washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER

° The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dr.,/when used,

° Check your grass catcher often for damage

or deterioration. Through normal use it wil! wear, Ifcatcher needs replacing, replace

only with a manufacturer approved

replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check fron! drive wheels each time before

you mow to be sure they move freely.

The wheels not turning freely means trash,

grass cuttings, etc, are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive

wheels. If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both front wheels. ° Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and

washers.

° Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXt OIL CHA_#GE

NOTE: Although mutU-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will

result in increased oil consump{bn when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible

engine damage from running low on oil,

Change after the first 25 hours of operation at

least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year_ Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil Level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty. ° Disconnectspark plugwire from sparkplug

and placewire where itcannotcome in

contactwithsparkplug..

o Removeengineoilcap;layasideonadean

surface.

o Tiplawnmoweronitssideasshownand

drainoilintoasuitablecontainer.Rocklawn mowerbackandforthtoremoveanyoil

trappedinsideofengine.

o Wipeoffanyspilledoilonlawnmowerand

onsideofengine.

* Fillenginewithoil.Fillonlytothe"FULL"

lineonthedipstick.DONOToverfill°

o Replaceengineoilcap. ° Reconnectsparkplugwire1osparkplug.

Container

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter° Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty

conditions. Do not wash air filter° TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

o Remove the air filter by turning clock-

wise to the stop and pull away from

collar. ° Remove filter from inside of cover° ° Clean the inside of the cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumulation.

• Insert new filter into cover.

- Put air filter cover and filter into collar

aligning the tab with the slot.

- Push in on cover and turn counterclock-

wise to tighten, Collar

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muflfer as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make

your engine start easier and run better, Set

spark plug gap at ,030 inch. CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are uF Clean the

underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash,

• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating, A clogged engine runs hotter

and shortens engine life,

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels lree of all gasoline, oil,etc.

o We do not recommend using a garden .'

hose to clean lawn mower unless the

electrical system, mu{fler, air'filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out.

Water in engine can result,in shortened engine life,.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Clean under drive cover at least twice a

season. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any buitd-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover-

Slot

Air Filter

Clip_\,,

Tab

_'fum

/_ Turn Rern°ve

Air Filter

Cover

tco

Counter-

Clockwise to

"Rghten

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING

ANY SERVICEOR ADJUSTMENTS:

• Releasecontrolbar_

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to

minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the

operator's mowing position. Ifthe rear deflector becomes damaged, itshould be

replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT . Remove drive cover, Remove bell by

pushing down on gear case pulley and roll belt off.

. Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor

and fuel cap up. ° Remove blade. o Remove debris shield

o Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft,

o Install new belt by reversing above steps ° Always use factor,,: approved belt to assure

fit and long life.

Drive

cover

Belt

Push

down

TO ADJUST HANDLE Your lawn mower handle can be raised or

lowered for your mowing comfort. Four (4) positions are available: high, medium high,

medium low and lowo Handles are shipped

mounted in the medium low position.

• To change from medium low to medium

high position, the upper and lower handle sections will have to be turned over.

. Remove cable clips.

• Remove the controls and operator presence

control bar from the upper handle.

o Remove the starter rope guide from the

lower handle,

° Remove hairpin cotter&

• Disconnect the lower handle from the handle brackets.

o Turn the handle over and reassemble the

hairpin cotters that have been removed,

° Reassemble the starter rope guide,

• Reassemble the controls and the operator

presence control bar to the upper handle,

CAUTION" The operator presence control bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake engagement when control bar is released° Do not over tighten the fasteners holding the controls to the upper

handle. o To change from medium low to high

position only the upper handle section wily have to be turned over.

o To change from medium low to low position,

only the lower handle section will have to be turned over.

Shipping position

Medium low

High Low

Lower handle

Hairpin clip _'/ .andl: _\

bracket

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377540 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual