Craftsman 917377575 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTXMAN"

6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377575

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• 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 website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Narranty .............................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2

_,ssembly ............................................. 4

Dperation ............................................. 6

Vlaintenance Schedule ....................... 10

V1aintenance ........................................ 10

.IMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

-'or 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
3wner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

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

shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest

Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

Product Specifications ......................... 11

Service and Adjustments ..................... 14

Storage ................................................ 16

Troubleshooting .................................. 17

Repair Parts ......................................... 37

Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

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 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 wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

2

• 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 ifyou
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 pullingthe 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
mountingbolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightnessto

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
specificationsof the manufacturer of
your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storingin
any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a buildingwhere fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition
source such as a hot water heater,

space heater, clothesdryer, etc.

ALook 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

CaUfomia to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.

3

these accessorieswereavailablewhen thislawn mowerwas produced.They are not
;hippedwith your mower.They are alsoavailableat mostSearsretailoutletsandservice

-enters. Most Sears storescanalsoorderrepairpartsfor you, when youprovidethe model

_umberof yourlawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay notapplyto yourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

! SIDEDISCHARGE

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 GASOUNE 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, belts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts beg. 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.

MULCHERKFFS

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down flaL

• Remove all pacl_ng 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.

4

HOWTOSET UPYOUR LAWNMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandles carefullysoas

notto pinchor damage controlcables.

• Raise handlesun_ lowerhandle section

locksir_oplace in mowingposition.

• Remove protectivepadding,raiseupper

handlesectionintoplace on lowerhandle

and tightenboth handleknobs.

• Remove handle padding holdingoperator

presencecontrolbarto upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handlecan be adjusted
for yourmowing comfort. Referto "Adjust

Handle"in the Serviceand Adjustment
sectionofthismanual.

Operator presence control

Upper handle

Liftup

bar

-,,.. Mowing

•-'_ position

_._--

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Yourlawn mowerwas shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher.To convedtobaggingor

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcherplug.

Store mulcherplugina safe place.

• You can nowinstallcatcheror optional

clippingdeflector.

• To retumto mulchingoperation,install

mulcherplug into dischargeopeningof
mower. Be surealltabsare 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 alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery
charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine alternator 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
stading when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Engine Battery
connector charger

(Male)

Batter
charger

connector

Battery connector
(Female)

(Male)

Mulcher plug

4gI,CAUTION: 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

_EAD THIS OWNER'S MANUAL.AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
_IOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

;(_,atign9f v_ldqtt_tT,(pn_L_ _ adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.

fl_eeesymbds nmy appeeron your lawn mower or in Uterature suppgedwilh Ihe product. Leem _ _

t_emeenk_

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Key Start Switch

Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Engine oil
cap w/

dipstick

Operator presence controlbar

Drive controllever

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

tums when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be

helddown tothe handle to startthe engine.
Release to stopthe engine.

Palmer- pumps additionalfuel from the
carburetortothe cylinderfor use when

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

Mulcher plug * must be removed to convert to
bagging or discharging operation.

Key start switch- used to start the engine.

Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)

starlinga coldengine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.

6

mower can result in foreign

The operation of any lawn

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 USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
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 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 lawnmoweris equippedwithan

operatorpresencecontrolbar which

requiresthe operatorto be positioned
behindthe lawn mower handleto startand

operatethe lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUI_NG 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 suityour 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

TO ATrACH GRASS CATCHER

• Cloee the lifttop lid. I_ifttop lidmust ba

closed wh'de 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.

A, CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without clipping deflector or

approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.

Hinge
brack_ Rear door

Grass catcher

frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASSCATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence control bar to stop enojne.

• Lift up rear door end remove the grass

catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Lower Wheels for High Cut,,._ / _

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

7

lJ

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
tuming corners, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.

Operator presence controlbar Drive

control

To engage drive Ddve control
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.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel

freshness.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (calLed gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic

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

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never usa 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 oil cap Gasoline fillercap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OI.

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. 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. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty conditions.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primerfive (5)

timea before Wing 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.

• Tum electric start key clockwise to

crank engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more
not crank engine more than five

continous seconds between eack 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 key for

starter handle. Pull starter handle
quickly. Do not allow starter rope to

snap back.

8

• 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 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 ovedapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass

catcher. Reduce ground speed (push-
ing speed) and/or run the lawn mower

over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small

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: For best pedormance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass
trash. See _Cleaning" in Maintenance section

ofthis manual.
. The special mulching blade will reout the

grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fail onto the
lawn they willd_pers(_ into the grass and
not be not_=d. Also, the mulched grass wilt

biodegrvdequicklytoprovidenutrients for

the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this wiMprovide the
best recut'dngaction of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps and interferes

with the mulching ac'_on. The best time to

mow your lawn is the early effemoon. At
this time the grass hes dried and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cuffing height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass blades.

Ifthe lawn isovergrown it willbe necessary
to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving dumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your width of cutby overlapping
previously cut path and mow slowly.

• Certaintypesofgressandgrass_

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

clippings. When dofng a second cut, mow

ecross or perpendicular to the first cut peth`

• Change your cutting pattem from week to

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

will help prevent matting and graining ofthe

lawn.

g .

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners _ I_
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher

ff Equipped) ll/ i_

Clean Lawn Mower

!Clean UnderDrive Cover

(i ;lean Lawn I;lean Under

Power-Propellad Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys

;T Power-Propl I_

(Power-PropalledMowers) I/
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

R Check/Sharpen/Replace _s

LubricationChart

LubricationChart _e'

Clean Battary/Rechar_le
IElactric Start MowersI I_ b#'4

Check En_ina OilLevel

E Check Engine OilL,

Change EngineOil ll/1._
Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

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

2 - Sen,ice more often when operating in d_rtyordusty cor_tions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to

(_ Wheel adjuster ine oil

operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this
manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,

replace air filter element and check
blade for wear. A new spark plug and

clean/new air filter element assures

proper air-fuel mixture and helps your
engine run better and last longer.

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

(_) Spray lubricant

• ) Referto Maintenance "ENGINE" _.

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. V'_cous lubricants will attract

dust and dirtthat willshorten the life of the serf
lubricating bearings, If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dnJ,powdered graphite

typeiubrtcentspanngly.

SERVICE DATES

LUBRICATION CHART

\ Brake

spring
bracket

Rear door hinge

10