Craftsman 917377571 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFTSMRNo

6.5 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377571

= Safety o 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

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 34 Maintenance !0 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 onty 90 days from the date of purchase°

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable ilems which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, bells, air cleaners and spark plug

,, Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-

shafts and the failure to mainlain 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. "[his Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/8t7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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 chitdren to use your mower,

Never a{Jowadults tO use mower without proper instructions_

o 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 ls 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 oreye shields when starting and while using

your mower.

• Dress properly_ Do not operate mower

when barefoot or weadng 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 nJnnlng or when the engine is

hot.Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthegastank,Clean offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe

engine,

• Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments beforestartingyourmower.Never attempttodothiswhiletheengineis running.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartilicial lighL

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 IL"

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make

absolutely sure the blade and al! 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 exces-

sively steep slopes. Use caution when

operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions -- maintain good footing_

o Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plales, grass catcher or

other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE: ° Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing bolts orlon to be sure they are

tightened properly.

o 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 lor 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.

o Allow engine to cool before storing in any

enc!osure.

,, 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,

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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced_Theyarealso

avaUabTeatmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorder repairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someofthese

accessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

L, ,,,,,,, . ,

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS .............

BELTS

, ,lilt,, i ill,

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS _ WHEELS

Read these instructionsand this manual In its

entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn

mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts [eft unassembled for shipping purposes, All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the

assembly have been placed tn 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 too_sas necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose paris Included with mower,

• Cut down two end comers of radon and lay end panel down fiat,

o Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

MULCHE R KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

STABIUZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Roll lawn mower out ofcarton and check radon thoroughly for additional bose parts,

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unlold handles carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

° Raise handles until lower handle section

_ocksinto place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section Into place on lower handle

and tightenboth handle knobs.

° Remove handle padding holding operator

presence contm! bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" inthe Sewice and Adjustment

section of this manual,

NOTE:Forshippingpurposes,therear wheelsonyourlawnmowerarenotadjusted to8qesamepositionasthefrontwheels,

Beforeoperatingmoweradjustallwheelsto lhesamecuttingheightposition.

Operatorpresencecontrc

bar

Uppperhandle,.,.,.,_,..,

¢&.-,/;'1

,_ // Mowing

//" position

Lowernandle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mu]cher. To convert to bagging or discharging: o Open rear door and remove mulcher plugo

Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, insialt mubher plug into discharge opening of

mower, Be sure ati properly.

TO PREPARE BATTERY NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

, Disconnect engine battery (male) from

battery connector (female)

,, Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery cor_nector (female).

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.Co outlet

• Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for the

first timer

° After charging, connect engine connec..

tor (male) to battery conneclor (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging. Connect your battery charger to charge ba_.ery as required

IMPORTANT: The engine alternator wilt not charge a descharged battery.

At the end of the mowing season the battery should be charged for 48 hours to

protect the battery during winter storage, CAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector (male) from the battery

connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season,

Engine Battery

connector

(male) charger

Mulcher plug

CAUTION: Do not rdn your lawn mower without mulcher plug inplace or approved clipping deflector or grass catcher in place,

Never attempt to operate the fawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

__attary

___._J_ ,_-------charger

_.==s_.._ ---j_ connector

Battery connector(female)

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDsAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

LAWNMOWER.Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourself

withthelocationofvariouscontrolsandadjustment&Savethis manual for future

reference.

_i_ese symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with product _Leam

and understand their meantng

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator I: bar Drive control lever

.............................. i i i i i[ i i

ii i iii1[ iii i,i i i,tll _ r i

Electric start key

Starter handte

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug "_'"

Gasoline cap

Housing

Drive cover

Englne oil cap w/dipstick

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

_IEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUiREMENTS- .............

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safely standards of the American National Standards Instilute and the U,S, Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade

turns when the engine is running,

I iiii ,11111111 i i i i iiii , iiiii

Operator presence control bar - mtJst be held down to the handie to start the engine.

Release to stop the engine, Primer- pumps additional fuet from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting

a cold engine.

Electric start key- used for starting the '

engine, Drive control lever- used toengage power-

propelled forward motion of lawn mower. Mulcher plug- must be removed to convert to bagging or discharglng operation.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine,

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan

resultin 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 the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower without mulcher plate in place and door closed

or without an approved clipping deflector or grasscatcher in place, Never attempt to

operate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

ENGINE SPEED

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

adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an

engine control to be installedon 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 CUTTING HEIGHT

, Raise wheels for tow cut and lower wheels

for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require- ments. Medium position is best for most

lawns.

° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever towardwheel Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all

wheels are inthe same setting.

NOTE; Adjuster ts properly positioned

when pfate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Lever

Raise Wheels tar Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

Close the flip lido Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower,

UP.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 youMawn mower without clipping defleclor or approved grass

catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open,

Hinge

Rear door

Formed

labs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER . To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence control bar to stop engine.

, Uft up rear doorand remove the grass

catcher by the handle,

, Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will

cause unne_ssary wear,

DRIVECONTROL

,, Self-propellingiscontrolledby holding

theoperatorpresencecontrolbardown tothehandleandpushingthedrive controlleverforwarduntilitclicks;then

releasethelever.

° Forwardmotionwillstopwhenthe

operatorpresencecontrolbaris

released.To stopforwardmotion withoutstoppingengine,releasethe operatorpresencecontrolbarslightly

untilthedrivecontroldisengages.Hold

operatorpresencecontrolbardownto

handletocontinuemowingwithoutself-

propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on handle

and lif! front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence controlbar

k_ Drive

To engage drive Drive conlrot

control desengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL Your lawn mower isshipped without oi! inthe

engine.

. Be sure mower is tevel and area around oil fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and ftilto the full line on the dipstick.

• Use 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 tilt_ ° Check o11level before each use. Add oi! if

needed. RII to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oi! 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 * Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline wilh a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasolin& Pur,. chase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT" When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure

good cold weather starting_ WARNING; Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads

to separation and formation ofacids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system ofan 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.

Engine qil cap w/

TO START ENGINE

= To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before trying to start. Use a firm push, This step is not usual_/necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a

few minutes. ° Hold operator presence conlrol bar down to

the handle.

• Turn electric start key clockwise to crank engine,

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continous seconds between each time you tryto start. Walt 5 to 10 seconds between ech attempt. = To start engine using the auxiliary

starter handle, foltow the steps above.

Gasoline filler cap

Exchange the use of the start key for starter handle, 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, tf 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.

= For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn

mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster settinghigher than the front for better

discharge of grass.

o When using a rear d_scharge 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.

• tf a trail of grass clippings is left on the dght side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow

in a clockwise direction with a small ovedap

to collect the clippings on the next pass.

, Keep top of engine around slarter clear and

clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and

catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularlyhose catchers off with water and let dry before using.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section of thismanual.

- The special mulching blade wil! recur the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so thatas they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and notbe noticed, Also, the mulched grass wilt

biedegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawno Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting acl_onof 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 aftemoon_ At

thistime 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.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwilt 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 stowiy_

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely 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

tawno

Max !/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

F,LLI.DATEe

ASYOUCOMPL E

REGULAR SERVICE , , ,€_ _-/.v/ VICE DATES

Loo,oFaeto e,a _K__ LfL

Clean/[r'.,spact Grass Calcher (if{Equipped) . , , V' I/

M CleanLawn Mower _ ___

O I Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drfva belt/pulleys

WE (PowaFPrope!led Mowers) V'

(PoWeFP,ropeltedMowers).... t'/ ......

R Chack/SharperdRe_laceBlade V'_

Lubrication Chart V' , _ = ,

Cle_.qBalterylRacher!_e

! IElactlic SIaM Mowers V' I/'4

I .........

RECheck EngtneOil Level

EChange Engine Otl IP"_; , __

G Clean Air Filler i I_

N_ Inspect Muffler _ .......

Clean or Replace Spark Plug l/

E Replace Atr Fl,ll,r,,PapeF,,Carllldga f"/' I ............................

t - Ch_g_ mot_ oftotl when opetallrt e under a haaw le_d or in high arn_ent Inmpera|uroe,

2 - Selvicemole oflnh when {,pera*Jng In di*t,/or dustyconditions 3 -Roptace blade= mote ollen when mo'_t_g h _endy s,,_lL

4 - Charg_ 4e h_rs al end of soason

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this Iawn 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 thls 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 wel! lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TiON CHART"),

(_1 Wheel (_) Engine oil

(_ Handle bracket (_) Rear door

(_ Spraylubricant

IMPORTAN'R. Do not oil or grease plasttc

wheel bearings, Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self

lubricating bearings. If you feet they must be tubricaled, use only adry, powdered graphite

0type lubricant sparingly,

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster

(_ Brake

mounting pin hinge

Referto MAINTENANCE'ENGINE" section.,

spine bracket

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917,3775'71

_ NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 63 DISPLACEMENT: 1256 CU° IN, GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1,25 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (APl-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS, SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J 19LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: ,004" - .008"

EXHAUST: .004" - .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN,

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing,Record both serial number and date of purchase in space

provided above,

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety ruleswhen performing any maintenance,

TIRES

. Keep tiresfree of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals whichcan harm rubber.

° Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept

sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot come in

contact with spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its stde. Makesure air

filter and carburetor are up.

, Use awood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

° Protect your hands with gloves and!or wrap

blade with heavy cloth.

= Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end

wrench.

• Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer),

NOTE: Remove the blade adopter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition towork properly_ Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the b{ade adapter on the engine

crankshaft, Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned,

• Position blade on the blade adapter aligning

the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposile sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

• Install the blade bolt with the tock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter

and crankshaft.

° Use blockof wood between blade and lawn

mower housing and tighten the blade bolt,

turningctockwise_

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-

40 ft. Ibs,

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated,

NOTE:Wedonotrecommendsharpening blade-butifyoudo,besuretheblade isbalanced.

TOSHARPENBLADE Careshouldbetakentokeepthe blade

balanced,Anunbalancedbladewill causeeventualdamagetolawnmoweror

engine. ° Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor

onagrindingwheel,Donotattemptto sharpenwhileonthemower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall Leave about one inch of the

straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is

balanced, it should remain in a horizontal posit+on+ Ifeither end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until Ihe

blade is balanced,

Blade /----. Crank shaft

adapter "_"_.. ,,_r __"" \ keyway

Key 7m-(ll( _ ,.._,_

= Remove any trash or grass cuttings from

inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive

wheel gear teeth.

° Put wheels back in place. ,, If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not

turn freely, contact your nearest authorized service center+

GEAR CASE +

• 1o keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up, Clean under the drive

cover twice a season°

° The gear case is tilted with lubricant to

the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention Is if

service has been performed on the gear case,

• tf lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starptex Premium 1 Grease, Part No+

750355+ Do not substitute,

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oilrated with API service ctassMcalJon SF,SG, or SH.

Select the oil's 8AE viscosity grade accord+ ingto your expected operaUngtemperature.

boll 1 \ ' ' ' " ""_ shaft

Lock \ Tr_ ig E_lade

washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER " The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used+

• Check your gross catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use itwill wear, Ifcatcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower

model numberwhen ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check front drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely,

The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are In the drive wheel

area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both front wheels,

• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.

° Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oits (5W30,

IOW30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,

these multi-viscosity oils will result in Increased oil consumption when used above 32°F, Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil, Change after the first25 hours of operation at

least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oll level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of

continuous use, Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

'TOCHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before Upping lawn mower to drain

oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in

contact with spark plug,

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface,

, [;p lawn mower on itsside as shown and

drain oil into a suitable container, Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil

trapped inside of engine.

° Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and

on side of engine.

° Fill engine with oil, Fill only to the "FULL"

line on the dipstick. DO NOTover%

• Replace engine oil cap.

° Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filt'er.

Replace the air filter every year; more

often if you mow in very dusty, didy conditions. Do not wash air filter,

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter by turning clock- wise to the stop and pull away from

collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

• Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumulation,

• Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

, Push in on cover and turn counterclock-

wise to tighten..

MUFFLER

inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and runbetter, Set

spark plug gap at .030 inch° CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash, Clean the underside of your mower alter

each use. CAUTION; Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with the spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up, Clean the

underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash,

,, Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulatingo A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

o Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of

all gasoline, oil,etc,

° We do not recommend using a garden

hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and

carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

CIean under drive cover at least twice a season, Scrape underside of cover with putty

knife or similar tooltoremove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of d_e cover.

Cotl_ Clip Tam

• Clockwise to

Slot _ _ Remove

Air Filter

Turn

Counter-

Air Clockwise to

Cover "l]ghlen

CAUTION: Beforeperformingany serviceoradjustments.

° Release control bar. ° Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped.

,, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come

in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST Ct.TrTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual_

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels ot your lawn mower, is provided to

minimize the possibility that objectswill be throv,rnout the rear of the lawn mower into the

operalor's mowing position. If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

• Remove drive cover.. Remove bett by pushing down on gear case pulley and roll

belt off.

= Turn lawn moweron itsside with carburetor

and fuel cap up.

• Remove blade.

• Remove debris shield.

• Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

•Insta]t new belt by reversing above steps.

° Always use faclory approved belt 1oassure

fit and tong life,

Ddve cover

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle on your lawn mower has three (3) height posilione _adjust to height Ihat suils you_

,, Squeeze the bottom ends of lower

handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the

three height adjustment holes.

High Med. Handle pin

3-Position handle

adjustment bracket

ENGINE ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set. Do

not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal Injury. !fyou believe that the engine isrunning toofast or too slow, lake your lawn mower to an authorized

service center/department for repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR

Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control. If yourengine

does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to

an authorized service center/department for repair and adjustment.

Belt

Push

down

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377571 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual