Craftsman 917377553 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RI:IFTSMI:IN

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377553

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• 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 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

Safety standard's require operator
presence controls to mimimize the risk of

injury. Your unit is equipped with such
controls. Do not attempt to defeat the

function of the operator presence controls
under any circumstances.

TRAINING"

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this manual.

• Do not operate mower if ithas 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 tums 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.

2

• Dressproperly.Donotoperatemower
whenbarefootorwearingopensandals.
Wearonlysolidshoeswithgoodtraction

whenmowing.

• Checkfueltankbeforestartingengine.

Donotfill 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 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 itaway 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 your

mower.

• Do not change the govemor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or

personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessive vibration isan
indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause ofvibration
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 - 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 belts, 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
specificetions 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 buildingwhere fumes may reach

an open flame or an ignitionsource 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.

3

These accessories were available when thislawn mower was produced. They are also

available at most Sears retailoutletsand service canters. Most Sears stores can also order
repair parts for you, when youprovide the model number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these
accassodes may not applyto your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR RFAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SlOE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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

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

the exception ofthose parts leftunassembled
for shippingpurposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the

assembly have been placed inthe parts bag.
To ensura safe and proper operation of your

lawn mower, all parts _ hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correcttools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts includedwith mower.

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

• Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operatorpresence

controlbar to upper handle.

MULCHER KITS

AIR RLTERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
cartonthoroughly for additionalloose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandles carefullyso as
not topinch ordamage controlcables

• RaLsehandles untillower handle section

locksintoplace in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raiseupper

handle sectioninto place on lower handle

and tightenbeth handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holdingoperator
presence controlbar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for yourmowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle' inthe Service and Adjus_nent
sectionof this manual.

4

Operator presencecontrolbar

Liftu

Lowerhandle

Mowing position

TO INSTALL AI"rACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. Toconvert to bagging or

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now installcatcher or optional

dippingdeflector.

• To retumto mulchingoperation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower.

Mucher 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.

5

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 various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Enginezone controlcable

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Drive control lever

knob

Engineoilcap w/dipstick

Mulcherplug

Gasolinefillercap

• cover

Primer

Wheel adjuster

(on everywheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade tums when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must
be held down to the handle te 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.

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

Mulcher plug - must be removed to
convert to bagging or discharging opera-

tion.

Starter handle- used for starting the

engine.

6

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan

resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcanresultinsevereeye

damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesor

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
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of

blade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the

function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned

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

TO ADJUST CUI-FING 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.

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing

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

bracket,

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn

mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

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.

Hinge Grass catcher
bracket frame

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release

operator presence control bar to stop
engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

LowerWheels for High Cut PlateTab

Lever

RaiseWheels for Low Cut

7

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propellingis controlled by holding the

operator presence controlbar downto the
handle and pushingthe drive control lever
forward untilitclicks;then release the drive

control lever.

• Forward motion willstop when the operator

presence controlbar is released. To stop

forward motion without stoppingengine,

release the operator presence control bar
slightlyuntilthe drive controldisengages.
Hold operator presence controlbar 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.

To engage Drive control

drivecontrol disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL
Yourlawn mower isshipped withoutoil inthe

engine.

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

• Remove engine oil cap w/dip_ck and till to
the full lineon the dipstick°

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

touse, see "ENGINE" inMaintenance
sectionof thismanual.

• Pour oil slowly.Do not overfill.

• Check oillevel before each use. Add oilif
needed. Fillto full line-on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tightenengine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstallengine oilcap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need to
change the oilmore often under dusty, dirty

conditions.

GAS

• RII fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat can be used
within30 days to assure fuel freshness.

Operator presence

:ontrol bar \

Ddve _ Ddve

control control

WARNING: Experience indicatesthat alcohol

blended fuels (calledgasohol or using ethanol
or methanol) can attractmoisture which leads

toseparation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidicgas can damage the fuel

system ofan engine while instorage. To avoid
engine problems,the fuel system shouldbe

emptied before storage of30 days or longer.

Drainthe gas tank,startthe engine and letit
rununtilthe fuel linesand carburetor are

empty.Use fresh fuel next season. See
Storage Instructionsfor additional information.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
productsinthe fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three (3)
times before tryingto start. Use a firm push.

This step is not usuallynecessary when

starting an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.

• Hold operatorpresence control bar down to
the handle and pullstarterhandle quickly.

Do notallow starterrope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence

control bar.

NOTE: In coolerweather it may be necessary

to repeat primingsteps. In warmer weather

over primingmay cause flooding and engine
willnot start. Ifyou do flood engine,wait a few
minutes before attemptingtostart and do not

repeat primingsteps.

Gasolinefillercap

8

Engine oilcap w/
dipstick

MOWINGTIPS

• Undercertainconditions,suchasvery
tallgrass,itmay 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
cverlap to collect the clippings on the

n " pass.

•Pon. "in cloth grass catchers can
becon, filled with dirt and dust with use

and catc. ers will collect less grass. To
prevent thi_-,regularly hose catcher off

with water ar:d 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: Forbest parformance, keep

mower housing free of built-upgrass and
trash. See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE

sectionof this manual.

• The special mulching blade willrecut the

grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fallontothe
lawn they will disperse into the grass and

not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to prov'Kle nutrients for

the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting actionofthe blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when itis wet. Wet
grass tends to form dumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to

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

area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheight so thatthe lawn mower cuts
offonly the top one-thirdofthe grass blades.

Ifthe lawn isovergrown it willbe necessary

to raise the heightof cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloadingthe

engine and leavingclumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your wk:lthofcut by overlapping
previouslycutpath and mow slowly.

• Certain types ofgrass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a

second time tocompletelyhidethe
dippings. When doinga second cut, mow

across or parpendlcular to thefirstcut 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. 113

• _ • !

9

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

M ! Clean Lawn Mower

(power-Propelted Mowers) it/

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) it/

ChecldSharpen/Repleca Blade I_

Lubrication Chart b/ b#'

Clean Battery/Recharge
(Electric Start Mowers) IV/ 1_4

E Check Engine Oil Level IV/ !

N ChangeEngineOlt _/1 _.
G Clean Air Filter it/2

I Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge t/2

1 -Change more often when operating under a heavy loado_in highambient temperabJres.
2 - _ more olten when operating indirty or dusty condi_.

3 - Replace blade= more often when mowing in sandysoil.

4 oCharge 48 hours at er=dof 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, operator must
maintain mower as instructed in this

manual.
Some adjustments wiil 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").

" W W

(_) Spay lubricant

(_) Refer to MAINTENANCE "ENGINE"

section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubdcants

will attract dust and dirt that will shorten
the life of the self lubdcating bearings. If

you feel they must be lubricated, use only

a dry, powdered graphite type lubdcant
sparingly.

10

SERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

__ _ _ Wheel Adjuster

(_) Engineoil

--f

(_ Reardoor

(_) Handle bracket hinge

mountingpin