Craftsman 917.377543 User Manual

Owner's Manual

[RRFTSMRN"

6.5 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377543

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• 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 14 Assembly 4 Storage 16

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Pads 37 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LIMITED TWO YEAELWARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of pumhase, 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 matedal 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 dudng 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 CentedDepartment inthe 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

Safety standards require operator

presence controls to minimize the

risk of injury. Your unit is equipped

with such controls. Do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator presence controls under any

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

rrlower.

• 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 ifit has been

dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

• Do net use accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufac-

turar. Use of such attachmerits may be

hazardous.

• The blade rums when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects will be thrown by the blade

and cao cause severe injury.

• Alwayswearsefetyglassesoreye

shields when starting and while using your rnower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoos 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 thiswhile the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

tight.

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 ofthe 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 matedal toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the

mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or ropaidng 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.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pu_ing 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 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.

• Keep all safety devices in place and

working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive grease

and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tion and wear and replace wom bags.

Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before stodng in any

enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach

an open flame or an ignition source such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

&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

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

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retailoutlets and servicecenters. Most Sears stoles can also order

repairpartsfor you,=whenyou providethe modelnumber ofyour lawn mower. Some of these

accessories may not applyto your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

Read these instmclfonsand this manual in its entiretybefore you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. Yournew rnower has been assembled at the factorywi_ the _ of those parts leftunassembled for shippingpuqooses.Allparts such as nuts,

washers, bolts,etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed inthe parts bag.

To ensure sere and proper operationofyour

lawn mower, ail partsand hardware you assemble mustbe _htenecl securely. Use the

correcttoolsas necessary to ensure proper

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove louseparts induded withmower.

• Cut down two end comem of cartonandlay

endpanddownnat

• Removeall_ materialsexcept

paddlng between uppar and lower handle

andpadcr_gho_ngoparatorpresence

controfbarto upper handle,

MULCHERKITS

/ FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CIUtS

€

AIRFILTERS

• Rolllawn rnower out ofcarton and chenk

cartonthoroughlyforadd_onallooseparts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefullysoas notto pinchordamage control cables.

• Raise handlGsuntillower handle section

locksintoplace in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise uppa_

handle seclion into place on lower handle and lightenboth handle IqK_bs.

• Remove handle padding holdingoparator _ contlol bar to uppar hendle.

• Your lawn mower handle ca_ be adjusted for your mowing cordort. Refer to 'Adjust

Handle"intbeServk:eandAdjustment

sec_onof this manual

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Liftup

Lowerhandle

bar TOINSTALLA'i'FA_-IMENTS

Yourla_mm_v,_rwasshipl_d=readytobe

used as a rr_clwr. Tocc_Ted to Ixl_ or

• Open reardoorandremovemuter I_Ug.

_om mulcher i_ug in a safe place.

• Youcan nowinslal calcherorolXional

Clil_ de_lec_.

• To m_m_omu_t_ _,_

muncherpluginlodischargeopeningof

motto. Be surealltabs are seated

propedy.

MuU_rp_

&CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower wittmut.rnuJcher plug in place or approved

dipping deflectororgrasscatcher in place.

Never attemptto operatethe lawn mower withthe mar door removedor propped

Op_1Q

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPEI:_TINGYOURLAWN

MOWER.ComparetheiL_'b"atJonswi_yourlawnmowertofamilarizeyourselfwiththe locationofvariouscontrolsandadjustments.Savethismanualforfuturereference.

_ symbolsmayappem'onyourlain1motororIn_ _0qplbd wilhll_el=Odu_ I._m md mdlerstmd U_ro mmtxj.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone controlcable

Operator presence controlbar

Drive controllever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grasscatcher

Mulcherplug

Engineoil

cap w/

dipstick

Gasolinecap

Primer

Housing

Wheel adJUSter

(oneachwheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENT8 Seam rota,'ywalk-behind power lawn mowem co_on-n to g-_es_detystandards of theAn'_dcan

NaUor_Standardsk_tuZeandU_eU.S.Consum_ProductSaf_y_. TheUade rumswhenU'mermineisn_ng.

Operator IXeSence _,ndlml bar -must be

beJddowntoglehaxle toslarttheengine.

RCeasetostoptheen_ne.

_ - puml_ addllionalfuelfrom the cazburetorto 1hecy_r for use when stading

a€oldeng_e.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-

_ for_a_lrnotionof lawnrnower. Mulcherplug- mustberemovedtoconvertto

zx_g orcr_'_w_ngoperauoN.

s_ _- md forsZa_g__jne.

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 ENGE_E SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed _s not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of

blade contact injury. Do not under any

circumstances attempt to defeat the function.of the operator control, The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower isequipped with an

operatorpresence control bar which

requirestheoperatortobepos_

behindthe lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTnNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for lowcut and lower whsels

for highcut.

• Adjust cuttingheight to suityour requira-

ments.Medumpos_onisbestformost

lawns.

• TochangecutUnghe_htsquseze_r

leverfoward wheel Move wbeel op or

down to su_ your rsquimmen_. Be sure aJl wheeis are Inlhe sarne sst_ng,

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plato tab inserts into hole in lever,

Also,9-positionadjusters(ifsoequipped)

allow lover to be positioned between the plate tabs,

Rate Tab

LowerWheels for _ _r-,L=

TO A'FrACH GRASS CATCHER

• Qosethen_d. R_ M mustbedosed

while opemlJng lawn rnower_

• Liftthe rear door on the mower housingand

place tbe grass cstcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear dcor hinge brackst.

• The grass catcher issecursd to b_e lawn

moworhousingwhenthereardooris

lowered ontothe grass catcher frame.

&CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without dipping 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

Grasscatcher frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grasscstcher, retease operator presence controlbar to stop engine.

• Ult up rear door and remove the grsss

catcherbytbehanae.

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

Ra_ Wheels forLow Cut

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propellingiscontrolledbyholding theoperatorpresencecontrolbarclown

tothehandleandpushingthedrive

control lever forward until it dicks; then release the 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 lift front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

Ol_mtor presenceconUo4bar Drive

'_ conu_

GAS

• F'lfue_tanl_Usehlesh,dean,regular

unleaded gasoine fidh a _ of 87

octane.Donom_ oZv_lh0asoine.

Purchase fuel in quanmk_ Ihat can be used

._hin 30 daysto assure [ueifreshness.

WARNING: _ ir,ci_ b"_ .!_t:daot

Uendedfu_ (adedgaso_orus_ge_nd

or me0_ can attract _re which leacls

toseparaUcmandfommUonofacUs_x_g

storage.Aci_ gascandarnagetheluel symmc_anenginewMeinsUxaoe.Toavoid

er_noproUem__hefu_s,_temshoedbe

envied beam stora_ d 30daysorkx_0er.

Dlainthe0as tank,startthe en0m andleti

run unil_'_e luel lines and cadxn'etor are empty. Use lresh luel next season. See

$tora0eir,_ lot ad_ k'lfom_Jon.

Never use engine or cad)uteri" deaner i:xoducts inthe fuel tank or pennanent

dama0emayoccu_

En0ine oil cap

Gasoline li_ cam

Toengage drive Drive control

oonv_ d_nga_d

BEFORESTAFmNGENGaNE

OIL Your lawn mower isshippedwilhout oi inIhe

en_ne.

• Be sure rnowerts level and area arotmd oi fll isdean.

• P,_veenumoZcapandmto_Urme

onu_

• Use20ozs.of oil.Fortypeandgradeo_oi

to use, see "ENGINE" in IVl_ntenance

sec_on of _s manual.

• Pour oilsk)wly. Do notover lilL

• Chec_levelbefomeachuse. Addoili

needed. RII to_11line on cSpsti_

• To read proper levet,lightenengine oilcap

each lime.

• P.einsta,en0_neoicapand,O_ten.

• Changetheo_afl_ evely25hoursof

operation oreach season. You may need

tochangetheoimoreo_enunderdusty,

c_rtycondmons.

TO START BNGIq_

• Tos_t ac_den0_e,pushpdmerUve(S)

_es be_e U,/ingtosta_ Use a rumpush, Thisstepisnotusua_ necessmy._en

sm_g aneng_ whlchhasalreadyrunfor

a few rninum.

• Hold _ presence contrd bar down to

thehardeandpu_starterharde quic_y.

Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

• Tostopee0m, r_easeopemtorpe_sence

control bar.

NOTE: Incooler weather itmay be

necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warmerweatherover pdmin0 may cause

flooding and engine wifl not start. If you do

flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat

priming steps.

_OWING 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 mqwer 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 ll_erfo_, keep

mower housingfree ofbuilt-upgrass and trash. See "Cleaning"in Maln[enanca section

ofthis manual.

• The special mulchingblade will recutthe

grass clippingsmany Umes and reduce

them insize so that as they fall onto the

lawn they w111disperse intothe grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grasswill

blodegrade quiddy to provide nutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this willprovide the best recuttingaction of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it is weL Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes

with the mulching action. T_ best lime to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly

cutarea will not be exposed to the direct

• sun.

• For best resuits, adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheightso that the lawn mower cuts offonly the top one-third of the grass blades.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary

to raise the heightof cutto reduce pushing

effortandto keep from overloadingthe engine and leaving clumps of mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce yourwidth of cut by overlapping

previouslycutpath and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grassconddJons

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

dippings.Whendoingasecondcut,mow

across or perpendicular to the first cutpath.

• ChangeyourcuWngpatternfromweekto

week. Mow northto south one week then change to east to west the next week. This

will help prevent matting and greJningof the

lawn.

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