Craftsman 917377630 Owner’s Manual

9Wner's Manual

&IBRARY:

CRnFTSMnN

Received

i.75 HORSEPOWER Copied

!1" REAR DISCHARG_tered _OWER PROPELLEDS

LAWN MOWE4_lnned

/Iodel No. Batch#

117.377-630

,_!"-, .. '_:_

Safety Assembly

Operation Maintenance

Espafiol Repair._Parts-_.

AUTION:

ead and follow all _ afety Rules and Instructions

i_:ii!_i::"_"i!_!''__!!I;_I::_

._fomoperatingthisequipment

.=ars,Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13

Assembly 4 Storage 14 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 35 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date ofpurchase, 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 inmaterial orworkmanship. 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 wom during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingbent crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscon-

tained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by retuming 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 specificlegal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich vary from state to state."

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., DI817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

_Becomefamiliar withthe controlsand

knowhow to operate your mower properly.,Learn how to quicklystop

mower. Do not allowchildrento use your mower.

Never allow adults to us_"-mowerwithout properinstructions.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,esl_eciallysmall children and

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intendedand as descnl:Dedinthis manual.

• Do not operate mower ifit has been droppedor damaged inany manner.

Always have damage repaired before

usingyour mower.

• _ot u_ accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufac-

turer. Use of suchattachments may be hazardous.

The blade turnswhen the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Alwaysthoroughlycheck the area to be

mowed and clear itof all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objectswillbe thrown by the blade

- and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safetyglasses or eye

shieldswhen starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly.Do notoperate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solidshoes withgood traction

when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before startingengine. Do not fillgas tank indoors,when the

engine is runningorwhen the engine is

aid

hot. Allow theengine to coolfor several minutes before fillingthe gas tank. Clean

off _ spilledgasoline before startingthe engine.

• Always makewheel heightadjustments before sta_ng you_:mower.Never

attempt to do this whilethe engine is

running.

• Mow onlyin daylightor 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 m 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 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.

• De-nQt,,_,ontinue 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 no[change the govemor settings or

overspeed the engine. Engine damage or

...l_ersonal inj_ry_may result,

• Do n(_t operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessivevibrationi,_san

indicationof damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause ofvibration and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors.Exhaust fumes are dangerous. --

• Never cutgrass by pullingthe mower

towardsyou. Mow across the face of slopes, never upand down oryou might

loseyour footing.Do notmow exces- sivelysteep slopes. Use caution when

operatingthe mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions-- maintain

goodfooting.

• Never operate your mower without

properguards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mount-

ing boltsoftento be sure they are

tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nutsand screws at

frequent intervalsfor proper tightnessto be sum mower isin safe working

condition.

• Keep allsafety devices in place and

working.

• To reducefire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves orexcessive grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tionand wear and replace worn bags. Use only replacementbags that are

recommended by andcomply with specificationsofthe manufacturer of your

mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allowengine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel inthe tank inside a buildingwhere fumes may reach

an open flame or an ignitionsource 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 startingwhen setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING The engine exhaust from this product

containschemicals known to the State of Californiato cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductiveharm.

mower was

availableat mostSears retailoutletsand servicecenters. Most Searsstorescan alsoorder repairpadsforyou,whenyou providethe modelnumberofyourlawnmower. Someofthese

accessorP.s may notapplyto yourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

-" Ri_lbdthes_T_structions 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 tba.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 comers of carton and lay end panel down fiat.

• .,I;Ijmov_ll packing materials except padding between upper and lower

"-',_andle and padding holdingoperator

MULCHER KITS

GRASSCATCHERS

FOR

SIDEDISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

AIR RLTERS

I_tF.L_LS

STABILIZER

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

pads.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage controlcables.

• Raise handles until 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 controlbar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be

adjusted foryour mowing comfort. Refer to "AdjustHandle" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

_.. . .._.:.'

%,,,..,_,,,,.,_,,,..

ii,

Operatorpresence

control bar

Upper handle

Liftup

Lower

_ handle

3-position Handle

adjustment

bracket

=b,.

Liftup

..:,.

Mowing position

Handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. Toconvert 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

clippingdeflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge openingof mower.

Mulcher Plug

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 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.

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.

:'":'.":":":i:i_:''?'!!I:!/......:

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

MOWER. Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawn mowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save thismanualforfuture reference.

These symbols mayappear onyourlawnmoweror inliteraturesuppliedwiththe product. Learn andunderstandtheir meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER. KEEP _S

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

= D/'ive control

Operator presence control

Electdc start

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Gasoline cap

Wheel adjuster lever

-. Engine oilcap w/dipstick ...-.

7..........................

Cable clip

Pdmer

MEETS CPSC SAFETY RL:_UIREMENTS 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 bladetums when the engine is runn[hg.

Operator presence_ontrol - must be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine. Starter handle - used for starting the

en .g_. "9"_

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.

Electric start key - used for starting the engine.

The operationofanylawn mowercan resultin foreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes, whichcan

resultinsevereeyedamage.Alweysweer

safetyglassesoreye shieldswhile operating yourlawn mowerorperforminganyadjust- merits orrepairs.We recommenda wide

visionsafetymaskoverthe speclaclesor standardsafetyglasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speedwas setat the factoryfor optimumperformance Speed is not adjust-

able.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federalregulationsrequirean eng'_,3ecor_,oltobe installedon this lawn

mower inorderto minimizethe riskofblade

contactinjury.Do notunderany circur_ances

attempttodefeatthe function oftheoperator

control. The bladeturnswhen the engineis

running.

• Your lawnmower isequippedwithan

operatorpresencecontrolbarwhich requiresthe operatorto be positioned

behind the lawnmowerhandleto startand operatethe lawnmower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Allfour wheelsare adjustedbya single

lever.

• Pull adjusterlevertowardwheel.To raise mower, moveleverforward to desired

position.To lowermower,movethe lever toward therear.

LowerWheelsforhighcut

-- \

Wh_ Acluster

Lever

Raise Wheels forlow cut

TO OPERATEDRIVE SY.S'[T=M

• To st:artforwardmotion,liftdrive controlbar

upto handle.

• To stopforwardmotion,releasedrive control bar.

.IMPORTANT: Alwa_ keepdrivecontrol bar

fullyengaged againsthandlewhenin use.

Operator presence controlbar

To Drive control drive "_ desengaged

_. Drive

TO ATTACH GRA,SSCATCHER

• Liltthe reardeor ofthelawn mowerand

placethe grasscatcherframehooksintothe slotsofthe reardeor.

• The grasscatcherissecuredtothe lawn mowerhousingwhen the reardooris

loweredontothe grasscatcherframe.

CAUTION: Do notrunyourlawn mower

withoutdipping deflectoror approvedgrass

catcherinplace. Neverattemptto operatethe lawnmowerwiththe reardoorremovedor

proppedopeno

_ / Reardoor

_ slots Grass

_--/__ __J catcher

Catcherframer " "

hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Liftupon grasscatcher usingtheframe

handle.

• Removegrasscatcher withclippingsfrom

underlawnmowerhandle.

• Emptyclippingsfrom bag usingbothframe

handleandbag handle.

NOTE: Do notdragthe bagwhen emptying; itwillcause unnecessarywear.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Yourlawn mower is shipped withoutoilinthe

engine. _oo

• Be sure moweris leveland area aroundoil fillisdean.

• Removeengineoilcap w/dipslJckandfillto the fulllineonthe dip_

• Use20 ozs. of oil. Fortypeand grade ofoil to use,see =ENGINE"inCustomer

Respons_lnJessectionofthis manual.

• Pouroilsiowly.Do notoverlill.

• Check oillevelbefomeachuse. Addoilif

needed. RI tofuUlineon d'pstick.

• To readproperlevel,tightenengineoilcap

each time.

• Reinstallengineoilcap and tighten.

h "e

:; ......._. %-.., .... :.._ .:......_. •. _....

• Ghange__ oUalter evenj25 hoursof

operal_ or each season. You mayneed to changethe di morn oftenunderdusty,

dirtyconditions.

GAS

• Fillfueltank.Usefresh,clean,regular unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof87

octane.Do notmixoilwithgasoline.

Purchasefuel inquant_esthat canbe used

within30 daysto assurefuelfreshness.

WARNING: Experienceindicatesthatalcohol

blendedfuels(calledgasohoior using ethanol or methanol)canattractmoisturewhich leads

toseparationand fon_tion ofadds during storage. Acidicgascan damage the fuel systemofan enginewhile instorage. Toavoid

engineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbe emptiedbeforestorageof30 days or longer.

Drainthe fuel tank,starttheengine and letit rununtilfuel linesand carburetorare empty.

Use fresh fuel nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor additionalinformation.Never

use engineor carburetor deaner productsin

fuel tankorpermanent

Engine oilcap Gasoline filler

w/dipstick / caP

TO START ENGINE

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

jirm push. This step is not usually

T_ecessarywhen starting an engine

which has already runfor a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence c_:=trolbar

down to the handle.

• Turn electric start key clockwise to crank engine. _

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continuous_econds between

each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.

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

Exchange the use of the start key for starter handle. Pull starter handle

q'_ll_,- D_r_ot allow starter rope to

.4_ap _back"

• To stop engine, release operator

presence controlbar.

NOTE: In coolerweather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine will not start. Ifyou do flood engine wait a few minutes before

attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

• Undercertaincond_ons,suchas verytall

grass,itmay be necessarytoraisethe heightofcutto reducepushingelfortandto

keepfromoverloadingtheengineand

leavingdumpsofgrassclippings.

• For_e_ heavycutUng,reducethe

widthofcutbyoverlappingpreviouslycut

pathand mowslowly.

• When usinga reardischargelawnmowerin

moist,heavy grass,clumpsofcutgrass may notenterthegrasscatcher. Reduce

groundspeed (pushingspeed)and/or run the lawnmoweroverthe areaa second

time.

• ffa tra=lofdippingsisleftonthe rightsideof

a reardischargemower, mowina dock-

wise directionwitha smalloverlaptocollect

the dippingsonthe next pass.

• Pores indothgrasscatchers canbecome filledwithdirtanddustwithuseand

catchers wglcollectlessgrass. To prevent this, regularlyhosecatcher offwithwater and letdrybefore using.

• Keep topofengine aroundstarterclearand cleanofgrassclippingsand chaff. Thiswill helpengineairflow and extendenginelife.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance,keep

mow_housimfreeofbuilt-upgrassand

trash.See _ in CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIESo_,ectionof thismanual.

• The spedal mulchingbladewillrecurthe grassdT_pingsmany timesand rec_..e

them insizesothat as theyfall ontothe

- lawntt_y willcfmperseintothe grassand

notbe nolk:ed.Also,the mulchedgrasswill biodegradequicklyto providenutrientsfor

the lawn. Alwaysmulchwithyourhighest

engine(blade)speedas this willprovidethe

bestrecurringadionoftheblades.

• Avoidcuttingyour lawn when itiswet Wet grasstendsto formdumpsand interferes

withthemulchingaction. The besttimeto

mowyourlawn isthe early aftemoon_At

this time the grasshas dried and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

• Forbest results,adjustthe lawn mower cuttingheightso that the lawn mowercuts

olfonlybhetopone-thirdofthegrassblades.

Ifthelawn isovergrownitwil benecessary

to raisethe heightofcuttoreduce pushing

effortandto keep fromoverloadingthe engineandleavingdumps of mulched

grass.For extremelyheavymulching, reduceyourwidthofcutby overlapping

cutpathandmowskeW.

• Certaintypes ofgrassand grassconditions

may requirethatan area be mulcheda secondtimeto completelyhidethe

clippings.When doinga secondcut,mow

acrossorperpend'_ulartothe flintcutpath.

• Change yourcuttingpattemfromweekto week. Mow northtosouthoneweek then

changetoeast towest the nextweek. This

will helpprevent mattingandgrainingofthe

lawn.

,..,., ..

•," ".-. ; ,,-."." '_;'.-';'L_"',,";"

•;.,_:_ _._, .,_..._, ,;._'_, .,_, .._.-

.a_"¸

,..,. ..... . , •

CheckforLooseFasteners Ii/ t/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

MClean LawnMower

;CleanUnderDriveCover

// II

: Pow -Propo,ed.ow=s V"

WEi (.ve

,(Power-Propelled Mowers) k4

R CI1eck/Sharpen/ReplaceBlade tf4=p

LubdcatJonChart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge

,IElectric StartMowersI t/ k44

E 'Check En(jine OilLevel tp4

Change Engine Oil _#'1,2

G JClean Air Filter v'

I InspectMuffler V'

Clean or Replace Spark Plug v'

N Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge Vr2

1- Char_ rnoreoftenwhenoperal_ undwa heavyloadorIn highantlenl teml_aU_ 2- ServicemoreoftenwhenoperatYngIndirtyorduslycomJllons.

3- Replacebladesmore ollenwhenmowinginsandysoil 4 - Charge48 _ al endofseason.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warrantyon thislawn mowerdoesnot

coveritemsthathave been subjectedto

.-op_ator abuse_ornegrKjence.Toreceivefull

valuefromthe warranty,operatormust maintainmoweras instructedinthis manual.

Some adjustmentswillneedto be made periodicallytoproperlymaintainyourunit.

Alladjustmentsinthe ServiceandAdjust- mentssectionofthisrnanualshouldbe

- checkedat-leastonceeach season.

• -Once a y_ar, replace_thesparkplug, replaceairfilterelementand checkbladefor

wear. Anew sparkplugard-dearVnewair

- filterelementassuresproperair-fuelmixture and helpsyourenginerunbetter and last

longer.

• Followthe mainter_lce scheduleinthis

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Checkengine oillevel

• Checkfor loosefasteners. LUBRICATION

Keep unitwell lubricated (See "LUBRICATION

c_ _

(_) Engine oil (_ Wheel

(_) Spray lubricant hinge

I_ Refer to CUSTOMER

IMPORTANT: Do not oilorgreaseplastic wheelbearings.Viscouslubricantswill

attractdustand dirtthat willshortenthe

life ofthe selflubricatingbearings.Ifyou feel theymust be lubricated,use onlya

dry,powderedgraphitetype lubricant sparingly.

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster

(_) Brake

spring bracket

Drive (_) Rear

door

RESPONSIBILITIES "ENGINE" section.

":::!:: ': ':::: "i:': : "'"

DATES

_, ,, . ; -..,...... ,,. , • .. .... ...

_... .:,:

ale

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MOD[EL NUMBER 917.377630

SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE

-IORSEPOWER: 6.75 _)ISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.25 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

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

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.

SPARK F;LUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 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 bothserial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance. TIRES

• Keep tiresfreeof gasoline,oil,orinsect

_ntro#_chemical_" can harm rubber.

• Avoidstumps,stones,deep ruts,sharp "

objects and otherhazardsthat may cause

tire damage.

BLADECARE

Forbestresults,mowerblade mustbe kept

Replacebent or damaged blades.

-TO REMOVE BI_a_iE -'

• Disconnectsparkplug wire fromsparkplug andplacewire where itcannot_rrle in

contactwithsparkplug.

• Turn lawn moweron its side. Make sure air filterand carburetdr are up.

• Use a wood blockbetwltenblade and

mowerhousingtopreventbladefrom turningwhen removingbladeboll

• Protectyourhandswithglovesand/orwrap

withheavycloth.

• Remove blade boltbyturning counter-

clockwise.

• Remove blade andattachinghardware

(bolt,lockwasher andhardenedwasher).

NOTE: Remove the bladeadapterandcheck

the keyinsidehubof bladeadapter.The key

mustbe in goodconditionto workproperly. Replaceadapterifdamaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Posillonthebladeadapteronthe engine

crankshaft.Besure keyin adapterand

keywayare aligned.

• Positionblade onthe bladeadapteraligning the two(2) holesinthebladewiththe raised lugson the adapter.

• Be surethe trailingedgeof blade(opposite

sharpedge)isuptowardthe engine.

• Installthe bladeboltwiththe lockwasher

and.hardenedwasherintobladeadapter and crankshafL

• Use block of woodbetween blade andlawn mower housingandtightenthe bladebolt,

turningS.

• The recommendedtighteningtorque is35-

40ft.lbs.

IMPORTANT: Bladeboltisgrade8 heat

treated.

• • • . ,:

:::._::.:;::;::::::i.:.::._i::::;_.::.::....:.,.::.::.,-...:...:

NOTE: Wedo not recommendsharpening blacle- butif youdo, be sumthe blade is

balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care shouldbe takento keepthe blade balanced. An unbalancedblade wglcause

eventualdamage to lawnmoweror engine.

• The bladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor

ona grindingwheel. Do notattemptto sharpenwhileonthe mower.

• To checkbladebalance,drivea nailintoa beam orwall. Leaveaboutoneinchofthe

straightnanexposed. Race centerhole of blade overthe headof the nail. Ifbladeis

--balanced,itshouldremainina ho__ontal position.,if eitherendofthe blade moves

downward,sharpenthe heavyenduntilthe bladeisbalanced.

Blade Crank- adaptor shaft

Key _ keyway

Blade

Blade bolt

Lock washer Crank-

Hardened Trailing Blade shaft washer edge adaptor

GRASS CATCHER

t,- "L:kegrasscatcher may be hosed with

water, but musl be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through normal use itwill wear. If catcher needs

re'placing, replace only with a manufac- turer approved replacement catcher.

_ive the-lawn mower model number

when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check rear drive wheels eac'h'timeyou mow to be sure they move freely. The

wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be insidethe

drive wheel and dust'cover area and must be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both rear wheels.

• Remove hubcaps and Iocknuts.

• Remove wheels from wheel adjuster

axles.

• _e aw trash or grass cuttingsfrom

inside the dustcover, pinion and/or drive

Wd,mel_jear teeth.

• The pinion gear mustbe installedwith the left gear on the left side and with the rightgear on the right side, from an operator's view.

• The pinion gear is stamped with an "L" (left) or "R" (right) on the inside. If

installed incorrectly,the drive system will not work.

• Place wheels back on adjuster axles.

• Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps.

NOTE: Pinionsand drive pawls shouldbe cleaned and lubricated with grease approximately every 25 hours or once a

year.

LocknutWash_

Drive pin

Dust cover

Pinion

E-ring

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use onlyhighqualitydetergent oilratedwith

API service dassificationSF,SG orSH.

Selectthe oirsSAE viscositygra_deaccording

toyourexpectedoperatingtemperature.

SAEvlscc_rrY GRADES

NOTE: Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W30, 10W30 etc.)improvestartingin coldweather,

these multi-viscosityoilswillresultinincreased oilconsumplJonwhen usedabove32"R Checkyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlyto

avoidpossibleenginedamagefrom running lowon oil.

Changethe oilafteravery 25 hoursof operationorat leastonce a year ifthe lawn

mowerisnotusedfor25 hoursinoneyear. Checkthecrankcaseoillevelbeforestarting

the engineendaftereachfive(5) hoursof

continuous use.Tightenoilplugsecurelyeach timeyoucheckthe oglevel.

;:?" "' " ,i'_'" ;_'_' "' "'7 ;'' " •-i!'.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL -.

NOTE: Beforetippinglawnmowertodrainoil,'

dra tankbyrunn en neuna tank

iserupt.

• DL onnectspa wirefromspark

and placewirewheib itCannotcomein

contactwithsparkplug.

• Remove engineoilcap;lay asideon a dean surface.

• "Tip lawn moweron 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

onsideofengine.

• I=illenginewithoil. Rgonlyto the'FULL • line_on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL

• Re_ce-engine oHcap.

• Reconnectsparkplugwire tosparkplug.

Container

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do notwash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter by tuming clock-

wiseJ_e 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 intocollar aligning thel"ab with the slot.

";" Push in on cover and tu_ counterclock-

wise to tighten.

Tum

clockwiseto

remove

Clip

Air filter

Tab

Airfilter

cover

counter-

dockwba

to tighten

MUFFLER

Inspectand replacecorrodedmuffleras it

could createafirehazardand/ordamage. SPARK PLUG

Change yoursparkplugeach yeartomake yourenginestarteasierand runbetter. Set sparkpluggap at .030 inch.

CLEANING IMPOMAN'E For bestperformance,keep

mower housingfree of buiit-upgrassandtrash. Cleanundersideofmowerhousingaltereach

use.

CAUTION: Disconnectsparkplugwire from sparkplug and place wire whereit cannot come incontactwiththe sparkplug.

• Tum lawnmoweron itsside. Make sureair

filterandcarburetorare up.Clean the undersideof yourlawnmower byscraping

toremovebugd-upofgrassandtrash.

• Clean engineoftentokeeptrashfrom

accumulating.A dogged enginerunshotter and shortensenginelife.

• Keepfinishedsurfacesandwheels freeof

allgasoline,oil,etc.

• We donotrecommendusinga gardenhose

tocleanlawn mowerunlesstheelectrical system,muffler,airfilterand carburetorare

coveredtokeep wate.rouLWaterinengine canresultin shortened enginelife.

::':::::'_-"-"::::'"! ::_:::":":::'?::i:.'.'":.::

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY

SERVICE ORADJUSTMENTS:

• Releasecontrolbar.

• Make suretheblade andallmoving

partshavecompletelystopped.

• Disconnectsparkplugwirefrom

sparkplugand placewhere itcannot comeincontactwithplug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TOADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" inthe (_era-tionsectionofthis manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR The reardeflector,attached betweenthe rear wheelsof yourlawnmower,isprovidedto

minimizethe possibilitythat objectswillbe

thrownoutthe rearofthelawnmower intothe

operator'smowing position. Ifthe rear deflector becomesdamaged, it shouldbe

replaced.

TO ADJUST HANDLE The handleonyourlawnmowerhasthree(3)

heightpositions - adjusttoheightthatsuits you.

• Squeeze the bottomendsoflowerhandle

towardseach otheruntilthepininhandle can be insertedintoone ofthethreeheight

Handle pin

High Med.

Low

/ 3-position

Handle adjustment

bracket

ENGINE ENGINE .SPEED

YourenginespeedhasbeenfactoryseL Do

not attempttoincreaseenginespeedor it may resultinpersonalinjury.Ifyoubelieve

that the engineisrunningtoo fastortooslow, lake yourlawnmower toan authorized

service centeddepartment for repairand adjustment.

CARBURETOR Yourcarburetorhas a non-adjustablefixed

mainjet for mixturecontrol. Ifyourengine doesnotoperateproperlydueto suspected carburetorproblems, takeyourlawnmowerto an authorizedservicecenter/departmentfor

repairand adjustment.

!:.:::_:_i:_,_:$.'.;:__._._._':..';i::::.:;:':

Immediately prepareyourlawnmowerfor

sto[ageat the end oftheseason orIfthe unit willnotbe usedfor 30 daysor more.

.LAWN MOWER

When lawn iTtower is to:be Storedfora period

of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in _l'€lean, dry area.

• Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Customer Responsibilities section of

this manual).

• Lubricate as show_jn the Customer

Responsibilities section ofthis manual.

• Be sure that all nuts, bolts,screws, and pins

are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint

,_..ces; s_nd r_htly before painting.

_';K_

HANDLE

• You canfoldyourlawn mowerhandlefor storage.

• Looeenthe two (2) handleknobson sidesof the upperhandle.andallowhandletofold

downtothe rear.

• Squeeze the bottomends oflowerhandle

towardeachotheruntilpinsin handleclear the bracketsand pivotentirehandle

..assemblyforwardand allow it torest on

mower.

• When setting upyourhandlefromthe storage position,the lowerhandlewill

requiremanuallylockingintothe mowing posib'on.

IMPORTANT: When foldingthe handlefor Storageortransportationbe sure tofoldthe handleasshownor youmay damagethe

controlcables.

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::.: ::i.:: : "

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377630 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual