Craftsman 917377912 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
£RAFTZMANo
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT L,_
POWER PROPELLE_ _
ROTARY LAWN MO__EI:_
Model No.
917.377912
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Seam, Roebuck and Co,, Hotfman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman webslte: www.sears.condcraftsman
Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 4
Operation .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11
Maintenance ......................................... 11
LIMITED TWO-_'EAR WARRANTY O'N 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 ................................................. 17
Troubleshooting ................................... 18
Repair Parts .......................................... 38
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
Safety standards require operator
presence 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 manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
• The blade turns 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.
2
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
• 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 dis-
charge 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-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 it 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 you
mower.
• Do not change the governor 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 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 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 fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn 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 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
CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
AWARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
3
Theseaccessories 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 MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
! GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELTS
MUFFLERS
BLADES
BLADE ADAPTERS
AIR FILTERS
FOR
WHEELS
2-
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructionsand 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 assembled
at the factory with the exception of those parts
leftunassembled for shipping purposes. All
partssuch as nuts, washers, bolts,etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the pads bag. To ensure safe
and proper operation of your lawn mower, all
pads and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TOREMOVE LAWNMOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose pads includedwith mower.
• Cut down two end comers 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 pads.
4
HOWTO SETUPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLDHANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as
not to pinch or damage control cables.
• Raise lower handle section to operat-
ing 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
bar
Upper handle
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 adiustments. Save this manual for future reference.
_ symbolsmayappearonyourlawnmowerorinr_eraturesuppliedwithU,deproduct.Leamend
understandthem meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Drive control
Starter
Grass catcher
Wheel adjuster
lever
Mulcher
Operator presence control bar
Speed control lever
Cable clip
Gasoline cap
Primer
plug Engine oil cap
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
mower can result in foreign
The operation of any lawn
objects 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 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 was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
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.
LowerWheels for high cut
Adjuster J
Lever
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
engaged
control bar
Drive control
disengaged
TOCONVERTMOWER
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 open.
• Open mulcher door and install discharge
deflector under guard as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convertto mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
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 closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Side discharge deflector installed.
&CAUTION: D.onot _n your lawn mower
without rear mulcner plug m place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
£t
m_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without roar mulcher plug or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the roar door removed or
propped open.
door
slots
Catcher
frame hook
Grass
handle
TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER
• 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 beg when emptying;
it willcause unnecessary wear.
/
Mulcher plug _
Mulcher door
Open
mulcher door
Discharge deflector
TO A'B'ACH GRASS CATCHER
• Liftthe rear door ofthe lawn mower and
peacethe grass catcher frame hooks into
the slotsof the rear door.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the roar 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
fillis clean.
• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full
lineon 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.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fillfuel tank. Use frosh, 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 quan_les that
can be used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
_WpAoRNING: E.xp#.rieneaindicatesthat
I 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 of30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, startthe engine and let it run untilthe
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season. Sea Storage Instructionsfor
additionalinformation. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
f._CAUT.ION: Fill.to bosom of gas.tank
iher necK. uo not overfill, wipe on any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
times before tryingto start. Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already run
for a few minutes.
• Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pullstarter 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 necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not start. Ifyou do flood engine wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.
Engine oil cap
Gasoline
cap
9
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