Craftsman 917.378410 User Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFT.TMAWI

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.378410

• 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.condcraftsman

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

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

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

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

Maintenance Schedule ...................... "t0

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.

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

Service and Adjustments .................... 13

Storage ............................................... 14

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts........................................ 35

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

If thisCraftsman Lawn Mower is usedfor commercial or rental purposes, thiswarranty

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 dghts, and you may also have other rights which
varyfrom state tostate.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/617 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould 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. 2

Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

Do notoperate 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.

• Stopthe blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe 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 inwet 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 clutchon 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.AII slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

notmow 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
Tragicaccidents 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

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuers. 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.

3

_ILook for this symbolto point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_. CAUTION: 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

components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birthdefects 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.

A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

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
servicecenters. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you
providethe model number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese accessories may not
apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

\

_ GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWNMOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

4

STABILIZER

I _ Ill
I I _

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

t_,

_1 I

ENGINE OIL

I

Read these instructionsand this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception
ofthose 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. Toensure 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 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 controlcables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle

section rocks 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.

OP_r'a;°braPresence_'_Lift u[_)

Upperhandle-_ _" /#"

•.o0

Lower handle

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyour lawn mower to familiarize yourself

with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual forfuture

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 WANNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

_perator presence control bar

Starter handle

Ddve control lever

knob

Gasoline cap

Grass

Housing

Engine oil ca[ Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine. Wheeladjuster(on eachwheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

Amedcan 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 Starter handle - used forstarting the

be held down to the handle to start the engine.
engine. Release to stopthe engine. Drive control lever - used to engage

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the power-propelled forward motion of lawn

carburetor to the cylinder for use when mower.

starting a cold engine, 6

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 visionsafety
mask over spectacles or standard safety
glasses,

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimumperformance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

A_.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
functionof 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 highcut, adjust cutting height

to suit your requirements. Medium
positionis 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 HighCut / ,,rib.

TO CONVERT MOWER

Yourlawn mower was shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto bagging:
REARBAGGING

• Liftreardoorofthe lawnmower and place
the grasscatcherframe hooks ontothe
doorpivotpins.

• To converttomulchingoperation,remove
grasscatcher and closerear door.

_,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.

Pivot

Catcher frame hool

Grass catcher
handle

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Open door and lift up on grass catcher

using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippingsfrom bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Bag catcher frame

handle handle

_ Lever

RaiseWheelsfor Low Cut

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive

controllever 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

untilthe ddve control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down

against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turningcomers, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Drive

t control

_k_TOengage _._ Drivecontrol

"" dn_/econtrol"" 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 fillto 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 gaso*

line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicatesthat

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 oven311.Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dunng 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 alraady 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 coolerweather 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.

MOWlNGTIPS

• Undercertainconditions,suchasvery
tallgrass,itmay be necessary to raise

the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the

engine and leaving clumps of grass
clLppings. 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 clothgrass 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 MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "Cleaning" Ln
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 end not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass wilt 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 cut area will
not be exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height sothat 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 reduoe 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
conditionsmay require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doinga

second cut, mow across or perpendicu-
lar to the firstcut 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