Craftsman 917378310 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRIIFTSMAN'I

6.75 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.378310

• 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

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 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
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, ROEBUGKAND 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

serious 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 pads. 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 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.

2

• 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 warning of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when

operating mower.

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

and fal! 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.

In. 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 tast 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

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 acciden-

tal 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 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

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

setting or overspeed the engine.

_Look forthissymbolto pointout
importantsafetyprecautions.It means

CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!FrYOUR
SAFETYIS INVOLVED.

,A WARNING: Inordertoprevent
accidentalstartingwhensettingup,

transporting,adjustingor makingrepairs,

always disconnect sparkplugwire and
placewirewhere itcannotcontactspark

plug.

_WARNING: 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.

AWARNING: 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.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and

service centers. Most Sears 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

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

FOR

_1 GRASSCATCHERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

SIDEDISCHARGE

LAWNMOWER$

AIR FILTERS

4

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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 cadon
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 cadon thorougly for additional
loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 presence
control bar

Upper

Liftup

Mowing

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
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 instatl catcher or

optional clipping deflector.

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

ofmower.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or ap-

proved clipping deflector or grass catcher
in place. Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed
or propped open.

Mulcherplug/_'/L<

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 adjustments. Save this manual for future
reference.

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 HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Enginezone controlcable

Operator presencecontrol bar

\

Drive controllever

Starter handle

C

Mulcherplug

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

cover

Engine oil

cap w/
dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in Wheeladjuster

the engine. (oneach wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behindpower lawn mowers conformto the safety standardsofthe American

NationalStandards Instituteand the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission. The blade

turns when the engine is mnnin_l.

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.
Mulcher plug - must be removed to

convert to bagging or discharging

6 operation.

Theoperationof 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.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I,CAUTION: 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 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, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs. PlateTab

LowerWheelsfor HighCutr,._L,_

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame
side hooks onto the door pivot pins.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

• iLCAUTION: 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.

Rear door

Grass

catcher

handle

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1, Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear,

Bag handle

Grass
frame

handle

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

DRIVECONTROL

• Self-propellingiscontrolledby 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 step 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.

Operator presence control bar

_\ ,_ __ control

Toengage Drive control
drive control disengaged

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
around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick, Pour oil slowly.

Do notover fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate 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

oil if needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often under
dusty, didy conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

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

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

fre_hr,_. ,;

Drive

_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.

_l, 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.

Engineoilcap Gasolinefiller cap

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective 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. 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

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather itmay be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine will not stad. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes

before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

8

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

(pushing 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 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 early
afternoon. At this time the grass has

dried and the newly out 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

wil! be necessary 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 mew 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.

Max 1/3

9