Craftsman 917377880 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTIMBN°

6.5 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWE_R

Model No.

917.377880

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• 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

Safety Rules

Assembly
Operation

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance

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 workmanship.

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 crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained 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

2 Product Specifications 12
2 Service and Adjustments 15
4 ..Storage 16

6 " Troubleshooting 17
11 Repair Parts 38
lt Parts Ordering Back Cover

Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.

Your unit is equipped with such controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the function of the

operator presence controls under any
circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and know

how to operate your mower properly. Learn
how to quickly stop mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.

Always have damage repaired before using

your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that are
not recommended by the manufacturer.
Use of such attachments may be hazard-

ous.

• The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area tobe
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects willbe thrown by the blade

and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields

when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.

2

• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do
not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is
running or when the engine is hot. Allow the

engine to cool for several minutes before
filling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never attempt

to do this while the engine is running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area being cut. Do not let other

interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always be
sure of your footing - keep a firm hold on the

handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave

orare not using your mower, or before

crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any

gravel-covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the

mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep if away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit
a foreign object. Follow the procedure

outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating your mower.

• Do not change the gevemor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if if vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an

indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause of vibration and

repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of

slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow excessively

steep slopes. Usa caution when operating
the mower on uneven terrain or when

changing directions - maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without proper
guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety

devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting
belts often to be sure they are tightened

properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent

intervals for proper tightness to be sure
mower is in safe working condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and
working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free
of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deterioration

and wear and replace wom bags. Usa only
replacement bags that are recommended

by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an

open flame or an ignition source such as a

hot water heater, space heater, clothes

dryer, etc.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONf!! BECOMEALERT!!f YOUR

SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

A, CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire wnere it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

_1,WARNING: The engine exhaust from

this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

3

_=when this produced.
shipped with your mower. They are also avaik='_bteat most Sears retail outlats 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 app{y to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR I --

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STARIUZER

%osscs ccFO o

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS 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 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.

At! 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.

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

• 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 checl
carton thoroughly for additional loose

pads.

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 c

lower handle towards each other until

the pin in handte 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.

4

GAS CANS

• Your handles may be adjusted for your

mowing comfort. Refer to Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence

controlbar

Upper handle\

Lift up

Lower Mowing
handle position

Handle

pin

3-position

Handle

adjustment

bracket

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 illustrationswith 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

Drivl

Operator presence control

Throttle control

Starter handle

Cable clip

Grass catcher _.

Engine oilcap w/dipstick

Wheel adjuster

lever

Mulcher
plug

Gasoline cap

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Primer
without oil or _lasoline 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.
Starter handle - used for starting the
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.

6

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 sh_ds 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 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.

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.

Lower Wheels for high cut

Wheel \

A_uster

Lever J

Raise Wheels for low cut
GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS

Your lawn mower provides multiple

speeds to let you select the speed that
Suits you best.

• Lower speeds are for slow, heavy/thic

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 level
unless the engine is running

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• With engine running, select ground
speed by moving speed control lever
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

use. I

Speed control
lever

Operator presence

Drive control
engaged

Drive control
disengaged

control bar

7

TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawnmower was shippedreadyto be

used as amulcher. 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 _ing or discharging
operation, install mulcher plug into rear

discharge opening of mower.

SIDE DISCHARGING-

. Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher 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 STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN

MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rear mulcher plug installed.

• Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Rear mulcher plug removed.

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear mulcher plug installed.

• Side discharge deflector installed.
_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.

Muncher plug

Open
mulcher door

Discharge deflector

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Liftthe 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

hook

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow_

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 usingthe frame
handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings from

under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippings from bag using beth frarnq
handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wea

/

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 will

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.

_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.

_I,CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor u,_
gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline
filler cap

Engine oilc_

TO STARTENGINE

• 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: In cooler weather it may be necessaq
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather

over priming may cause flooding and engine

will not start. If you do flood engine wait a fen

minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.

9