Craftsman 917.378320 User Manual

_)wner's Manual

CRRFTSMRN"I

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No, 917,378320

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• 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, 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 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 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 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- n)sm 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 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 drap-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.

IlL 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.

• Ue 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 acciden-

ta! 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

stdke 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.

_lILook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTIONtrr BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED. AI WARNING: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark

plug.

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.

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 Bears 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 MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

-lead these instructions and this manual n its entirety before you attempt to

_ssemble or operate your new lawn

Tiower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is ;hipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

_,heengine, Yournew lawn mower has been as-

sembled atthe factorywiththeexception ofthosepartsleftunassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washem, 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 layend paneldown flat.

3. Remove allpacking materialsexcept

padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holdingoperator presence controlbar toupper handle.

4. Rolllawn mower outofcartonand

check cartonthorouglyforadditional looseparts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlecarefullyso

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

controlbar

Upper handle

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 install catcher or optional clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening

of mower.

_ILCAUTION: 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.

Mulcher plu

KNOW YOUR 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 reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FACT CLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDC

OR WARNING ON OFF ANO FEET AWAY

Enginezone controlcable

presence control bar

Ddve control lever

Starter handle

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

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

the engine, (on each wheel) MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotarywalk-behindpower lawnmowers conform to the safetystandardsof the American NationalStandardsI_e'and the U.S. Consumer ProductSafetyCommission. The blade

turnswhen the en_lina is runnir_. 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-propelfed forward motion of lawn

mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to bagging or discharging

6 operation,

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 e wide visiorl 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

ACAUT|ON: 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 functionof the operator control. The blade tu.mswhen 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 stad and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING 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, 9oposition adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs. Pl_a Tab

L°wer Wheels f°r HighCUtr_,_l_

TO A'n'ACH 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.

A, 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.

_ear door

Grass catcher

handle

Pivot -. .. pins trame hook

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 hand_e and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; itwill cause unnecessary wear.

Bag handle

Grass frame

handle

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

.avor

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 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 controt engaged when

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

Operator presencecontrolbar

k_\ .4"_ -- control

To engage 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 not over 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. Fill to 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, dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

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

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

freshness.

/-, Drive

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.

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 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.

_OWINGTIPS

• 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, regulady 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 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 isthe 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 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 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.

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