Craftsman 917377541 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.5 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377541

Safety

o Assembly o Operation

Maintenance

,, Espafiol ,, Repair Parts

CAUTDON:

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 14

Assembly 4 Storage 15 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 35 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 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.

- 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 the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary 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. Loam how to quickly stop mower.

• 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.

o The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughlycheck the area to be mowed and clear it of atI stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects wilt 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.Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean

offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe engine.

• Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments beforestartingyourmower_Never

attempttodothiswhiletheengineis running.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial light.

OPERATION:

o 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 m keep a firm hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge

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; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration

and repair as required.

o 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:

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.

o 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.

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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealso

availableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorder repairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower:Someofthese

accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructions and this manual 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.

Toensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you

assemble must be tightened securely. Usethe 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 flat.

o Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

GRASSCATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS

illllIIHI ,, II,,,I,

SPARK PLUGS

i i UJlu,ui,JlJu,_,,

ENGINE OIL

° Roll lawn mower o_ of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handlescarefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables. Q 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.

o Remove handle padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

o Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

NOTE: Forshippingpurposes,the rear

wheels onyour lawnmowerarenot

adjustedto thesame positionas thefront wheels. Beforeoperatingmoweradjust

allwheelsto the samecuttingheight position.

Operator presence contr( bar

Uppper

Lift up

Mowing position

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 mutcher plug,

Store mulcher plug in a safeplace°

o You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector_

o To return to muiching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of mower, Be sure all tabs are seated

properly.

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.

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__ariQ0s controls and ad ustme,ntS. Save this manual for future reference_ ............................................

symbols mayappearonyourlawn mowerorin literaturesuppliedwiththeproduct,Learnand understand

theremeaning.

CAUTION ENGINE

OR WARNING ON

Engine zone control cable presence control bar

Srarter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OFF AND FEET AWAY

_'_\ Drive control lever

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Pdmer

Housing

Drive covet

Engine oil cap w/ 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

tums when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar - must be

held down to the handle to startthe engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

Drive control lever- used to engage power- propelled forward motion of lawn mower:

Mulcher plug- must be removed toconvert to

bagging or discharging operation. carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Theoperationof anylawnmowercan

resultin foreignobjectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcan resultinsevereeye damage. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor

eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawn moweror performinganyadjustmentsor

repairs, Werecommendawidevision

safetymaskoverthe spectaclesor standardsafetyglasses,

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plate in place and door

closed or without an approved clipping deflector or grasscatcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

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 isequipped 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 wheels

for high cut.

o Adjust cutting heightto 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 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.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut _ .,_

_ Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Fliplid must be closed while operating lawn mower.

° Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and

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

o 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 propped open.

Hinge

Rear door

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

= To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence control bar to stop engine.

o Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle,

- Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

DRmVECONTROL o Self-propellingiscontrolledbyholdklg

theoperatorpresencecontrolbardown to the handleandpushingthe drive

controllever'forwarduntilit clicks;then

releasethelever.

o Forwardmotionwill stopwhenthe

operatorpresencecontrolbaris

released.To stopforward motion

withoutstoppingengine,release the

operator presence control bar §lightly

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 corners, push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower,

Operator presence control bar

,_ Drive

To engage drive DrNe control control desengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Your lawn mower isshipped withoutoil in the

engine°

° Be sure mower islevel and area around oil

fill isdean.

• Remove engine oilcap w/dipstick and fillto the full line on the dipstick.

Use 20 ozsoof oil. For type and grade of oit

to use, see"ENGINE" in Maintenance

section of this manual.

° Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

° Check oil level before each use_ Add oitif

needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

o To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time,

o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

Change the oilafter every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need

to change the oi!more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE ° Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleadedgasolinewitha rninimumof87 octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.

Purchasefuel inquantities that can be used within30 days to assurefuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: When operating in temperaturesbelow 32°F(0°C), use fresh,

cleanwintergradegasoline to help insure good coldweather starting.

WARNING: Experienceindicatesthatalcohol blended fuels (calledgasoholorusing ethanol

or methanol)can attractmoisture whichleads toseparation and formationofacidsduring

storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel

system ofan enginewhile in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drainthe gas tank, start the engine and letit

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.

CAU'RON: 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 wi Gasoline fillet' cap

TO START ENGINE

o To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)

_rnesbefore trying to start. Use a firm push. Thisstep is not usually necessary when

starting an engine which has already runfor

afew minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly.

Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

o To stop engine, release operator presence

controlbar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warrne_"weatheroverprimingmay cause floodingandenginewill notstart. Ifyou

dofloodengine,wait afew minutesbefore attemptingto stair anddo not repeat primingsteps.

MOWINGTIPS

o 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,

° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn

mower housing one (1) wheel 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 fight side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow

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

• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean ofgrass clippings and chaff. This will

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 letdry before using.

MULCHING MOWING TiPS

IiV1PORTANT:For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "Cleaning" inMaintenance 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 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 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 dded 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.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary

to raisethe 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 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.

o Change your cutting pattern from week to

week. Mow north to south one week then

change to easttowest the next weeko This

will help prevent matting and graining ofthe

lawn.

Max 1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /__,_°_/__ ......

REe.UL ,SERVICE........... ,..

Check for Loose Fasteners _#'

Clean!inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) lp#

IVi Clean Lawn Mower

(p0wer_Fropelled Mowers)

O Ctean Under Drive Cover

Check ddvebelt/pulleys

E ;(Power-Propelled Mowers)

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade ......

LubricationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge (ElectricStad Mowers)

E Check Engine Oil Level Ip#

N Change Engine Oil . . _,1'1_

G Clean Air Filter t,/

I Inspect Muffler _'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug = V'

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge _#'2

t - Change more oxen when operating under a heavy load ot in high ambient temperatures,.

2 - Service more often when operating in dirtyor dusty condi'_one. 3 -Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season

v' v' ..........

V' _4

GENERAL RECOMMENDATRONS

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.

o 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").

LUBRICATION CHART

1_ Wheel

adjuster (_) Engine

oil

(_ Rear door

(_ Handle bracket

mounting pin

(_) Spray lubricant

Referto Maintenance "ENGINE"

section.

ItVlPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants willattract 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.

hinge

Brake

spring

bracket

PRODUCT SPECHF CAT ONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377541 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 6,5 DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CUr IN, GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1,6 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

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

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG (GAP: °030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR JI9LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - ,008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN,

BLADE BOE]" TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

o 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

o 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

o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug

and place wire where itcannot come in contact with spark plug.

o Turn lawn moweron its side. Make sure air

fifter and carburetor are up,

° Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent 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 9/16" box or open-end

wrench°

o 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, TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the engine

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

o Position blade on the blade adapter aligning

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

lugs on the adapter,

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite

sharp edge) is up toward the engine°

• Installthe blade bolt with the lock washer

and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

o Use block of wood between blade and lawn

mower housing and tighten the blade bolt,

turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is35-

40 ftoib&

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

NOTE: We donotrecommendsharpen- ing blade- but ifyoudo, be suretheblade

isbalanced. TOSHARPENBLADE

Careshouldbetakento keepthe blade balanced. An unbalancedbladewill

causeeventualdamageto lawnmoweror engine.

- Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor onagrindingwheel.Donotattemptto

sharpenwhileonthemower.

o Tocheckbladebalance,driveanailintoa

beamorwalloLeaveaboutoneinchofthe straightnailexposed.Placecenterholeof

bladeovertheheadofthenail Ifbladeis balanced,itshouldremaininahorizontal

position,tfeitherendoftheblademoves

downward,sharpentheheavyenduntilthe

bladeisbalanced.

Blade Crank shaft

adapte r __-'=_,,_.k_yway

Key

Blade I \ zL_Ji_i-,Crank

bo, f \'" 1" st,a.

Lock \ Trailin Blade

washer' Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER o The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

° Check your grass catcher often for damage

ordeterioration. Through normal use itwill wear. ifcatcher needs replacing, replace

only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower

model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front 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.

- Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive

wheel gear teeth.

o Put wheels back in place. o 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-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper tevel at the factory. The only

time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear

case.

° If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No_

750355. Do not substitute.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oilrated with APt service classification SF,SG, or SH.

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

0= _0_ _0" 30*

RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFO_tE NEX3" OIL CHANGE

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

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils wilt

result in increased oil consumption when

used above 32°F. Check your engine oil

level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change afterthe first25 hours of operation at

least oncea year ifthe lawn mower isnet used

for 25 hours inone year.

Check the crankcaseoillevel before starting

the engineand after each five (5) hours of

continuoususe. Tightenoilplug securely each

timeyouchecktheoillevel. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuet tank is empty.

o Disconnect spark plugwire from spark plug

and place wire where itcannot come in contact with spark plug.

• Removeengineoilcap;layasideonaclean surface.

o Tiplawnmoweronitssideasshownand

drainoilintoasuitablecontainer.Rocklawn mowerbackandforthtoremoveanyoil

trappedinsideofengine°

° Wipeoffanyspilledoilonlawnmowerand

onsideofengine,

o Fillenginewithoil. Fillonlytothe"FULL"

lineonthedipstick.DONOToverfill.

, Replaceengineoilcap. ° Reconnectsparkplugwiretosparkplug,

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

, 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

Inspectand replace corroded muffler 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 °030inch.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: Forbest 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 up. Clean the

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

° Clean engine often to keep trashfrom

accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of allgasoline, oil,etc.

• We do not recommend usinga garden hose to clean lawn mower untess the

electrical system, muffler, 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 knifeor similar tool to remove any build-up of

trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

Slot

Air Filter

Tab

Air Filter

Cover

Tum

Clockwise

Remove

"rum

Counter-

Clockwise to

Tighten

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING

ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: = Release control bar.

o 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 '%0 ADJUST CUTI'ING HEIGHT" inthe Operation sectionofthismanual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

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

minimize the possibilitythat objects will be

thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing position. If the rear

deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced_

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

o Remove drivecover. Remove beltby

pushing down on gear case pulley and roll belt off.

• Turn lawn mower on itsside with carburetor and fuel cap up.

o Remove blade. = Remove debris shield°

= Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

= Install new belt by reversing above steps. o Always use factory approved belt to assure

f_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 low. Handles are shipped

mounted inthe medium low position.

o To change from medium low to medium

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

° Remove cable clips.

° Remove the controls and operator presence

control bar from the upper handler

= Remove the starter rope guide from the

lower handle.

° Remove hairpin cotters. . Discorlnect the lower handle from the

handle brackets.

• Turn the handle over and reassemble the hairpin cotters that have been removed.

° Reassemble the starter rope guide. o Reassemble the controls and the operator

presence contro{ 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,

= To change from medium low to high

position only the upper handle section will 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

Mediumhigh

High

Lower handle

Squeeze to _'_'__

rerno_ ..__,_"

Hairpin clip/" Handle \

bracket

Low

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377541 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual