Craftsman 917377911 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
£RI:IFTSMI:INo
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377911
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espahol
• 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 Product Specifications 12
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 15
Assembly 4 Storage 16
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance Schedule 11 Repair Parts 38
Maintenance 11 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 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
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 thisoperator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and know
how to operate your mower properly. Le_m
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 ifit 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 tums when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:
• Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be 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 fillgas tank indoors, when be engine is
running or when the engine is hot. Allow the
engine to cool for several minutes before
tilling the gas tank. Clean off any spilled
gasoline before sta_ng 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
or are not using your mower, or before
crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any
gravel-covereld' 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 it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Do not continue to run your mower if you hit
aforeign object. Followthe procedure
o_ined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating your mower.
• DO not change the govemor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
• Do not operate your mower if it 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. Use caution when operating
the mower on uneven terrain or when
changing directions - maintain good footin 9.
• 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
bolts 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 tire 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. Use only
replacement bags that are recommended
by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on you_ 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.
A
_Look for this symbol to point out
important saraty precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
._LgCAUTION: Always dis.connect spark
wire and place wire wnere it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
_IkWARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
3
.=available when this lawn mower was ' 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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
_ GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
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 neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
• 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.
HOWTO SET UPYOUR 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
• Remove loose parts included with
mower.
• Cut down two end corners of carton and
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
lay end panel down flat.
4
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGSAIR FILTERS
ENGINE OIL
• Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up
Lift up
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.
Lower
handle
3-position
Handle
adjustment
bracket
Mowing
position
Handle
pin
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
Operator presence control bar
Speed control lever
Starter
Cable clip
Grass catcher
Gasoline cap
Wheel adjuster
lever
Primer
Mulcher
plug
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
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 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.
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.
6
The operation of any lawn mower can result in
foreign objects brown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operalJng
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 was set at the factory for
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
able.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
4MiCAUTION: Federal regulations r.equire
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 tums 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
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/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
Operator presence
Drive control control bar
Drive o
disengaged
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to begging 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 open.
• Open mulcher door and installdischarge
deflector under guard as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging opera-
tion, discharge deflector must be removed
and mulcher door must be closed.
2.
7
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 dosed.
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.
_CAUTION: 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..
Rear door
slots Grass
catcher
handle
Catcher frame
hook
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 plug
Mulcher door
Open
mulcher door
Discharge deflector
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks into
the slotsof the rear door.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
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 dipstick 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.
GAS
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
8
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.
A0_WARNING: Expe.dence indicates that
alcohol blended nJels (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.
Gasoline
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying to start. Use a firm
push. This step is net usually necessary
when starting an engine which has already
run for a few minutes.
• 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 itmay be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will net start. If you do flood engine wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat pdming steps.
Engine oil__:_ filler cap
9
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