Craftsman 917377574 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RI FTSM IN°

6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377574

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_o!

• 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 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 instructionsin the
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.

if this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commemial 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 accoraing to the instructionscon-

tained in the owners 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 inuse in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich
vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., 13/817WA, 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 thisoperators manual carefully.
Become familiarwiththe controls and

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

mower.

• Do not allowchildrento use your mower.
Never allow adultsto use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especiallysmall children and

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described inthismanual.

• Do notoperate mower it it hasbeen

dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before

usingyour mower.

• Do notuse 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 thoroughlycheck the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and otherforeign objects.
These objects willbe thrown by the blade

and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shieldswhenstartingand while using

your mower.

r

•_ Dress properly. Do-not operate mower

when barefoot or weadng open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes w_hgoocLtrac_or_

when mowing.

• Check fueltankbefomstertfng 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 rUlingthe gas tank. Clean
off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine.

• Always make wheeF-height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never

attempt to do this while the engine is
running.

• Mow only in daylight or good art_icial
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 ddveways, 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 end 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 eperating you

mower.

• Do notchange the governor settingsor

overspeed the engine.Engine damage or
personalinjurymay result.

• Do notoperate your mower ifitvibrates
abnormally.Excessive vibrationisan

indicationof damage; stopthe engine,

safelycheck forthe cause ofvibration
and repairas required.

• Do not run the engine ihdoors. Exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulting the mower

towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow exces-

sively steep slopes. Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain

or when changing directions -- maintain

good footing.

• Never operate your mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.

• Check all 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.

ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where itcannot

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.

Thase accessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwas produced. Theyarealso
availableat mostSears retailoutletsandservicecenters. MostSearsstorescanalsoorder

repairpartsfor you,whanyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawn mower. Sorneofthese
accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

rt

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE "

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

s'r_iml rp;q

FOR

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

Read these instTuctionsand this manual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or

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

theexce_ of_se pads k_tunassemb_d

for shipping purposes. All pads such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessa_ to complete the

assembly have been placed in 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 tools as necessary to ensure proper

tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts induded with mower.

• Cut down two end comors of carton and lay

end panel down flaL

• Remove all packing materiais except

padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.

AIR RLTER_

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Rolllawnmoweroutofcartonandcheck
cartonthoroughlyforadditionalloosepar_.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

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

• Raise handles u_l 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 comforL Refer to "Adjust

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

4

Operator bar

Lift up

Mowing
position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

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 installcatcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated

properly.

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged
before you can start your lawn mower.

• Disconnect engine battery connector
(male) from battery connector (female)

• Connect battery charger connector
(male) to battery connector (female).

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24

hours before starting your engine for
the first time.

• After charging, connect engine connec-
tor (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral altemator for
partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine altemator will

not charge a discharged battery.
At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to

protect the battery during winter storage.
ACAUTION: 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.

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.

Engine

connector
(Male)

_E Battery

charger

J

Battery connectror (male)

connector

(female)

y charger

5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

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

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyourlawn mowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe

locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save thismanualforfuture reference.

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourla_nmowerorInlilmatumsuppliedwiththeproduct.Learnandundastand
thaememir_

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Key start switch

Engine zone controlcable,

Grass catcher

presence control bar

Ddve control lever

Handle knob

Mulcher plug

Engine oil

cap w/
dipstick

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
rums when the engine is running.

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

Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cytinder for use when starting
a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Ddve control lever - used to engage power-
propelled forward motion of lawn mower.
Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to
bagging or discharging operation.
Key start switch - used for starting the

engine.

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

6

The operation of any lawn mowercan

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

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

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

circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned

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

TO ADJUST CUTnNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low 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 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

/

Lower Wheels for High Cut._ _ .,L_

TO ATFACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the flip lid. Rip lidmust be dosed
while operating lawn mower.

• Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the

formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn

mower housing when the rear door is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt to

operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.

Hinge

Rear door

Grass catcher

frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GiRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.

• Liftup 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

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it dicks; 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 engagedwhen

turning comers, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while

tuming lawn mower.

Operator presence controlbar

Drive

control

WARNING: Ex_ inSicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol

or methanol) cen attract moisture which leads
to separation and formation of acids during

storage.Addicgascandamagethefuel

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 untilthe fuel linesand carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See

Storage Instructionsforadditional information.

Never use engine or cafouretor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent

damagemayoccur.

Engine il cap / Gasoline filler cap

To engage drive Drive conb'ol
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
fill is clean.

• Remove engine ell cap and fill to the full line

onthedipslick

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, ,see =ENGINE" in Maintenance
section of this manual.

• Pour oilelowly. Do not over filL

• Check oil level before each use. Add ell if

needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

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

• Reinstall engine oilcap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 houm of
eperation or each seasen. You may need

to change the oilmore often under dusty,
dirty conS_iens.

GAS

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil wtih gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quanElles that can be used

within 30 days toassure fuel freshness.

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

• Hold operator presence control 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 try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds

between each attempt.

• To start engine using the auxiliary
starter handle, follow the steps above.

Exchange the use of the start button 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. 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 roar 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, 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: For best psrfonnance, 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,_ze so that as they f_ onto the
lawn they will disperse intothe grass and

not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrientsfor
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as thiswill provide the
best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly
cut area WIUnot be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts

offonly the top one-third ofthe grass blade_

If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary

to miss 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 conditiom

may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the

cr=ppings.Wbendoinga secondcut,mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to
week. Mow nodh to ssuth one week then

change to east to west the next week. Thi_
will help prevent matting and graining ofth_

lawn.

, " _ ' _. Max 1/3

9

nEGO ,O /SER IOE

Check forLoose Fasteners I I/' v'

Clean/Inspect GrassCatcher
(If Equipped) " I/

_ Clean LawnMower t__

Clean Under Drive Cover
(Power-PropelledMowers)

W Check drive bed/pulleys

(Power-PropelledMowers) hi'

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade Ifs

LubricationChart t/

Clean Battery/Recharge
IElectric StartMowersI _ I/'4

E Check EngineOil Level l# °

Change EngineOil

IG Clean Air Filter _2

InspectMuffler

BE Clean or Replace Spark Plug

ReplaceAir Filter PaperCartridge 2

1 - Change morn o_m when operating under a heavy load ot inhigh arr_ient temperatures.
2 - Sen_ce more often when operating in ditty of dusty c_tions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mou,tng insandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end ofseason.

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 la_stlonger.

• 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").

(_) Wheel

(_) Handle bracket

(_) Spraylubricant

(_ Referto Maintenance "ENGINE"

IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease plastic
wheel beatings. Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirtthat willshorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite

type lubricant sparingly.

10

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster

mounting pin

section.

DATES

(_ Engine

oil

Brake
spring

bracket

i_ Rear door

hinge