Craftsman 917.377990 User Manual

Owner's Manual

r'RAFTSMAN

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377990

• 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 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.

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

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.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Chock 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 clown 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.

MAINTENANCEAND 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.

i_pLOOk for this to out

ortant safety precautions. It means

GAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!t! 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.

symbol point

These accassodes were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They ere alsoavailable at most Seers retailoutlets and service

centers. Most Sears stores can alsoorder repair partsfor you, when you providethe model number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

_1 GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructionslandthis manual in its entirety before you attemptto assemble or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factonl withthe exception of those parts

leftunaasembled forshipping purposes. All

partssuch as nuts,washers, bolts,etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have

been placed inthe parts beg. To ensure safe and proper operation ofyour lawn mower, all

parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened s_Jroly. Use the correct toolsas necessary to ensure proper tightness.

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR F LTERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of cartonand 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 thoroughlyfor additionalloose parts.

HOWTOSET'UPYOURLAWNMOWER

TOUNFOLDHANDLE

IMPORTANT:Unfoldhandlescarefullysoas notto pinch or damage (_:)nVolcables.

• 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 controlbar to upper handle.

• Your lawnmower handlecan be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence bar

Mowing position

TO INSTAU. ATI'ACHMENTS 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 plaoe.

• You can now installcatcher oroptional dipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install mulchar p_j into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated

proparly.

Mulcherplu

_CAUTION: 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

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 re_erence.

"ntesesymbols mayappearonyourla_mmover or In literaturesupplied withtheproduct._ _ u_

theremeaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass

Engineoil

Mulcherplug capw/

Housing

cover

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 rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standardsofthe American

National Standards Instituteand the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turnswhen the engine is running.

Operator presence corfa_l bar - must be held down to the handle to start the engine.

Release to stop the engine. Primer - pumps additionalfuel from the

Drive control lever - used to engage power- propelledforward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to bagging or dischargingoperation.

carburetorto the cylinderfor use when starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.

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

I_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 withan

operator presence control bar which requiresthe operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and

operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lowerwheels for highcut.

• Adjustcuttingheight tosuit your require-

ments. Medium positionis best for most lawns.

• To change cuttingheight, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel Move wheel up or down to suityour requirements. Be sure all

wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned

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

allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

PlateTab

TO ATTACH GRASS cATCHER

• Close the I_ top lid. Lifttop lidmust be

dosed while operating lawn mower.

• Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and place the grasscatcher frame ontothe

formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• The grass catcheris secured tothe lawn

mower housingwhen the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher fl"ame.

m_owCAUTION: Do not run your lawn

er 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

Grasscatcher

frame

Forme_ tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence controlbar to stop engine.

• Liftup rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

LowerWheels for High Cut _,.,_,,_,

ever- "_: ;:_':

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-prepelling 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.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Drive control

To engage drive Drive control control disengaged

ADO GASOUNE

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, dean, regular unleaded gasolinewith a minimum of 87

octane. Do notmix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be

used within30 days to assure fuel

freshness.

WARNING: Experience indicatesthat elcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or me_an_ can attract

moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids duringstorage. Acidicgas can damage the fuel system of an engine

while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be embed before

storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let itrun untilthe

fuel lines and carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Inskuc_onsfor add_ information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner productsin

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. Gasolinefillercap Engineoilcap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil fillis clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

lineon the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 27 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do notover fill

• Check oil level before each use. Addoilif needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oilcap each lime.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and _htan.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often underdusty,

dirty conditiorls.

TO START ENGINE

• TO start a cold engine, push pdmer three (3) times beforetryingto start. Use a firm

push. This step isnot usuallynecessary

when starling an engine which has

aJreadyrun for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence controlbar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do notallow starter ropeto snap

beck.

• To stop engine, release operator presence

contral 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.

MOWING TIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very 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 housingfree of built-upgrass and

trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section ofthis manual.

• The special mulching blade will recutthe grass clippingsmany times and reduce

them insize so that as they fall ontothe

lawn they will disperse intothe grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor

the lawn. Always mulch with yourhighest

engine (blade) speed as thiswill providethe

best recuttingactionof the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when itis wet. Wet

grass tends toform dumps and interferes withthe mulchingaction. The besttime to

mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At

this time the grass has dried and the newly

cutarea willnot be exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results,adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts offonlythe top one-third ofthe grass blades.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwillbe necessary

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloadingthe engine and leaving clumpsof mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce yourwidth 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 perpendicular to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattem from week to week. Mow north to south one week then

change to eastto west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the

lawn.

Max 1/3

AS YOU COMPLETE __t_,_/t_,_ tK_'_r"-_"

REGULAR SERVICE f_._'_,_Z_'4y_'4_"O__._ _ERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _ I_

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

M Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

Checkdrive belt/pulleys

Check!Sharpen/Replace Blade 3

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers)

Lubrication Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge

IElectricStart MowersI I_ I/'4

V W W

E Check Engine Oil Level N Change Engine Oil 1111.2

G Clean Air Filter _ 2

I Inspect Muffler I_

a Clean or Replace Spark Plug

¥,

E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge Ij#'2

1 -Change more often when operating uPPera heavy lOad or Jnhigh ambient temperatures. 2 -Service more often when operatingin ditty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more oftenwhen mowing insandy soil

4 -Charge 48 hours at end of season,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

LUBRICATION CHART

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to

(_) Wheel adjuster Engine oil

operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter element and check

blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures

Rear door hinge

proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

(_) Spraylubricant (_) Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" section.

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LU BRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA- TION CHART").

IMPORTANT: Do notoil or grease plastic wheel bearings.Viscous lubricants willattract

dust and dirtthat will shorten the life of the self lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

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