Craftsman 917377710 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMFIN"J

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

7,0 Horsepower

Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.377710

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 ourCraftsman website:www.sears.condcraftsman

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

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

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

Operation ......................................... 6-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or 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.

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 instructionscould result in

serious injury or death.

&Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTH! 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: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.

_,WARNING: 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 reads.

• 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.

II. 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.

• 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,

These accessodaswere availablewhen thislawnmower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableat mostSears retailoutletsand serv'_e centers. Most Searsstorescan also orderrepairpartsfor you,whenyou providethe model

numberof yourlawnmower. Some of theseaccessoriesmay notapplyto yourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS

BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

MULCHER KITS

/ GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand 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

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.

the engine. Your new lawn mower has been as- Operator

sembled at the factory withthe exception controlbar of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, Upper

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in LIFT

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper UF

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 SQ

presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and

Handle

check carton thorougly for additional bracket 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.

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.

TO INSTALL A'I-I'ACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a muicher. To convert to

bagging or discharging, see "TO CON- VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual).

Mowing position

Lower handle

Handle pin

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

Dpsrator presence control bar

Throttle control,

-Drive control lever

knob

Starter

3asoline filler cap

Grass

Engine oil cap

Mulcher plug

Single point height adjuster handle

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. Starter handle - used for starting the

engine. Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

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

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

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

Throttle control - used for starting the engine and allows you to select either

FAST or SLOW engine speed, Primer- pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

when converting to bagging operation. 6

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

The operation of any lawn

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 worn over

spectacles.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

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

upper handle. FAST position is for starting, normal cutting, trimming and better grass bagging. SLOW position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

SLOW

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 engine, 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

FAST

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 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 controlsystem may

become =loose", resulting in decreased

speed. There is a button on the under- side of the drive 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 drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

TOADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT All four wheels are adjusted by a single

lever.

° Pull adjustor 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 adjuste

lever

RAISE

WHEELS

FOR LOW CUT

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Liftthe 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.

_kCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without rnulcher plate or plug 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

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.

Bag handle

Grass

frame

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

mulcher 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. ACAUTION: 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

propped open.

Discharge

Mulcher plu!

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 itwill smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oildipstick 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 (15 oz.) of the oil

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

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then

remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it reads full..DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke bn startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten 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

Adays to assure fuel freshness.

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 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.

oil cap

Gas-

oline filler 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. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start.

Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a few minutes.

2. Move throttle control lever to FAST

position.

3. 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

• 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 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 previously 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.

MAXI_

• 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.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /__o__

F,LL,.O TES

AS YOU COMPLETE ./"_/_,_"'_ _O_',_ '_ SERVICE

___.._ko._"o__,_ _9 _o_ xx_ko_

.EGU .SE.V,OE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

,,,Eqaipp l " W

Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)

E i Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

R I ChecWShaq_erdReplaceBlade

LubricationChart

Clean Battery/Recharge IElectdc Start MowersI

E Check Engine Oil Level

N Change Engine Oil

G Clean Air Filter

I Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

I - Changemoreoftenwhenoperalingundera heavy loadorinhighambienttemperatures.

2 - Servicemore oftenwhenoperatingindittyor dustycond'_ions. 3 - RepUte bladesmoreoftenwhenmowinginsandysoil.

4 *Charge48 hoursatendofseason.

_z v'

v' v'4

1_1,2

V'=

ibf2

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

aadl_/(_) Wheel

door hinge pin

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) 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.

juster (on ch wheel)

Mulcher

Rear door

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial number:. Date of purchase: Gasoline capacity / type: 1.6 quarts (unleaded regular)

Oil type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil capacity: 20 ounces Spark plug (gap: .020") Champion RC12YC

Blade bolt torque: 35-40 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.

LAWNMOWER Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen perform-

ing any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keeptiresfree ofgasoline,oil,or insect controlchemicalswhichcan harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps,stones,deep ruts,sharp objectsand otherhazardsthat may cause

tire damage.

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, tuming 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 wail. 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.

Crankshaft

Blade

Blade shaft

bolt Harde

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 ordedng.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check rear ddve 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 ddve 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.

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

*30 *20 .10 0 10 20 30 40

TEMPERA33JRE RANGE AN33CIPATED 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°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running

low on oil. Change the oil alter every 25 hours of

operation or at least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

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

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil

level.

Contain

AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a

dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner

after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Replace paper cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season,

whichever occurs first. Service air

cleaner more often under dusty condi- tions.

1. Loosen screws and remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_I, CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of

the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not

use pressurized air to clean or dry

cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377710 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual