Craftsman 917377564 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RRFTSMflN"

6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.377564

• 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

_isit our Craftsman wsbsite: www,sears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 ProductSpecifications 11

SafetyRules 2 Serviceand Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 16
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
MaintenanceSchedule 10 RepairParts 37
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordedng 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 workman-

ship.
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, includingbent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained 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 dghts, and you may also have other rightswhich

vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND 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 controlsand

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

• Do not allow childrento 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 bythe manufac-

turer. Use ofsuch attachments maybe
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.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or weadng open sandals.

2

Wear only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do notfill gas tank indoors,when the

engine is runningor when the engine is

hot.Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes beforefillingthe gas tank. Clean

off any spilled gasoline before starting

the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never
attemptto 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 interestsdistractyou.

• Do not mow wet or slipperygrass. Never
run while operating yourmower. Always

be sure of yourfooting -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.

• Do notput hands orfeet near or under

rotatingparts. 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 crossingdriveways, 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 disconnectthe
spark plugwire and keep it away from

the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Do not continueto run your mower ifyou
hita foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restartingand operating you

mower.

• Do not change the governorsettings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injurymay result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an

indicationof 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 --

ma'mtain 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

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 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.

A, Look 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.

A, 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 accessorieswere availablewhen thislawn mowerwas produced.They are not
shipped with your mower, They are alsoavailableat mostSears retailoulJetsand service
centers. Most Searsstorescanalso orderrepairpartsfor you, whenyou providethemodel
numberofyour lawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

Read these instructiensand this manual in its
entiretybeforeyouattemptto assembleor

operateyournew lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shiped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.

Yournew lawn mower has been assembled
at thefactory withthe exceptJenofthose parts
leftunaseembledforshippingpurposes. All

parts suchas nuts,washers,bolts,atc.,
necessaryto completetheassemblyhave

been placedinthe partsbag. To ensures_e
and properoperationof yourlawn mower,all

parts and hardwareyou assernblemustbe

tightenedsecurely.Usethecorrecttoolaas

necessa_ to ensureproperIJghthese.

MULCHERKITS

GRASSCATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

AIR FILTERS SPARK pl I II'_._

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loosepartsincludedwith mower.

• Cutdown twoend comomof cartonand

layendpaneldownfla_

• Remove all packingmateriaisexcept
padding between upper and lower handle

and padding holdingoperatorpresence
centralbar toupper handle.

• Roll lawn mower outofcartenand check

cartonthoroughlyfor additionalloosepads.

4

HOWTOSET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as
not to pinch or damage cont_ cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower hand"_
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.

OperatorpresencecontrpI

TO iNSTALL A'I'rACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher,To convertto baggingor
discharging:

• Open rear door and removemulcherplug,
Store mulcherplug in a safe place.

• You can nowinstallcatcheror optional
clippingdeflector.

• To retumto mulchingoperation,install

mulcherplugintodischargeopeningof
mower, Be SUreall tabs are seated

properly.

Upper handle _,_,_, "_

bar _ up_zf/._

Lift UP _L' /_M_owin

_ .::..:...__ // position

Lower _

Mulcher

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 yourseff with the

_Jon of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

_ eymbols mayappearonyour lawn_ or in literaturesuppUedwiththeproduct.Leemmd

unde_m_ theremmn_g.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Mulcher plug

Engine oil

cap w/
dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Drive cover

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotawywalk-behindpower lawn mowersconformtothe safetystandardsofthe American

NationalStandardsInstituteand the U.S. ConsumerProductSafety Commission.The blade

turnswhen the engineisrunning.

Operator presence control bar - must be

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

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starling 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
begging or discharging operation.

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.

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

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

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk brace_
of blade contact injury. Do not under any

cimumstances 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

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• 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.

_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.

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
emptying; it will cause unnecessary

wear.

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. PlateTab

Rear door

Grass catcher

frame

Lower Wheels for High C_...._ / _,L_

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lsvor

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

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

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

\,_ control

To engage Drive control
drive control disengaged

Drive

ADD GASOUNE

• Fillfuel 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 gasohol or

using ethenol 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, stad the engine and let if run untilthe

fuel lines end carburetor are empty. Use

fresh fuel next season. See Storage

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

the fuel tenk or permenent damage may

occur.

ACAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe oft 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 oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

figis cleen.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

lineonthedipstick.

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 oil if

needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap end 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 tire (5)

timas befors tryingto start. Use a firm push.

This step is not usually necessary when

starting an engine which has already 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 step 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 ovedoading 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
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn

mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippingsis left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small
ovedap 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: Forbestperformance,keep

mower housingfree of built-upgrass and
trash.See "Cleaning" in Maintenancesection

ofthismanual.

• The specialmulchingbladewillrecurthe

grassclippingsmany times and reduce
them insize sothat as theyfallontothe

lawnthey will disperseintothe grassand

not be noticed. Also,the mulchedgrass
will biodegradequiddyto providenutrients

forthe lawn. Alwaysmulch withyour

highestengine (blade)speed as thiswill

provide the bestrecuttingaction of the
blades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhen itis wet. Wet

grasstendsto form clumpsand interferes
withthemulchingaction. The besttimeto
mow yourlawnisthe earlyafternoon. At

thistime the grasshas driedand the newly

cut area wiltnotbe exposedto the direct

SUn.

• For bestresults,adjustthelawnmower

cuttingheightso that the lawn mowercuts

offonly thetopone-thirdofthe grass
blades. If the lawn is overgrownitwillbe
necessaryto raisethe heightofcutto

reducepushingeffortandto keep from

overloadingthe engine and leaving
clumpsof mulched grass. For extremely

heaW mulching, reduceyourwidth0f cut

by overlappingpreviouslycut Pathand
mow slowly,

• Certaintypesofgrassand grasscondi-

tionsmay requirethatan area be mulched

a second time to completelyhidethe
clippings:When doinge secondcut,mow

acrossorpeq0endiculartothe tirstcut path.

• Change your out_ patternfromweekto
week. Mow northto south one weekthen

change toeastto westthe nextweek. This
will help preventmattingand grainingof

the lawn.

,,'_:,ffO_i_L_-."--_Max 1/3

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE __ _ __./__#O__'_" _

AsYouCOMPL E ......

BEGOt. E.V,C SERV'CE ATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _' ll/
Clean/Inspect GrassCatcher

(If Equipped) _' V#_

iM Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

o

_ (Power-PropelledMowers) q_'Check drivebelt/pulleys ..

(Power-PropelledMowers)

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade 3

LubricationChart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge
/Electric Start MowersI V' V'4

E Check En_iineOil Level

Change EngineOil _1,2

InspectMuffler

Clean Air Niter _ 2

N Clean or ReplaceSpark Plug

ReplaceAir Filter Paper Cartridge V'2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Se_lce more often when operating In dirt'/or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

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 propedy 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").

(_ Handle bracket

(_) Spraylubricant
('_ Referto Maintenance "ENGINE"

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract

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.

10

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel
adjuster Engine

oil

Rear door
hinge

mounting pin

®

Brake
spring

bracket