Craftsman 917377621 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377621

• 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, IL 60179

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 14

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 34

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 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 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 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. Leam 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-

turar. 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.

• 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 discharge
opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not using your mower, 0r
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 resutt.

• 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.

• 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.

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,

3

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was

Theyarealso

available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order

repairpartsfor you, when you providethe model number ofyour lawn mower. Some ofthese

accessories may notapply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

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. Your

new lawn mower has been assembled at

the factory with the exception of those

parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. 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.
All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

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

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with
mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and
lay end panel down flat.

• Remove al_ packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator

MULCHER KITS

/ FOR

--_! GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

STABlUZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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 handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise lower handle section to operating

position and 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.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.

• Your handles may be adjusted for your

mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence

control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Lower
handle

3-position

Handle
adjustment

bracket

Lift up

Mowing
position

Handle
pin

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 install catcher or optional
clipping deflector,

• To return to mulching operation, instal_
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.

Mulcher Plug

/

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

MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied withthe product.

Leam and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operatorpresencecontrol

Starter handle

Cable clip

Grass catcher

Gasolinecap

Wheel adjuster

lever

Primer

Mulcher

plug Engineoilcap w/dipstick

Housing

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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control - 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.

Drive control bar - used to engage
power-propelled foward motion of lawn

mower.

Mulcher plug - Located at the rear

discharge opening must be removed when
converting to bagging operation.

Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.

6

The operationof any lawn mower can resultin
foreignobjects thrown into the eyes, whichcan

resultinsevereeyedamage, Always wear

safetyglassesoreye shieldswhileoperating

your lawn mower or pedorming any adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide

vision safety mask over the 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 notadjust-
able.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequirean

engine controlto be installedon this lawn

mower inorder to minimize the riskof blade

contactinjury.Do not under any circumstances
attemptto 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 cUTnNG HEIGHT

• All four wheels are adjustedby a single
lever.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raisa
mower, move lever forward to desired

position. To lower mower, move the lever
toward the rear.

LowerWheels for hi h cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door ofthe lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks intothe

slots ofthe rear door.

• The grass catcher is secured tothe lawn

mower housingwhen the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
withoutclippingdeflector or approved graSS

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

propped open.

Rear door
slots Grass

handle

Catcher frame
hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Liftup on grass catcher using the frame

handle.

• Remove graSScatcher with clippingsfrom

underlawnmower handle.

• Empty clippingsfrombeg usingbothframe
handleand beg handle.

NOTE: DO notdragthebag when emptying;
itwillcause unnecessarywear.

Wheel

Adjuster /.
Lever

Raise Wheels for low cut

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• To startforward motion, liftdrive control bar
up to handle.

• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.

IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control bar
fully engaged against handle when in use,

Operator presence control bar

c°ntr°' ba: "_L_ _n

To enga_ _ trol
drive control desengaged

Drive

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe
engine.

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

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

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. Fortypeandgradeofoil

to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
section ofthis manual.

• Pouroilslowly. DO notover 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.

• Changethe oil after every 25 hoursof

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

dirty conditions.

GAG

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will

increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-
ties 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 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 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 oilcap

w/dipstick

Gasolinefiller

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) times before trying to start. Use a
fiJ'mpush. 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, itmay be necessary to raise the
height of cutto reduce pushing effortandto

keep from overloadingthe engine and
leaving clumps ofgrass clippings.

• For extremely heavy cutting,reduce the
width ofcut by overlapping previouslycut

path and mow slowly.

• When using a reardischarge lawn mower in
moist, heavy grass, clumpsof cutgrass

may notenter the grass catcher. Reduce
ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run

the lawn mower over the area a second

time.

• ffa trailofclippings isleft on the rightside of
a rear discharge mower, mow in a dock-

wise directionwitha small overlap tocollect

the clippingsonthe next pass.

• Pores inclothgrass catchers can become
filled with dirtand dust withuse and

catchers willccllectless grass. To prevant
this, regularlyhose catcher offwithwater

and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starterclear and

clean of grassclippings and chaff. Thiswill
help engine air flow and extend engine life.