Craftsman 917377545 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

(RRFTSMRN°

65 HORSEPOWER
22' REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377545

• 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

Visit our Craftsman website: www sears conYcraftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Assembly 4 Storage 16
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17

Mamtenance Schedule 10 Repatr Parts 37
Mamtenance 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,
lubncated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructtons on the

owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commerctal or rental purposes, this warranty

apphes for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
Thts Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable ttems 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, includmg bent crank-
shafts and the fatlure to maintain the equipment according to the tnstructtons con-

tamed in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Seats Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while

this product is m 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 umt 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 qutckly stop

mower.

• Do not allow chnldren to use your

mower. Never allow adults to use
mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small chtldren and
pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as descnbed in this

manual.

• Do not operate mower if nthas 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,
wtres, bones, and other foretgn objects
These objects will be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and whtle ustng
your mower.

Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

2

Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.

• Check fuel tankbefore starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
hot. Allow the engine to cool for several

minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean

off any spilled gasoline before starting
the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments

before starting your mower. Never
attempt to do this while the engine is
running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your
mower and the area being cut. Do not let
other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never

run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or

before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel---covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating
it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing

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

parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from

the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the 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

excessively 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.

MAINTENANCEAND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine

mounting bolts often to be sure they are

tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working
condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and
working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive

grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tion and wear and replace 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 storing in

any enclosure.

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

reach an open flame or an ignition
source such as a hot water heater,

space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,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.

AWARNING

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of

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

3

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower.They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service
centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may n_ 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

_/! GRASS CATCHERS

J_( SIDE DISCHARGE

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

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

operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled
at the factory with the exception of those parts

laft unaseembled for shipping purposes. All

parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have

TO REMOVE LAWNMOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

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

• 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.

been placed in the parts bag. 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

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

GAS CANS

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 ddjusted
for your mowing comfort. Rbfer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence control bar

TO INSTALL ATrACHMEN'FS

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 retum to mulching operatior_,install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure alltabs are seated
prepedy.

Upper haL_ffl_p"j///_Lift _ //_'_

"'" /Mowing

0os,,,oo

Lower handle

Mulcher plug

ACAUTION: 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 illustratior_ withyour lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or inliterature supprBd withthe product. Leem and understa_

meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Operator presence controlbar

\

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Engine oil
cap w/

dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR
GASOLINE in the engine.

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
held down tothe 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,

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Drive cover

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

6

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

mower can result in foreign

The operation of any lawn

objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
while operating your lawn mower or

performing any adjustments or repairs.

We recommend a wide vision safety mask

over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this Hinge
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 Formed
behind the lawn mower handle to start tabs

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. Plate Tab

• Close the lift top lid. Lift top 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.

ACAUTION: 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.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass

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

wear.

Rear door

Grass catcher
frame

operator presence control bar to stop
engine.

catcher by the handle.

Lower Wheels for High Cutr_ _L__

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive

control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the 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 corners, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.

Operator presence controlbar Drive

contml

3"0engage drive Drive control
control disengaged

ADD GASOUNE

• 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.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gesohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas

can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage. To avoid engine problems,
the fuel system should be emptied before

storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas

tank, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use

fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Instructions for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur,

_LCAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler heck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap

Gasoline filler cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oilin the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and
grade of oilto use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oilif
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need

to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty conditions.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying to start. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary

when starting an engine which- has alread

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 presenc_

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 start. If you

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

8 repeat priming steps.

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 (push-

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

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

a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To

prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and extend

engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section

of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recur the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them insize 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 recutling 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 lime to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At

this lime 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 effortand 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-
lions may require that an area be mulched

a second lime to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or peqoendicular to the firstcut path.

• Change your cutting pattem from week to

weak. 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.

/3

9

MA,NTEN,NCESC.EOULE

F,LL,.

Check for LooseFasteners i/' ikS

Clean/Inspect GrassCatcher

(If Equipped)

a Clean Lawn Mower _

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-PropelledMowers)

Check drivebelt/pulleys

RE (Powe r-PropelledMowers) V'

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _3

LubricationChart I/'

Clean Battery/Recharge

IEl_ctrieSta_Mowers/ I/' I/,

E Check EngineOil Level

N Change EngineOil _1,2

G Clean Air Filter IV# 2

InspectMuffler I_

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy 1cador in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty ordusty conditions,

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

_ _.,_ 0 0 £_. 0'_

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this
manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and
clean/new air filter element assures

proper air-fuel mixture and helps your
engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
TION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel
adjuster (_ Engine

oil

(_ Brake

(_U bracket

Handle bracket hinge
mounting pin

(_ Spray lubricant
(_) Referto Maintenance "ENGINE"

section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirtthat willshorten the life of the self
lubricating beatings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.

10

(_) Rear door

spring