Craftsman 917377700 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRIIFTSMHWI

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

5.5 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.377700

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ...................................... 2-4

Assembly / Pre-Operation .................... 5

Operation ......................................... 6-1 1

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 12

Maintenance ................................. 12-15

LIMITED IWO 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 workman-

ship.

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 crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

Product Specifications ........................ 13

Service and Adjustments .............. 15-16

Storage ......................................... 16-17

Troubleshooting ........................... 17-18

Repair Parts .................................. 37-45

Sears Service ...................... Back Cover

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 used 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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H 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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust some of

ts constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals _L.I)7 ,,

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,

who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine (motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when

operating mower.

I1. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.

II1. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

-Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to

prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep

equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

These acceseodes were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service

centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

° Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

' '

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

GRASS CATCHERS

AIR FILTERS

% b

BELTS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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 GASOLINE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete 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

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton

and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

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

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

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

1. 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.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator

control bar

Mowing position

Lower handle

Handle pin

SQI

Handle bracket

TO INSTALL A'n'ACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging, see 'qO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual).

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL 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 with the

product, Learn and understand their meaning,

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Throttle/

choke

~Drive control lever

Starter

handle

Handle knob

Single point height

handle

Grass

cap

MuffLer

Mulcher plug

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Mulcher door

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 Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar - must

be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Throttle/throttle control - used for

starting the engine; & allows you to select either CHOKE or FAST engine speed.

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

mower.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

Mulcher plug - located at the rear discharge opening. Must be removed

when converting to bagging operation. Starter handle - used for starting the

engine. Single point height adjuster- used to adjust cutting height of lawn mower.

The operation of any lawn mower can 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask wom over

spectacles.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE CONTROL

The engine is controlled by a throttle control located on the side of the upper

handle. CHOKE position is for starting a

cold engine and FAST position is for starting a warm engine and normal operation, The engine speed is not

adjustable.

FAST

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive

control lever rearward to the handle.

The farther toward the handle the lever is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or

drive control lever are released. To

stop forward motion without stopping blade, release the drive control lever

only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage

drive wheels.

control bar

CHOKE

/ %

| ii I I |

_. I ,S II

,?.,,.;-:,

I// I

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

A_CAUTION" Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned

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

Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE button (on DRIVE CONTROL

underside) CONTROL DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a button on the under-

side of the ddve control housing to increase tension on the drive cable.

Proceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Pull drive control lever ALL THE WAY BACK to the handle.

3. Push button on underside of drive control. While holding button in,

return drive control lever to disen- gaged position ALL THE WAY

FORWARD.

NOTE: Do not ratchet the adjustment.

4. Release button.

5. Operate mower to test drive speed. If condition becomes worse after the

above steps (forward speed has become slower), your system was not "loose". Repeating the above steps

will return your unit to the proper adjustment and speed.

6. If condition fails to improve after the

above steps (forward speed remains

the same), your ddve belt is worn and

should be replaced.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

All four wheels are adjusted by a single lever.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To

raise mower, move lever forward to

desired position. To lower mower,

move the lever toward the rear.

LOWER

FOR HIGH

WHEELS

CUT

Single point

height adjust_

lever

RAISE

WHEELS

FOR LOW CUT

TO A'I-rACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame side hooks into the slots of the rear

door.

2. 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 mulcher plate or plug, clipping deflector or approved grass

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

removed or prepped open.

Rear door slots

Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

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

Grass

'.atcher

frame

handle

Bag handle

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe

place.

• You can now install the grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install mulcher plug into rear

discharge opening of mower.

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge opening of mower.

• Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging

operation, discharge deflector must be removed and mulcher door closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

door

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug removed.

2. Grass catcher installed.

3. Mulcher door closed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed. _CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without mulcher plug, clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn

mower with the rear door removed or p_pped open.

Discharge

Mulcher plug

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (12 oz.) of the oil

from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Use guage on oil fill cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the

tube. Do not thread the cap into the tube when taking reading.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to ratighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may

need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler

neck. Do not overfill. 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. A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: 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 clays 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.

Oil filler

Gasoline

filler cap

Oil

cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered

normal.

1. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON

position.

2. To start a cold engine, move handle

mounted throttle/choke control lever to CHOKE position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

4. Slowly move throttle control lever to FAST position after engine starts.

• To start a warm engine, move throttle

control lever to FAST position, then follow steps above.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar. Wait until blade

and all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do

not intend to restart the engine soon.

Fuel valve lever

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 mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previousTy

cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

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

• 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 performance, keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The

best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has

dried and the newly cut area will not be

exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it

will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep

from overloading the engine and

leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week

then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting

and graining of the lawn.

Check for Loose Fasteners l,/ I_' Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(if Equipped) _ i__ V,_

M Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power-PropelledMowers)

W Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I/

a Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I,/3

Lubrication Chart i,/

Clean Battery/Recharge

IE, .c Sta.Mowers) If 1/4

E Check Engine Oil Level !/

Change Engine Oil V¢1.2

Inspect Muffler

G Clean Air Filter _ 2

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy toad or in high ambient temperatures.

2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandysoil,

4 - Charge 48 hours at end ofseason.

ERVICE DATES

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 adjust-

ments 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, clean or replace air filter element and

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

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

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (on

each wheel)

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

(D Spray lubricant (_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricants will attract dust and dirt that

will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

Wheel

ne oil

Mulcher

ge pin

Rear door

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number:

Date of purchase:

Gasoline capacity / type: 1.0 quarts (unleaded regular) Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil capacity: 18.5 ounces

Spark plug (gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

Blade bolt torque: 36-44 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower

housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause

tiredamage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

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

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade

adapter. The key must be in good condi- tion to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and

lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you do, be sure the

blade is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower

or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

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

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

the nail. If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade

is balanced.

Blade Crankshaft

Blade

Blade / bolt .. shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac-

turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number

when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check rear drive wheels each time you

mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash,

grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the 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.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. "13ghtenoil plug securely each time you check the oil

level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

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

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

I I ' '

-20 0 30 32 40 60 B0

TEMPERATURI_ RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption

when used above 32°1=. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Oil filler cap/dipstick

limit

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377700 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual