Craftsman 917378070 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
JCRAFTSMRN'J
6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.378070
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• EspaRol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and followall
Safety Rulesand Instructions
before operating thisequipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
VisitourCraftsmanwebeite:www.sears.com/craftsrnan
Warranty............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly.............................................. 6
Operation.............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule...................... 10
Maintenance....................................... 10
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 14
Storage ............................................... 16
Troubleshooting ................................. 17
Repair Parts ........................................ 37
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LIMITEDTWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
Fortwoyears from date of purchase,whenthisCraftsmanLawnMoweris maintained,
lubricated,andtunedup accordingto the operatingandmaintenanceinstructionsin
theowners manual,Searswillrepairfree of chargeany defectin materialorworkman-
ship.
IfthisCraftsmanLawnMowerisusedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thiswarranty
appliesfor only90 daysfrom the date of purchase.
ThisWarrantydoes notcover:
• Expendableitemswhichbecomeworn duringnormaluse, suchas rotarymower
blades,blade adapters,Pelts,air cleanersand sparkplug.
• Repairsnecessarybecause of operatorabuse ornegligence,includingbent
crankshaftsand the failure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingto the instructions
containedin the owner'smanual.
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.
ThisWarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and you may alsohaveotherrightswhich
varyfrom statetostate,
Sears, Roebuckand Co., D/817 WA, HoffmanEstates,Illinois60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
• Road, 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. 2
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 wearing 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 accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• 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 safely
glasses with side shields when
operating mower.
II, 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. Exercise 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.
II1. 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 adult.
• 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
comers, 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 safely devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
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
check components and replace with
manufacturers 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.
J&Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONt!t BECOMEALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transpoding, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
.4,WARNING: Engineexhaust,someofits
constituents,and certainvehiclecompo-
nentscontainor emitchemicalsknownto
the State of CalJfom,_tocause cancer
and birthdefectsor otherreproductive
harm.
_WARNING: Batteryposts,terrolnalsant
relatedaccessoriescontainlead and
lead compounds, chemicalsknowntothe
State of Californiato causecancerand
bidhdefectsorother reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyare not
shippedwi_ yourmower.Theyarealsoavailal_eatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers.M_t Seatsstorescana/soorderrepairpartsfor you,whenyouprovidethe model
nurrt_rofyourlawnmower,Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELT8 ., 8LADES •
MULCHER KITS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
STA_UT._R
GAS CANS
SPAR,K pLUGS
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 tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end comers of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing matedals 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 pads.
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
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up
handle
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future
These symbols may appearonyour lawn moweror in literature suppliedwiththe
product. Learn and understandtheirmeaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINIE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNff_G ON OFF ANO FEET AWAY
presence controlbar
Throttle
control lever
Handle knob zone control cable
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Housing
cover
IMPORTANT:Thislawnmoweris shipped _.Wheeladjuster
withoutoilor gasoline in theengine. (oneve_jwheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behindpowerlawnmowersconform to the safetystandardsofthe
Amedc_nNationalStandardsInstituteandtheU.S. ConsumerProductSafetyCommis-
sion. The bladeturns whenthe engineisrunning.
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.
Starter handle- used for starting the
engine.
Drive control lever - used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower,
Throttle control - Used for startingthe
engine and allows you to select either
fast or slow engine speed.
6
The operationof any lawn
mowercan resultin
foreign objectsthrowninto
theeyes,whichcan result
in severeeye damage.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eye
shieldswhileoperatingyour lawnmower
orperformingany adjustmentsor repairs.
We recommenda widevisionsafety
maskoverspectaclesor standardsafety
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,
tdmming and fuel economy.
Slow
Fast ,'-";.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_CAUl"ION: 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 CUTFING 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..
NU1 E: Aajuster Js 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.
PlateTab
LowerWheelsfor High Cutr.___
Raise Wheelsfor LowCut
TO CONVERTTO DISCHARGING
MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mufcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side
discharging or optional grass catcher
can be attached.
• To retum to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
_iLCAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-
proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in
place.
Dischargeguard
\
Mulcherplats
7
DRIVECONTROL
• Self-propellingis controlledby holding
theoperatorpresencecontrolbar down
tothe handleand pushingthe drive
controlleverforward untilitclicks;then
releasingthe lever.
• Forwardmotionwillstopwhen the
operatorpresencecontrolbar is
released.To stopforward motion
withoutstoppingengine,release the
operatorpresence controlbar slightly
untilthe drivecontroldisengages.Hold
operatorpresence controlbar down
against handleto continuemowing
Withoutself-propelling.
• To keep drivecontrolengagedwhen
turningcomers,pushdownon handle
and liftfront wheelsoff groundwhile
turninglawn mower.
Operator presence control bar
Drive Drive
control control
To engage Drive control
ddve control disengaged
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Yourlawnmoweris shippedwithoutoil in
the engine.Engineholds 20 oz.of oil.
Fortypeand gradeof oil to use, see
=ENGINE"in Maintenancesectionof this
manual.
1. Be sure lawnmoweris leveland area
aroundoil fill is clean.
2. Removeengine oil cap and fill tothe
full lineon the dipstick.Pouroilslowly.
Do notoverfill.
NOTE: Allowoil to settle downintoengine
for accuratedipstickreading.To read
properlevel, tightenengineoilcap, then
removeitto read the dipstick.
3. Reinstallengineoil cap and tighten.
• Chockoillevelbeforeeach use. Add
oilifneeded. Fillto full line ondipstick.
• Changethe oilaftereven/25 hoursof
operationor each season. You may
need to changetheoil moreoften
underdusty,dirtyconditions.
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.
_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.
A 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
(Discard
debris plug
inside)
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protoctive coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during 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
rope to _r_a_ back.
MUWINU TiPS
• Under cedain 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
(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• If a trail of clippings is left on the dght
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small
ovedap 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 end
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 recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the eady
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dded 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 end 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 perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern 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.
RE O RSERV,CE SERV,CEOATES
Check for Loose Fasteners I_ IS'
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(ifEquipped)
M C,eanLawnMower _' _/
O CleanUnderDriveCover(Power-PropelledMowers)
Checkdrivebelt/ulfflys
E (Power.Prope_leaPMowers) I//
CbecldSharpen/Replace Blade _ :_
LubricationChart _/ !/
Clean Sattery/Rechar
IElectdcStart Mowe_ e II/ 11/4
E Check En_line OilLevel
N Change Engine Oil I_1.2
G CJ,eanAirFilter I_ 2
I InspectMuffler
N Clean or Replace Spad( Plug
E Replace Air Rlter Paper Cadddge I/2
1 * Change mole often1_nea o_ef_In 9 und4N'aheavy Ioed or in highamblerd tel1_eratums,
2 * Service more olten when ope_a_3g in ditty or dusty conditinns,
3 - R_olace bindes more often when mowing In undy oo41,
4 ° Charoe 48 hours at lind of aeason.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does
ROtcover 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
pedodically 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. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").
_) Refer to maintenance "Engine" section,
(_ Spray lubricant
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubd-
cants will attract 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.
lO
LUBRICATION CHART
\
_) Handle bracket
mounting pin
Wheel Adjuster
(_ Rear door hinge
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