Craftsman 917378481 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

IC..FTSMnWl

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.75 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.378481

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 5

Operation ............................................... 6-9

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

Maintenance ...................................... 10-13

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

Service and Adjustments ................... 13-14

Storage .............................................. 15-16

Troubleshooting ................................. 16-17

Repair Parts ....................................... 34-43

Sears Service .......................... Back Cover

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 workmanship.

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 crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained 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 used 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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!H YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,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

&WARNING: In order to prevent ac-

hands after handling.

cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_, 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.

_,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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly 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 dis-

charge 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 bare- foot 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 ap- proved 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 mech- anism 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. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper- ating 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 cau- tion. 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 foot-

ing 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 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 ma-

chine.

• 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 equip- ment 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

• 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 set- ting or overspeed the engine.

strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

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 ser- vice 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

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

_\\ \\\ FOR

\\ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

FOR

STABILIZER

GAS

CANS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS 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 inthe engine. Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the excep- tion of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. 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. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have

been placed in the parts bag.

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 thoroughly 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 sec- tion locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up- per 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 "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

Operator presence control bar

LIFT UF

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame. NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

Catcher frame

handle

Et Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert mower to

bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual).

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL 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

Operator presence control bar

Drive control

bar

Handle knob

Starter' handle

Grass

catcher

Gasoline filler cal:

Air filtel

Housing

,Engine oil cap with dipstick

Primer

Muffler

cover

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

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 Com-

mission. 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.

Starter handle - used for starting engine.

Drive control bar - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when

6 starting a cold engine.

Theoperationof any lawn mowercan resultin foreign objectsthrownintothe eyes,whichcan resultin

severeeye damage.Always wearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldswhile operatingyourlawn moweror performing any adjustmentsor repairs.Werecom-

mendastandardsafetyglassesor wide

visionsafetymask wornoverspectacles.

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

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 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.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by hold-

ing the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive control bar up to the handle. The closer to the handle the bar is pulled, the faster

the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the

operator presence control bar or drive control bar are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the drive control bar only. Hold operator presence control bar downagainst handle tocontinue mowing withoutself-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage

drive wheels.

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on the handle to liftthe front wheels off the

ground while turning lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a thumbscrew on the

underside of the drive control housing to

increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-

ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Rotate thumbscrew counter-clockwise to tighten the drive cable.

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.

4. If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

NOTE: If mower begins to "creep" forward, the drive cable is too tight. Rotate thumb-

screw clockwise to loosen drive cable.

_rator presence control bar

control bar

DRIVE DRIVE CONTROL CONTROL

ENGAGED DISENGAGED

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 ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up or down to suit your requirements. 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.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and

place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, re-

move grass catcher and close rear door.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clipping deflector

or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

Pivot )ins Rear Grass

_ catcher

handle

Catcher frame 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 handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

• 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 to bottom of tank filler neck.

Do not overfill. 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 fresh-

Bess.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) 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.

Bag handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. A¢_CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout. Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then re-

move it to check oil level.

5. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil

if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

Gasoline filler cap

Primer

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 prod-

uct 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.

Engine

oil cap

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces-

sary 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 attempt-

ing to start and do not repeat priming

steps.

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 clip- pings. It may also be necessary to re- duce 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 cut- ting 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 over- lap to collect the clippings on the next

pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be- come 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 the

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 recut- ting 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 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 grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

MAXI_

• 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 sec- ond cut, mow across or perpendicular 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.

Check for Loose Fasteners I_ I/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) II/ It/

M Clean Lawn Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover (Power-Propelled Mowers) I_#

W Check drive belt/pulleys

(Power-Propelled Mowers) I_'

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I_/g

LubricationChart If I_'

Clean Battery/Recharge

(Electric Start Mowers) ll_ 1_4

BE Check Engine Oil Level I_

Change Engine Oil I1/1,2

G Clean Air Filter II/ =

I Inspect Muffler I_

Clean or Replace Spark Plug

N Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I_2

1 - Change moreoftenwhenoperatingundera heavylead orinhighambienttemperatures. 2 - Service more often when operatingindirlyor dustyconditions.

3 - Replace blades moreoftenwhen mowingInsandysoil 4 - Charge48 hoursat 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 Adjust-

ments 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 assure

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

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

ine oil

(_ Rear door

hinge

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

Spray lubricant

(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubri-

cants will attract dust and dirt that 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.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity /Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM or J19LM Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rub-

ber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where itcannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard-

ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer). NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the en-

gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter

and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade

with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op- posite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated. TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is

balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or

engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail.

If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the

blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

Blade adapter Crankshaft

Key _ keyway

Blade

Blade \

bolt

washer

/ \

Trailing edge Blade adapter

Crank

shaft

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will

wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved replace-

ment catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely.

The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel

area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts and wash- ers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. Put wheels back in place.

NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working

properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free

of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to

the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if

service has been performed on the gear case.

• If lubricant is required, use only ELF

Multis EP00. Do not substitute.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the

oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will

result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°E Check your engine oil

level more frequently to avoid possible

engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operation orat least once a year if the

lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine

until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to re- move any oil trapped inside of engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. The engine oil ca- pacity is 20 oz. If oil is not completely drained from engine, you may not need

the entire container of a 20 oz. bottle of

oil. Slowly pour 3/4 of the oil from the container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

6. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then re-

move it to check oil level.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

c .3o .20 .4; ; 1; _o 3o _;

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OiL CHANGE

12 Containc

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever oc- curs first. Service air cleaner more often

under dusty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur- _i face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as

kerosene, are not to be used to clean car- tridge. They may cause deterioration of the

cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use

pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover

making sure the tabs are aligned with

the slots in the back plate. Fasten

screw securely.

Back

Slots

Cover

Cover tabs

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plug at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs

first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

in Maintenance section of this manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower

after each use.

_i, CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark

plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass

and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free

of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the

electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in short- ened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Clean under drive cover at least twice a season. Scrape underside of cover with

putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of

drive cover.

_WARNING: To avoid serious injury,

before performing any service and

adjustments:

1. Release control bar and stop engine.

2. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in

contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to

minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower

into the operator mowing position. If the deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover and belt keeper.

2. Remove belt from gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt

off it.

3. Turn lawn mower on its side with air

filter and carburetor down.

4. Remove blade and debris shield.

5. Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Install new belt on engine pulley.

2. Reinstall debris shield and blade.

3. Return mower to upright position.

4. Install new belt on gearcase pulley.

5. Reinstall belt keeper and drive cover.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

Lower

Mowing

ROTATE

Anti-fold

bracket

Mowing

_osition r,<_

/ /

Drive

cover

Belt keeper

PUSH DOWN

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle can be mounted in a high or

low position. The mounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for

raising or lowering the handle. NOTE: The upper handle has an "anti-

fold" bracket located on the left side of the

handle. This bracket prevents the upper handle from folding forward, which helps protect control cable(s) from damage.

1. Remove upper handle and all parts attached to lower handle.

2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower handle bracket mounting pin.

3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it

from mounting pins.

4. Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle.

5. Squeeze lower handle in and position holes onto mounting pins on handle

bracket.

6. Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

LOW POSITION

HIGH POSITION

ENGINE

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set.

Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury. If you believe that engine is running too fast or too slow, take your mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and adjustment.

CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your

engine does not operate properly due to sus- pected carburetor problems, take your lawn

mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and/or adjustment. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous. If you think the engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact a Sears or other qualified service center, which has proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378481 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual