Craftsman 917377960 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

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6.75 HORSEPOWER

21" MULTI-CUT

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377960

• 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 Product Specifications 11

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 34
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordedng Back Cover

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

0

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating _nd maintenance instructions in the

owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in matedal orworkmanship.

Ifthis 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 itemswhich 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 retuming 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 dghts, and you may also have other rightswhich

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 this operator's manual careful.
Become familiar with the controls and k_'=ow

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

• Do notallow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of oper'_ion 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 inany manner.

Alwayshavedamage repairedbeforeusing
yourmower.

• Do notuseaccessoryattachmentsthatare
notrecommendedbythe manufacturer.

Use ofsuchattachmentsmay be hazard-

OUS.

• The blade turnswhentheengineisrunning.

PREPARATION:

• Alwaysthoroughlycheck the area tobe
mowedand clearitof allstones, sticks,

Wires,bones,and otherforeign objects.
These objectsWillbethrown bythe blade

and can causesevere injury.

• Alwayswear safetyglassesor eye shields
when starting and while usingyourmower.

• Dressproperly. DOnotoperatemower
when barefootorwearingopensandals.
Wear onlysolidshoeswithgoodt_'lion

when mowing.

2

• Checkfuel tankbeforestartingengine. Do
nottillgastank indoors,when_ engineis

runningorwhen the engineis hot. Allowthe
enginetocoolfor severalminutesbefore
tillingthe gastank. Cleanoffany spilled
gasolinebeforestarlingtheengine.

• Alwaysmake wheel heightadjustments
before startingyourmower. Neverattempt

todo this whiletheengineis running,

• Mowonlyin daylightorgood artificiallight.

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 sHppery 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

rotatingparts.Keepdearofthecr_ge

opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whanever you leave

or are notusing 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, inspoctJng,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 itaway from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• DOnot continue to run your mower if you hit

a foreign object. Followthe procedure

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

• Never operate your mower without propar

guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety
devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Checkthebladear_ltheenginemounting

boltsoftentobesuretheyaretightened

properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent

intervals for proper tightness to be sure
mower is in safe woddng condrdon.

• Keepallsafetydevicesinplaceand

wor_ng_

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

• Check grass catcher often for deterioration

andwearandreplacewornbags.Useonly

replacement hags 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 tiame oran ignitionsource such as a

hot water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer, etc.

Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!

BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED.
CAUTION: 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.

WARNING: The engine exhaust from this

product contains chemicals knownto the

State of California to cause cancer, bidh

defects, or other reproductive harm.

3

These accessorieswere availablewhenthislawnmowerwas produced.They are not
shipped with your mower.They are alsoava,able at mostSears retailoutletsandservice
centers. MostSears storescan alsoorderrepairpartsfor you,when youprovidethemodel

numberofyourlawnmower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplyto your lawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructions and thismanual in
its entirety before you attempt td assemble

or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe

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.
All 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.

tr

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWNMOWERS

AIR RLTERS

FOR

WHEELS

|

• Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holdingoperator
presence control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose

parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as.notto pinch ordamage 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 intoplace on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove any packing material from

around control bar.

4

STABIUZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

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

Liftup

TO INSTALL AI-I'ACHMENTS

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

J

q_lOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

:lEAD THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
VlOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

ocation of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
I-hese symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product.

_earn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF e AND FEET AWAY

Drive control

Grass catcher

Wheel adjuster
lever

Mulcher
plug

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
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.

Gasoline cap

Mulcher door

Operator presence control

Cable clip

Engine oilcap w/dipstick

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

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin

foreign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating
your lawn mower or performing any adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over the 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 adjust-

abk_.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require an

engine control to be installed on this lawn
rnower in order to minimize the risk o_blade

contact injunj. Do not under any circumstancas
attempt to defeat the _ of the operator

control. The blads rums 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 stad and
operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTI1NG 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

A(_JSIBr /

Lever

Raise Wheels 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 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 contrel
lever

Operator presence

Drive control control bar

engaged _

Drive control
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 muicher plug.
Store muicher plug ina safe place.

• You can now install grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or dL_charging
operation, installmulcher plug into rear
discharc_eopeningof mower.

SIDE DiSCHARGING-
. Mulcher plugmustbe installedintorear

discharge openingof mower(seeabove
instructions).

• Open mulchetdoorand installdischarge

deflectorunderguardasshown.

• Mower is now readyfordischarging
operation.

• To convertto mulchingor baggingopera-
tion,dischargedeflectormustbe removed
and muicherdoormustbe closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN

MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rearmulcherplug installed.

• Mulcherdoorclosed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Rearmulcherplug removed.

• Grasscatcherinstalled.

• Mulcherdoordosed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rearmulcherplug installed.

• Sidedischargedeflectorinstalled.

CAUTION: Do not runyourlawn mower

withoutrearmulcherplug inplaceor approved
grasscatcher inplace.

Neverattempttooperatethe lawn mowerwith

the rear doorremoved or proppedopen.

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

proppedopen.

, Rear door

slots

Catcher frame

hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

#

Grass

handle

• Liftupongrasscatcheruaingtheframo

har_e,

• Remove grass catcher with clippings from

under lawn mower handle.

• baguang arno

handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when en\otying;
itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Mulcher plug

Mulcher door

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 issecured 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

eng .

• Be sura mower is lavel and area around oil

fiHis dean.

• Remove engine o|l cap arKlfigto the fuflline

onthedlpsSck.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.

• Enginehoids 27ozs.of oil. Fortypeand
grade.of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section ofthis manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• . Check oil level before each use. Add oilif
needed. Fillto fullline on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time. •

• Reinstall engine oilcap 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,

dirtyconditions.

GAS

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of87

8