Craftsman 917378550 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRIIFTSMIIN"J

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

5.5 Horsepower Power-Propelled

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.378550

• EspaSol, p. 18

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Visit ourCraftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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

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

Product Specifications ........................... 4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ..................... 6

Operation .......................................... 7-10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

Maintenance ................................... 11-14

Service and Adjustments ................ 14-15

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

Parts & Repair Center 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, IL 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.

_kWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

_l_Look for this symbol to point out im-

portant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!!t

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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.

_kWARNING: In order to prevent ac-

cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact 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.

_:kWARNING: 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

footing could cause slipping.

II1. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are often attracted to the ma- chine and the mowing activity. Neveras-

sume 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 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 theplugto 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 orfuel spill-

age. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Neverattemptto make wheel height adjust-

ments while the engine (motor) is running.

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces

• 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.

Spark Plug (Gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

Valve Clearance (+ 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm

Blade Bolt Torque: 36-44 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.

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur-

chase. Your new Craftsman® product is

designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod- ucts, it may require repair from time to

time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and

aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourseff from unexpected hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 profe-

sional repair specialists.

• Unlimited service and no charge for

parts and labor on all covered repairs.

• Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive mainte-

nance check.

Fast help by phone - phone support

from a Sears technician on products

requiring in-home repair, plus conve-

nient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you

to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair

specialists, who have access to over 4.5 million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can

count on to help prolong the life of your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement todayt

Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information

call 1-800-827-6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home

appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in

the U,S,A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

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. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILBER _GAS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWNMOWERS

CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

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 assem- bled at the factory with the exception of

those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the as- sembly 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 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.

Operator presence control bar

Mowing

position

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

t. 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

HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as notto 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.

Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag- ging or discharging, see "TO CONVERT

MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.

KNOWYOUR 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

_R WARNIN_ ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

e control lever

Starter handle

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Mulcher dool

Muffler"

Handle knob

valve lever

Air filter

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 the

engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.

Drive control lever - used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

7 mower.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in for-

eign 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 perform-

ing any adjustments or repairs. We recom- mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision

safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED

Engine speed was set at the factory for opti-

mum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

[LCAUTION: 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 iscontrolled by holdingthe

operator presence control bar down tothe handle and pushing the drivecontrol lever

forward untilitclicks;thenreleasingthelever.

• Forward motion will stop when the op-

erator 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 con- tinue 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.

Drive

control

TO DRIVE

ENGAGE CONTROL DRIVE DISENGAGED

CONTROL

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 inthe 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.

LEVER BACKWARD :ab

TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and

close rear door.

Pivot ' Rear Grass

catcher

Catcher frame hook

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door mustbeclosed.

• Open mulcherdoorand ir_stalldis-

charge deflectorunderdooras shown.

• Mower is now readyfor discharging

operation.

• Toconverttomulchingor baggingopera-

tion,dischargedeflectormustberemoved

and mulcher door must be closed.

mulcher

handle

Open

door

mulcher door

Discharge

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

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.

• i, CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

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

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

IMPORTANT:

• 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. See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.

Gasoline

filler cap

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

_ Discharge deflector installed.

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.

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.

Oil

cap

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. Pur- chase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

9 near an open flame.

J_CAUTION: 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. Empty 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

orcarburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar. Wait until blade and

all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to restart the engine soon.

OFF

Fuel valve lever

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. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.

2. Move choke lever to ON ( I\1 ) position.

3. Holdoperator presence control bar down

tothe handle and pullstarter handle quick- ly.Do not allow starter rope tosnap back.

NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to the OFF position when

operator presence control bar is held down to handle.

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. 10

• 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.

• 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 notbe noticed. Also, the mulched grasswill

biodegrade quickly toprovide 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 itiswet. Wet

grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to

mow yourlawnisthe earlyafternoon. At this

time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area willnot be exposed to direct sunlight.

• 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 ofcut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from

overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce yourwidth ofcut by overlap- ping previously cut path and mow slowly.

Certain types ofgrass and grass conditions may require thatan area be mulched a sec- ond time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (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.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY

EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 BEFORE

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE

Oheok,or,ooseFastonarsW

_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * I_

Check Tires ***

_ Check Drive Wheels

Clean Lawn Mower .... I1# I_

MClean under Drive Cover *** I_

Check Drive Belt / Pulleys *** I_

EN Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery ** I_ I_ Check Engine Oil level I,_

i_ Change Engine Oil I_,=

Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

_ Replace Spark Plug t/'

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I_

Emptyfuel systemor add Stabilizer I_

* (ifso equipped)

** Electric-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy leador in highoutdoortemperatures. 2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions. 3 o Replace blades more often when mowing insandy soil

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

5 - Andafter each 5 hours of use.

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 unit as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if

you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

• At least 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.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated

(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

) [ lJ_ (_)Wheel L ] _ adjuster(on

_J_"__t each wheel)

Engine oil

Mulcher

door hinge

(!) Rear door

hinge

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

_ Spray lubricant

See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

attract dust and dirt that willshorten the lifeof the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they

must be lubricated, use only a dry,powdered

11 graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER

Always observesafety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

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

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, washers.

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.

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 heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

Blade adapter Crankshaft

Key _ keyway

Blade

Blade shaft bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

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 it cannot

come in contact with 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 hardware

(bolt, lock washer, 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.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening your mower 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 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.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for dam-

age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace-

ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

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 buUd-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant tothe proper level at the factory. The only time

the lubricant needs attention is ifservice 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 oilrated with

API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your

expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

oil from the container down the oil fill

spout into the engine.

6. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Use guage on oil fill cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick into the

tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube.

DO NOT thread the cap into the tube

when taking reading.

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 plug.

Oil filler cap/dipstick

-20 0 30 32 40 OO 80

11EMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT CtL CHANGE

NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30

etc.) improve starting in cold weather, and

you should check your engine oil level fre-

quently to avoid possible engine damage

from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours ofopera- tion or at 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, empty 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 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 capacity is 18.5 oz. If oil is not com-

pletely drained from engine, you may not need the entire container of a 20

oz. bottle of oil. Slowly pour 3/4 of the

limit

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. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur-

_1=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.

Filter Filter

Tabs

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 the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-

ATIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

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

after each use.

_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with 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.

_IJWARNING: Toavoid serious injury, before

performing any service or 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 wire 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's mowing position. If the deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1. Remove drive cover. Remove belt from

gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side with air

filter and carburetor up.

3. Remove blade.

4. Remove 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 drive cover.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

Drive cover Belt

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,

1. Remove upper handle and all wire tie(s) securing cable(s) to lower handle.

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

Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

Turn lower handle over to raise or

lower handle.

+ 30 hidden pages

Craftsman 917378550 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual