Craftsman 917377811 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRW I

6.75 HORSEPOWER 21" MULTI-CUT

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377811

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION: Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions beforeoperatingthis equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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

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

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

Assembly ................................................ 5

Operation ........................................... 6-10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

Maintenance., .................................. 11-14

Product Specifications .......................... 12

Service and Adjustments ...................... 15

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

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

Repair PaRs ..................................... 36-43

Parts Ordering ........................ 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 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., £)/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.

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 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 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.

_,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.

&Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

_, WARNING: In order to prevent acci-

dental starting when setting up, transport-

ing, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire

where it cannot contact spark plug.

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 ouUets 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

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

_/1 GRASS CATCHERS

_I SIDE DISCHARGE

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower. IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine. Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for

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

plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end comers 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 I: control bar

Lift

Mowing

position

Lower handle

3-Position

handle

adj

bracket

TO INSTALL A'I-FACHMENTS 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.

KNOWYOUR 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 ancl 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 b_

Handle knob

Grass

Single point height adjuster handle.,

Engine oil cap

Mulcher plug Mulcher doc

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

Amedcan National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

presence control bar

Drive speed control lever

Engine zone control cable

Drive cover

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

ousing

Operator presence control bar - 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.

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine.

Drive control bar - used to engage

power-propelled foward motion of lawn

mower.

Drive speed control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion

lawn mower. Single point height adjuster- used to

adjust cutting height of lawn mower. Mulcher door - allows conversion to

discharging or bagging operation. Mulcher plug - Located at the rear

discharge opening must be removed when converting to bagging operation.

mowercan result in foreign

objects thrown into the

The operationof 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 a wide vision safety mask

over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• With engine running, select ground

speed by moving drive 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.

Operator nce control bar

_,CAUTION: Feel.eral requlations reguire an

engine control to Deinstalled on mis lawn mower in order to minimize the riskof 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 pos_oned behind the lawn mower handle to start and

operate the lawn mower.

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 speeds are for light cutting and for ground transport.

NOTE: Do not move speed control lever unless the engine is running

Drive speed control lever_

Drive control

;led _ disengaged

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 Wheels

for High Cut_ J Single point

height adjuster

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 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.

• iLCAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without clipping deflector 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

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.

SIDE DISCHARGING

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

• Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge 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 discharge guard must be

closed.

:her door

(

Grass

Bag frame

handle 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.

Open mulcher door

Discharge

deflector

Mulcher plug

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

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.

• I,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.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower 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: Allow 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 gasoline.

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 while instorage. 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 Instructionsfor

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe oft 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.

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. 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.

MOWINGTIPS

• 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 MOW1NG TIPS IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance,keep

mower housingfree of built-upgrassand trash.See "CLEANING"in the Maintenance

sectionofthis 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 aftemoon. 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.

• 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 perpendicular to the firstcut path.

• Change your cutting pattem 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.

Max 1/3

AS YOU COMPLETE ..,#_l_.?,_._.l_,,_

Check for Loose Fasteners _/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) t,/ _

a Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt]pulleys

W (Power-PropeEledMowers) i,/

(Power-Propelled Mowers) If

_ERVICE DATES

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I/'3

LubricationChart I_

Clean Battery/Recharge tElectric StartMowers I I_ 1_4

NE Check Engine Oil Level !/

Change EngineOil Vwt.2

Inspect Muffler

G Clean Air Filter _,_ 2 N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 11_2

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

2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

3- Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. LUBRICATION CHART

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

(_) Engine oil

The warrantyon 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 adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments se_on of this manual should be

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, 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 runbetter 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 "LUBRICA-

TION CHART').

(_) Brake spring

door hinge pin

door hinge

(_) 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.

bracket

Mulcher

Rear

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;ERIAL NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)

)ILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RJ19LM4

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the

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

LAWN MOWISR TO REPLACE BLADE Always observe safety rules when performing

any maintenance. TIRES

• Keep tiresfree of gasoline, oil,or insect controlchemicals whichcan harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps,stones,deep ruts,sharp objectsand other hazardsthat 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 condition to work

properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

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

aligned.

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

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

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

blade adapter and crankshaft.

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

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

Blade adaptel Crankshaft

Ke keyway

Blade

Blade bolt Hardene - -_ _ shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is

balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail

into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place

center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either

end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade is

balanced.

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.

1. Remove hubcaps and Iocknuts.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjuster axles.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/ or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. If you remove the drive pinions, wipe clean with dry cloth. Reassemble dry.

Do not lubricate. Do not use oil or

grease.

NOTE: The pinion gears, on both sides of

the mower, are the same, however, they

must be installed correctly. If installed incorrectly, the drive system will not work.

5. There are arrows embossed on both

sides of the pinion gear. With the arrow at the top of the pinion, the arrow must point towards the front of

the mower. If the arrow points to the rear of the mower, turn the pinion

around, then assemble to mower.

6. Place wheels back on adjuster axles.

7. Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps.

Correct Incorrect

Wave

,Washer

Pinion

Hubca

Washers

'Locknut

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Selectthe

oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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

these multi-viscesity oils will result in

increased oil consumption when used above

32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

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

mower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of

continuous use. "13ghten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

Dust

cover

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running

engine untilfuel 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 _awn 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.

Collar

clockwise to

Clip

rum

remove

Slot /

Air filter

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage,

SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100

hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are

shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in Maintenance section ot this manual.

Tab / Turn

/ counter-

Air filter cover clockwise to tighten

Container

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. Do not

wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning clockwise to the stop and pull away

from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover.

5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn counter- clockwise to tighten.

CLEANING IMPORTAN'E For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean underside of mower housing

after each use. ACAUTION'. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with the spark

plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up

of grass and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free

of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden

hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and

carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in

shortened engine life.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917377811 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual