Craftsman 917378060 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'I

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.
917,378060

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaRol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Visftour Craftsman web_te:www, sears.conVcra ftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Assembly .............................................. 5

Operation .............................................. 6

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10

Maintenance ....................................... 10

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 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 wom 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, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 16

Troubleshooting ................................. 17

Repair Parts ........................................ 37

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
sedous injury or death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to

operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as

rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other

people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or weadng open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessodes
approved by the manufacturer.

2

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,orroads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait

until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine
(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a waming of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when
operating mower.

I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exemise extreme

caution when changing direction on
slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT;

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another

responsible adutt.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine (motor) running.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to

prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade

attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation recjularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

chock components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

3 setting or overspeed the engine.

ALookforthissymboltopointout
importantsafetyprecautions.Itmeans

CAUTION!!IBECOMEALERTI!!YOUR
SAFETYISINVOLVED.

A WARNING." In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repaim,

always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark

plug.

These accassodss were availablewhen thislawn mowerwas produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They am also availableatmost Sears retailoutletsand service

canters. Most Sears storescan alsoorder repairpadsforyou, when you providethe model

number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay not applyto your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR OISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE I SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive

harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS AIR RLTESS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

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. All parts such as nuts,

washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete 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 tools

as necessary to ensure proper ffghtness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and

check carton thorougly 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.

1. Raise handles until lower handle

section locks into place in mowing
position.

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

knobs.

3. 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 Adjustments
section of this manual.

Operator p
controlbar

Upper handle

Liftup

Mowing

handle

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

LAWNMOWER. Comparethe illustrationswithyourlawnmowerto familiarizeyourself
withthe locationofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save thismanualfor future

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 HAH_S

OR WARNING ON OFF At_O FEET AWAY

presence control bar

Throttle
contr(

control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Housing

Gasolinefiller

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
without oil or gasoline in the engine.

adjustor

(on every 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 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 lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower.

Throttle control - Used for starling the
engine and allows you to select either

fast or slow engine speed,

Sta.rter handle- used for starting the
engine.

Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultin

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 is controlled by a
throttle located on the side of the upper

handle. Fast position is for starting,
normal cutting, trimming and better grass

bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,
trimming and fuel economy.

,_ Slow

Fast ,"- .

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk

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

Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height
to suit your requirements. Medium

position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze

adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-

ments. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.

Also, g-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

PlateTab

LowerWheelsfor High Cut I _,

Lever

RaiseWheels for Low Cut

TO CONVEFITTO DISCHARGING
MOWER

Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove

muloher plate.

• Mower can now be used for side

discharging or optional grass catcher
can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without discharge guard, ap-

proved grass catcher or mulcber plate in
place.

Dischargeguard

\

Mulcher plate

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Selfopropelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down

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

releasing 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
against 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.

Operatorpresence controlbar

Toengage
drive control Drive control

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see

=ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

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

proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then
remove it to read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

"" control "v, control

disengaged

around oil fill is clean.

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
operation or each season. You may

need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank,

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-

line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

AWARNING: 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.

_k 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

(I
debrisplug

inside)

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dudng the initial use of the

product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before trying to start.

Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a
few minutes.

2, Move throttle control lever to fast

position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter

8

robe to snap back.

MOWINGTIPS

• Under corta'm conditions, such as very
tail 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 positiwn.

• For side discharge lawn mowers,
cutting in a counter-clockwisa direction,

starting at the outside of the area to be
cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippings off of

walkways, flower beds, etc., make the
first cuts in a clockwise direction.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with

usa 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 recur

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 biodegrade quickly

to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the

best recurring action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and

interferes with the mulching acflon. The

best time to mow your lawn is the eady

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 necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep

from ovedoading the engine and
leaving clumps of mu_ched 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 perpendicu-

lar 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

MA,N,E.ANCESCHE°°LE

REGULARSERVICE d,,*f__'9,_/_._" SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners I_ I_
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) I_ I_ I_

M clean Lawn Mower i,'

O Clean Under Drive CoverIPower-Propelled Mowers) I/

Check drive beW Ileys

RE V'

Chack/Shaq_dReplace Blade I_ 2

L_atlon Chart t_

Clean Battery/Recha
IElectdc Start Mowe_sr_e I_ 1_4

E Check EncjIne Oil Level !_

N ChangeEngine Oil I/'1.2

G Clean Air Filter I_ 2

| inspect Muffler i_

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug (i/

S Replace Air Filter Paper Cadddge li/2

1 - Change more clten when opecating undera heavy load o¢ in high an_nl temperatures,
2 - Service more o_en when Operating in dirty06"dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blade_ mo,'e o_ when mowing in sandy SOil.

4 ° Charge 48 hours at end of season,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does

not cover items that have been subjected

to 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,
clean or replace air filter element and

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

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

• Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Checkfor loosefasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubdcated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

(_ Refer to maintenance "Engine" eectlon.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel beadngs, viscous lubri-

cants will attract dust and dirt that will
shorten the life of the self-lubdcating

beadngs, if you feel they must be
lubdcated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

10

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Wheel Adjuster

\

(_ Handle bracket
mountingpin

Spray lubricant