Craftsman 917377790 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN"I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

5.5 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.377790

CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rulesand Instructions

before operatingthis equipment

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

Visit ourCraftsman web,_te:www,sears.¢omlcraftsman

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIM ITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in

the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-

ship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 instructions could result in

serious injury or death. _Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

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.

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.

III. 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 sew 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 restading.

• 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 sewicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

These accessories 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

CUPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS et.J_ES BLADE ADAPTERS

AIR RLTERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

WHEELS

FOR

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 engine. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts

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

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 up- per 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.

Handle

bracket

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If

bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

Catcher frame

handle

Handle pin

Operator I:

control bar

Upper

LIFT

Mowing

position

Lower handle

"':I Frame

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

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

bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual).

opening

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, IG_EP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Throttle/

engine

control

.Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Singlepoint height

.adjuster handle

Grass

cap

irfilter

lug

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. Operator presence control bar - must

be held down to the handle to start the blade. Release to stop the blade.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Throttle/engine control - used for starting and stopping the engine; and allows you to select either FAST or SLOW engine

speed. Mulcher door - allows conversion to

discharging or bagging operation. 6

Mulcher plug - located at the rear

discharge opening, Must be removed

when converting to bagging opsration,

Single point height adjuster- used to

adjust cutting height of lawn mower.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower,

Blade/brake control - used to engage

the blade after the engine is started,

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 recom- mend standard safety glasses or a wide

vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER THROTTLF.JENGINE 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; FAST position is for starting a warm engine, normal cutting, trimming and

better grass bagging; SLOW position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy,

STOP position is for stopping the engine.

CHOKE ,Pep ,_b r_

_. FAST SLOWkJ

I_1 .'" "'--.'..,STOP

t t • ,* IIi. I

2A"4_. _lf ,,st

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.

bresence control bar

TO Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE button (on DRIVE CONTROL

underside) CONTROL DISENGAGED

BLADE CONTROL /I, CAUTION: When the blade control is

engaged, the blade turns. When blade control is disengaged, the blade stops.

• Your lawn mower has a blade/Drake clutch fastened to the engine crank-

shaft, which starts or stops the blade.

To start the blade, hold the operator

presence control bar down to the handle and push the blade/Drake control lever forward until it latches. To

stop the blade, release the operator presence control bar.

Do not start the blade in deep, uncut grass. Move lawn mower out of uncut

grass before starting blade. _CAUTION: Federal regulations require this blade/Drake control to minimize the

risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the

function of this control.

control bar Blade/brake

control lever

ENGAGE BLADE

BLADE DI_

ENGAGED 7

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 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 wom 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 adjl

lever

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW

CUT

TO ATTACH 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.

_-CAUTION: 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 propped open.

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

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

mulcherdoor

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

door removed or propped open.

Discharge

deflector

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,

CAUTION: DO NOT ovedill 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 the entire 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. 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.

Oil filler cap/dipstick

Gasoline

filler cap

Oil cap

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.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

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.

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. 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, move throttle control lever to STOP position. 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 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 no_ced. 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.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

AS YOU COMPLETE E

REGULARSERVICE _" ,_-'4_ ._,;/_-'4_-,,/_b_€'_._" DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _ ;

Clean/InspectGrassCatcher

(IfEqulppeo') t_' _,

M clean LawnMower

(Power-PropelledMowers)

OwCleanUnderDriveCover

Check drive belt/pulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) t/

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade Ipfa

LubdcationChert If

CleanBatfory/Rechaqle

Ie , e ..owars ! 1/

E Check Engine Oil Level I/'

N Change Engine Oil _lJ

G CleanAirFilter II4' =

I inspectMuffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E ReplaceAirRlterPaperCartridge _2

1 - C*_'_ge mote _ w'nen o_ng under a heavy load or In high ambler1 tempera_m=. 2 - Seellce mote olten whe_ operating In dirty or dusty _dl_on_ 3 - Replace Idade= more often whe_ mowing In _Jldy =oil.

4 - Charge 48 houns at arid of =eeson.

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").

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

LUBRICATIONCHART

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.

V'4

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Mulcher

door hinge pin

Rear door

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase: Gasoline Capacity/Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)

Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 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

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

tuming when removing blade bolts.

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

4. Remove blade bolts by turning counter-clockwise.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp

edge) is up toward the engine and install the blade bolts.

2. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolts, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

36-44 ft. Ibs.

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 gdnding 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

bolts

edge

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.

VISCOSITY 8R._DE8

NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30

etc.) improve starting in cold weather, and

you should check your engine oil level 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. 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.

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.

Oil filler

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.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

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

_,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.

Tabs

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377790 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual