Craftsman 917377800 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
ICRIIFTSMRN"J
6.5 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377800
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and InstructiSB_eived.
before operating this equil_t_r/
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60_
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................... 2
Assembly ................................................ 4
Operation ................................................ 6
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11
Maintenance ......................................... 11
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or 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 in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Product Specifications .......................... 12
Service and Adjustments ...................... 15
Storage ................................................. 16
Troubleshooting ................................... 17
Repair Parts .......................................... 38
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover
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.
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 with 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.
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• 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 operat-
ing 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 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 acciden-
tal starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachement 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.
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_l_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
_I_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
reproductive harm.
A:I,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.
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
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASSCATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
FOR
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
4
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. To ensure safe and
proper operation of your lawn mower, all
parts and hardware you assemble must
be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the
assembly have been placed in the parts
bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with
mower.
• Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends
of lower handle towards each other
until the pin in handle can be inserted
into one of the three height adjustment
holes.
• Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
• Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator presence
controlbar
Upper handle.
Lift_--'_-k3_uP
Lower _"" "
handle _
3-position
Handle
adjustment
bracket
_wing
position
Handle
pin
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging; See OPERATION section
of this manual.
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied 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
Drive control
Throttle control
Starter handle
Grass catcher
Wheel adjuster
lever
Mulcher
plug
Operator presence control
Speed control lever
Cable clip
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Gasoline cap
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Primer
without oil or gasoline in the en_line. Housing
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control - must be
held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Drive control bar - used to engage
power-propelled foward motion of lawn
mower.
Mulcher plug - Located at the rear
discharge opening must be removed
when converting to bagging operation.
Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.
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can result in foreign objects
The operation of any lawn mower
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 adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over spectacles or
standard safety glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed is controlled by a
throttle 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
Fast
i
Lower Wheels for high cut
Wheel \
Adjuster
Lever
Raise Wheels for low cut
GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS
J
Your lawn mower provides multiple
speeds to let you select the speed that
suits you best,
• Lower speeds are for slow, heavy/thick
grass cutting or trimming.
• Medium speeds are for normal grass
cutting or trimming.
• High is for light cutting and for ground
transport.
NOTE: Do not move speed control lever
unless the engine is running
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
• With engine running, select ground
speed by moving speed control lever to
desired position.
• To start forward motion, pull drive
control bar back against handle.
• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
bar fully engaged against handle when in
use.
Speed control
lever
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: 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 {awn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
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.
Drive control
engaged
7
Operator presence
control bar
Drive control
disengaged
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,
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, install mulcher plug into rear
discharge opening of mower.
SIDE DISCHARGING-
. Rear door must be closed.
• Open mutcher door and install discharge
deflector under guard as shown.
Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
SIMPLE STEPSTO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN
MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
Open
mulcher door
Discharge deflector
TO A'n'ACH GRASS CATCHER
• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks into
the slots of the rear door.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
Rear door Grass
catcher
handle
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulcher plug removed.
• Grass catcher installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Side discharge deflector installed.
,II_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
Mulcher plug
Catcher frame
hook
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug or approved
grass catcher in place, Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
• Remove grass catcher with clippings from
under lawn mower handle.
• Empty clippings from bag using both frame
handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
/
Mulcher door
8
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in
the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate reading.
• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type
and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE"
in maintenance section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil
cap each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• 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. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane(Use of leaded gasoline wilt
increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
_I,WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until 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 fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
_,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline
filler cap
Engine 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.
• 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.
• Move throttle control lever to fast
position.
• Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
° To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: tn 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.
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