Craftsman 917377801 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
6.5 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377801
• Safety
° Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears,com/craftsman
Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 5
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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Product Specifications ........................ 12
Sen/ice and Adjustments .................... 15
Storage ............................................... t 6
Troubleshooting ................................. 17
Repair Parts ........................................ 36
Parts Ordering ..................... Sack 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 pads. 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
themoweroruncloggingthechute,
• Shuttheengine(motor)offandwait
untilthebladecomestocompletestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher.
• Mowonlyindaylightor 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.
In. 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 wil! 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. SERVICES
• 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 fuelcon-
tainer 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
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.
3
_l,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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.
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
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.
hese accessories were ava
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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER
FOR FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
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 beer as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
of those parts lefl 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 do_'n 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
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
3. 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 _ ,,P_A,_
Upper handle _ tZ// /f ,_"
_:tf_ Mowing
f//Lift u_y _
\ s,t,on
Lower
handle
3-Position
handle
adjustment
bracket
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.
J
KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR
LAWNMOWER.Comparetheillustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourself
withthelocationofvariouscontrolsandadjustments,Savethismanualforfuture
reference,
Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourlawnmowerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththe
product.Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning.
CAUTtON ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Ddve control bar
Operator presence control
Throttle control
Grass
Wheel adjuster
lever
Mulcher
plug
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
without oil or gasoline in the engine. 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 stad the
engine, Release to stop the engine,
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.
Gasoline cap
Mulcherdoor
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,
lever
Cable clip
Engineoil cap w/dipstick
Theoperationofany lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in
Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields while operating your lawn mower
or performing any adjustments or repairs.
We recommend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR 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.
Fast ,"" "_,
severe eye damage.
"T_ Slow
_ 'j! 2.
,, r
J
LowerWheels \
for HighCut \
Wheel _i_/ -
adjuster __'_i
lever _\ \ \
Raise Wheels _ _' ,J
for LowCut
GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS
Your lawn mower provides multiple
speeds to let you select the speed that
suits you best..
• Lower speeds are for, 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
fully engaged against handle when in
use.
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.
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.
Speed control
lever
Drive control
engaged
disengaged
Operator presence
controlbar
COMBI-CUT MOWERS TO CONVERT
MOWER
Yourlawnmowerwas shippedreadyto
be usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto
bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plugina safe
place.
• Youcan nowinstallgrasscatcher.
• Toconvertto mulchingor discharging
operation,installmulcherplug intorear
dischargeopeningof mower.
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Mulcher plug mustbe installedinto rear
dischargeopeningof mower.
• Open dischargeguardand install
dischargedeflectorunderguard as
shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convertto mulching or bagging
operation,dischargedeflectormustbe
removedand dischargeguardmustbe
clo_ed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear mulcher plug installed.
2. Side discharge guard closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Rear mulcher plug removed.
2. Grass catcher installed.
3. Side discharge guard closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING *
1. Rear mulcher plug installed.
2. Side discharge deflector installed.
ACAUTION: Do notrunyour lawn
mower without rear mulcher plug in place
or approvedgrass catcher in place.
Neverattempttooperatethe lawn mower
with the reardoor removedor propped
open. _.
Mutcherplug_
Open
mulcherdoor
Discharge deflector
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
1. Liftthe rear doorof the lawnmower
and placethe grasscatcherframe
sidehooksintothe slotsofthe roar
door.
2. The grasscatcheris securedto the
lawn mowerhousing when the roar
dooris loweredonto thegrasscatcher
frame.
ReardoorGrass
catcher
Catcher frame'
hook
AI_CAUTION:Do not runyour lawn mower
withoutclippingdeflectoror approved
grasscatcherin place.Never attemptto
operatethe lawn mowerwiththe rear
doorremovedor proppedopen.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Liftup on grasscatcherusingthe
frame handle.
2. Removegrass catcherwithclippings
from under lawnmower handle.
3. Emptyclippingsfrom bag usingboth
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do notdrag the bag when
emptying; it willcauseunnecessarywear.
--_ Mulcherdoor
8
handle
catcher
handle
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
ADDOIL
Yourlawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: A_tow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to
read the dipstick.
3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• 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. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane, Do not mix oil with gaso-
line, Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
_,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 whi_e 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.
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 gasotine near an open flame.
Gasoline
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.
Engine oil cap
9
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
lawn 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
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recur
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 mulching, reduce your
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• Cedain 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.
10
Max 1/3
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