Craftsman 917377980 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RI:IFTSMAN°

6.75 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377980

• 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 2 Product Specifications 11

Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14

Assembly 4 Storage 16

Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37
Maintenance 10 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.

!f 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 lega! 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
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 thorcugHy check the area to be
mowed a,ld clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, cones, 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

2 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.

_m_pLOOkfor this symbol to point out

ortant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTH! 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 known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,

or other reproductive harm.

3

These accassodes were available when this lawn mower was produced, They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also avaJlabteat most Soars retail outJetsand service
centers. Most Soars 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

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 OILOR GASOLINE in the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assembled

at the factory with the exceplJon of those parts
left unassembled for shipping purposes. All

parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete 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 toolsas
necessary to ensure proper _htness.

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and

lay end panel down fiat.

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle

and padding ho',ding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mowsr out of carton end check
carton thoroughly for additional loose part_

4

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWNMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower handle
and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence
bar

Upper handle

Liftup

Mowing
position

TO INSTALL A'I'rACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional

dipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated
properly.

Mulcher

_IbCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without mulcher plug in place or
approved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.

Lower handle

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.

These symbols may appe_" on your lawn mower or in literaturesupplied with fire producL _ _ u_

therernea_ing.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

- Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catcher

Engine oil

Mulcher plug

cap w/

Housing

Gasoline cap

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine. Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

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 Commission. The blade

turns when the engine isrunning.
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

Drive centrol lever - used to engage power-
propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to

bagging or discharging operation.

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

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 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

_,C.AUTION: 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 CUTFING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure all
wheels are inthe same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned

when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

Plate Tab

TO ATrACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the lift top lid. Lift top lid must be

dosed while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing
and place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn

mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

_,CAUTION: 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.

Hinge

Rear door

Grass Gatcher
frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.

• _ up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

/' /

Lower Wheels for High Gutt.__=_- _

_ _ Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the

operator presence control bar is
released. To stop forward motion

without stopping engine, release the
operator presence control bar slightly
until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-

propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

k_ control

To engage drive Drive control
control disengaged

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 oilcap and tillto the full

line on the dipstick.

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

• Engine holds 27 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 1111.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipslJck.

• 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.

Drive

DD 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 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.

_CAUTION- Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline filler cap Engine oil cap

m:

TO START ENGINE

• TO start a cold engine, push primer three

(3) times before Wing to start. Use a 11rm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starling 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 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.

8

MOWING TIPS

• Undercertainconditions,suchasvery
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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of

cut grass may not enter the grass

catcher. Reduce ground speed (push-
ing speed) and/or run the lawn mower

over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the

next pass.

• 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 MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See _Cleaning" in Maintenance section

of this 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

biedegrade 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 dumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. 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 necessa W
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 perpandicular to the first cut 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

9