Craftsman 917377565 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTXMAN°

6.5 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.377565

• 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, IL60179

Visit our Craftsman websits: 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,

_ubricated, 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, including bent 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 rights, and you may also have other rights which 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 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 it 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 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,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects. These objects wilt 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 wearing open sandals.

Wearonlysolid 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 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.

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

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

A, 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.

These accassorias 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

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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

left unassembled for shipping purposes. All

parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the pads bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all pads and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as

necessary to ensure proper tightness.

MULCHERKI'rs

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

STAR!L!_ER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

• Remove loose pads included with mower,

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing 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.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefullyso as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle sect_n 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 Sewice and Adjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence control

bar \')_

Upper handta_////_II

LiftUp _

TO INSTALL A'f'£ACHMENTS

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

prope y.

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.

Lower handle

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familianze yourself with the

location of various controls and adil_'tm_n_. _av_ thi_ manu_l for flr_ure refgrence.

Thesesymbds mayappeeron your lawnmoweror in literaturesuppliedwiff=theproduct.Leamand underst_d e_re meaning.

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

OR WANNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher_

Mulcher plug

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

cover

Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine. Wheel adjuster

_-_" aS CPSC SAI-L_lrY 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 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 starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

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

Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to begging or discharging operation.

(on each wheel)

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 ENGtNE SPEED

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

adjustable. ENGtNE ZONE CONTROL

ACAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this Hinge lawn mower in order to minimize the risk bracke_t

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

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.

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

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.

Rear door

Grass catcher

frame

Lower Wheels for High Cutt_,L__A_

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

vet

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

To engage Ddve control

drive 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.

Pumhase 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 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 untilthe

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.

ACAUTION: 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.

Engine oilcap

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 fillis clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto 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 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 even/25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need

to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty cond_ons.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before trying to starL 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 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.

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

(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 leas 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'rIPS

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 not__.ed. 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 recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is weL Wet grass tends to form dumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early aftemoon. 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

byoverlappingpreviouslycutpathand

mows ly.

• Certain typas of graas and grass condi- tions may require that an area be mulched

a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or peq:xmdicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattem fi-om 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 04

the lawn.

.A,.TENANCESCNEOULE

Check for Loose Fasteners I_ if' Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(if Equipped) Clean LawnMower

Clean Under DriveCover

Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive bell/pulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

LubdcationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge

ElectricStart MowersI

! Change Engine Oil Ill.L2

E Check En_}ineOit Level

Ctean Air Filter I_# 2

_ Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace SparkPlug

E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge t/2

1 - Change monsoftenwhen operaftng under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2- Servicemoreoftenwhenoperatingindirtyordustyconditions. 3- Replacebla6es more _n when mow_ insandyso_L 4- Charge48 hours atendofseason.

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 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").

I/ I/"4

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel adjuster Engine

t Handle bracket

mounting pin

(_) Spray lubncant

('_ Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE"

sec_on.

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

dust and dirtthat will shorten the life ofthe self

lubncating bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite

[ubr_r_ spanng_/.

oil

Brake

spring

"(_) Rear doorbracket

hinge

+ 21 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377565 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual