Craftsman 917377554 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN+

6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377554

• 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

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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

Assembly 4 Storage 16

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37

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/617 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 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 ifit 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 manufacturer.

Use of such attachments may be hazard-

ous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

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

and can cause severe injury.

2

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
when starting and while using your mower.

• Dross properly. Do not operate mower

when barofoot 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. Allow
the engine to coot for several minutes
before filling the gas tank. Clean offany
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.='lnd keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidenta_ starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower it you hit
a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating your

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 end
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.

• MAINTENANCE AND STORAG E:

• 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 deterioration
and wear and replace worn begs. Use

only replacement bags that are recom-
mended 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 ignitionsource such
as a hot water heater, space heater,

clothes dryer, etc.

_l,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!I! YOUR
SAFETy IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: 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 accassories 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 not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

I_ _ GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

_/! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

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 as-

sembled at the factory with the exception

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

bolts, etc., necessary to complete the

assembly have been placed in the parts
bag.

AIR FILTERS

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM
CARTON

• Remove loose pads included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down _t.

• Remove all padldng 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.

FOR

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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 adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment
section of this manual.

Operator presence bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing
position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATFACHMENTS
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 return to mulching operation, install

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

properly.

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 illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

location of various controls and adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourlawnmowerorinliteraturesupprmdwi_ theproduct.Learnandunderstand
thererneaning.

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

O,R WARNING ON OFF AN,D F,,EETAWAY

Enginezone controlcable

Operator presence controlbar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil

Mulcher plug

cap w/
dipstick

Housing

j Drive cover

Gasoline cap

Prime

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
tums when the engine is running.

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

Release to stop the engine.
Pdmer - pumps addrtional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a co_dengine.
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.

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

6

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.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWI_i MOWER

ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_b,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 is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be pos'ftioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start 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 require-

rnents. Medium position is best for most
lawns.

• 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

t

LowerWheels for High Cutp"L,._J_,--.-,w

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Flip lidmust 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.

/I, 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

Grass catcher

frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTYGRASS 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
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

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 control bar

Drive

control

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regtJlar

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.

_,WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it 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.

&CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

To engage ddve Drive control
control disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis 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. Fortype and

grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
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.

ADD GASOLINE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and
discard the debris plug that is inside the

tank.

ngine oilcap

Gasoline filler cap

(Discard

debris plug)

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

already run for a few m'rnutas.

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

quickly. Do net allow starter rope to snap
back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.

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

warmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

8

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, regulady 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 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

not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass
will biedegrade 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 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 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 condi-
tions may require that an area be mulched
a second time to completeiy hide the

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to

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

will help prevent matting and graining of
the lawn.

:_"_;_;y_'_:_,_-"-] Max 1/3

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...,_o__

F,LL ,N DATES __k_=j..._

,s COMPL E

Check for LooseFasteners _ I_
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher

(If Equipped) I/ _ _

M I Clean LawnMower

Clean Under DriveCover

WE(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys I_

(Power-PropelledMowers)

IR Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade _3

LubricationChart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge
IElectric Start MowersI ll/ I/'4

E ICheck Engine OilLevel I_

Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter I/' 2

I_1 InspectMuffler

Clean or Replace SparkPlug I_

E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge 1_2

1 * Change more often when Operatingunder a heavy load or inhigh ambient temperatures.

2 * Servic_ more often when operating in dirty or dusty co_lditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing In sandy soil.

4 * Charge 48 hours at end of season,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive

full value from the warranty, 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").

10

_1,2

!,'

(_Wheel A

O Spraylubricant

(_ Referto Maintenance "ENGINE"

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

dust and dirtthat willshorten the life ofthe serf

lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite

type lubricant sparingly.

_RVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

djuster 2_ Engine

/ oil

oraeket hmge

mounting pin

section,