Craftsman 917379040 Owner’s Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER

22" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379040

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and followall

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating thisequipment

Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

VLsltourCraftsmanwebs_te:www.sears.com/craltsman

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance ....................................... 10

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when thisCraftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubdcated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commemial 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 dudng 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.

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

Service and Adjustments .................... 14

Storage ............................................... 15

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

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

Pads Ordedng ..................... Back Cover

Warrantyserviceis availableby returningthe Craftsmanpowermowerto the nearest
SearsServiceCenter/Departmentin the UnitedStates.This warrantyappliesonly

whilethisproductis inuse intheUnitedStates.
ThisWarrantygivesyouspecificlegal rights,andyou may alsohave other rightswhich

varyfrom statetostate.
Sears, RoebuckandCo., D/817 WA, HoffmanEstates,Illinois60179

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachineiscapable of amputatinghandsand feet and

throwingobjects.Failureto observethefollowing safetyinstructions couldresultin

seriousinjuryor death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

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

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be surethe area is clearof other

peoplebefore mowing.Stop machine if

anyoneentersthe area.

• Do not operatethe mowerwhen

barefootor wearingopen sandals.

Alwayswear substantialfoot wear.

• Do not pull mowerbackwardsunless

absolutelynecessary.Alwayslook

down and behindbefore and while

movingbackwards.

• Do notoperatethe mowerwithout

properguards, plates,grasscatcheror
othersafetyprotectivedevicesin place.

• Sea manufacturer'sinstructionsfor

properoperationand installationof
accessories.Only use accessories

approvedby the manufacturer.

2

• Stopthe blade(s)when crossinggravel

drives,walks,or roads.

• Stopthe engine (motor)wheneveryou

leavethe equipment,before cleaning

the moweror uncloggingthe chute.

• Shutthe engine(motor)offand wait

untilthe bladecomes to completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher.

• Mow onlyin daylightorgood artificial

light.

• Do notoperatethe machinewhile

underthe influenceof alcoholor drugs.

• Never operate machinein wet grass.
Alwaysbesure of yourfooting: keep a

firm holdon the handleand walk;
never run.

• Disengagethe self-propelledmecha-

nismor ddveclutchon mowers so

equippedbeforestartingthe engine

(motor).

• Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrate

abnormally,stopthe engine(motor)
and check immediatelyfor the cause.

Vibrationisgenerallya wamingof
trouble.

• Alwayswear safetygogglesorsafety
glasseswithside shieldswhen

operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto slip

and fall accidentswhichcan resultin
severe injury.Allslopes requireextra
caution.If youfeel uneasyon a slope,do

notmowit.
DO:

• Mow acrossthe face of slopes:never

up and down. Exemiseextreme
cautionwhen changingdirectionon

slopes.

• Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree

limbs,etc.

• Watch for holes,ruts,orbumps.Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DONOT:

• Do nottrimnear drop-offs,ditchesor

embankments.The operatorcouldlose

footing or balance.

• Do nottdmexcessively;steepslopes.

• Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occurifthe operator

is notalertto the presenceofchildren.
Childrenare oftenattractedto the

machineand the mowingactivity.Never

assumethatchildrenwillremainwhere
you lastsaw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and tum machine off if children
enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small

children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV, SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable

and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

-Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine (motor) running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and

keep the wire away from the plug to

prevent accidental 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 detedoration,
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

3 setting or overspeed the engine.

_,Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONT!! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A 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

_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related eccessodes contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State
of Califomia to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash

plug.

hands after handling.

A CAUTION: Muffler and otherengine
partsbecomeextremelyhot during

operationand remainhot afterengine
has stopped.Toavoidsevereburnson
contact,stayaway fromthese areas,

These acseseodeswere availablewhen this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableat mostSears retailoutletsand service
centers. Most Sears storescan also order repairpartsforyou, when you providethe model

number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay not applyto your lawn n_wer.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR HEAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

_ GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASSCATCHERS {_FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR RLTERS SPARK PLUGS

SELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS ENGINE OIL

4

Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.

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

the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception
of those pads left unassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness,
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.

2. Cut down two end comers of 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 pads.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlecarefullyso

as notto pinchor damagecontrolcables.

1. Raise handles untillower handle
sectionlocksintoplace in mowing

position.

2. Remove protectivepadding,raise
upperhandle sectionintoplace on

lowerhandleand tightenboth handle
knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding

operatorpresencecontrol bar to
upper handle.

Yourlawn mower handlecan be adjusted
foryourmowingcomfod.Referto"Adjust

Handle"in the Serviceand Adjustments
sectionofthis manual.

Operator presence

contro!bar

Upper handle

Liftup

Mowing

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHIS OWNER'SMANUALAND SAFETY RULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

LAWN MOWER. Comparethe illustrationswithyourlawnmowerto familiarize yourself
withthe locationofvariouscontrolsandadjustments.Save thismanualfor future

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 OtL DANGER. KEEP HANOS

OR WARNING ON OFF .i AND FEE3" AWAY

Throttle

Handle knob

Gasoline filler

I

presence controlbar

s controllever

cable

Housing

cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
without oil or gasoline in the engine.

•Wheel adjuster
(on eveP/wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotarywalk:behindpowerlawnmowersconformto the safetystandardsof the
AmedoanNationalStandardsInstituteand theU.S. ConsumerProductSafetyCommis-

sion. The bladeturnswhenthe engineis running.

Operator presence control bar - must
be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.

Starter handle- used for starting the

engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower.

Throttle control - Used for starting the
engine and allows you to select either
fast or slow engine speed.

6

The operationof any lawn

mowercan resultin
foreign objectsthrowninto

theeyes, whichcan result
in severe eye damage.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eye

shieldswhileoperatingyour lawn mower

or performinganyadjustmentsorrepaim,
We recommenda widevisionsafety

maskoverspectaclesor standardsafety
glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED
The enginespeed is controlledby a

throttlelocatedon the sideofthe upper
handle.Fast positionis for starting,

normalcutting,trimmingand petter grass
bagging.Slowpositionis for lightcutting,

trimmingand fuel economy.

Slow

ENGINEZONE CONTROL
A,CAUTION: Federalregulationsrequire

an enginecontrolto be installedonthis

lawnmowerin ordertominimizethe risk

of bladecontactinjury.Do notunderany
cimumstancesattemptto defeatthe
functionof theoperatorcontrol.The blade

turnswhenthe engine is running.

• Yourlawn moweris equippedwithan
operatorpresencecontrolbar which

requiresthe operatorto be positioned
behindthe lawn mowerhandleto start

and operatethe lawnmower.

TOADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raisewheelsfor lowout and lower

wheelsfor highcut, adjustcuttingheight
tosuityourrequirements.Medium

positionisbest for most lawns.

• To change cuttingheight, squeeze

adjusterlevertoward wheel.Move
wheelup or downtosuityourrequire-

ments.Be sureall wheelsare inthe
same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.

Also, 9-position edjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the

plate tabs.

PlateTab

LowerWheelsfor HighCUtr'j_=_L_

Raise Wheels for LOWCut

TO CONVEFITTO DISCHARGING

MOWER

Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove

mulcher plate.

• Mower can now be used for side

discharging or optional grass catcher
can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn

mower without discharge guard, ap-
proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in

place.

Dischargeguard

Mulcherplate

7

_)RIVECONTROL

, Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then

releasing the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the
operator presence control bar is

released. To stop forward motion
without stopping engine, release the
operator presence control bar slightly

until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing

without self-propening.

• To keep drive control engaged when
turning comers, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while

turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

Drive Drive

control control

Toengage Drive control
ddve control disengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick 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 I
operation or each season. You may

need to change the oil more often
under dusty, didy conditions.

ADD GASOUNE
NOTE: Beforefillingfueltank, remove

anddiscardthe debdsplugthat is inside

thetank.

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof
87 octane. Do notmix oilwith gaso-

line. Purchasefuel in quantitiesthat
canbe used within30 daysto assure

fuel freshness.

_WARNING: Experienceindicatesthat

alcoholblendedfuels (called gasoholor
usingethanolor methanol)can attract

moisturewhichleads to separationand
formation of acidsdudngstorage. Acidic

gascan damagethefuel systemof an
engine whilein storage. Toavoidengine
problems,thefuel systemshouldbe
emptiedbefore storageof30 days or
longer. Drainthe gas tank,start the

engine and letit rununtilthefuel lines
and carburetorareempty. Usefreshfuel

nextseason. See StorageInstructionsfor

additionalinformation.Never use engine
or carburetorcleaner productsinthe fuel

tankor permanentdamage mayoccur.

A CAUTION: Filltobottomofgastank
filler neck. Donotoverfill. Wipeoffany

spilledoilorfuel. Do notstore,spillor
usegasolinenear an open flame.

Gssolinefillercap

debris
inside)

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amognt of smoke may be
present dudng the initial use of the

product and should be considered

normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push pdmer
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. Move throttle control lever to fast
position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter

8 ¸

rope to snap back.

MOWING'rIPS • -. :..,.: , ::

• Under cerfain condition_, _such as very

tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving Clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to

reduce ground speed and/or run the
laWn mower over the area a second

time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

= For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed

• should be set inthe fast position.

• For side discharge lawn mowers,

cutting in a counter-clockwise direction,
starting at the outside of the area to be
cut, spreads grass clippings more

evenly and puts less load on the
engine. To keep clippings off of

walkways, flower beds, etc., make the
first cuts in a clockwise direction.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can

become filled with dirt and dust with

use and catchers will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regulady hose catcher

off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPOI_ANT:: 'For best:performance,

keep mower housing free of built*up
grass and trash. See =Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

• The special mulching'blade will recur

the grass clippings many:times 'and

reduce them in size So that as they fall

onto the lawn they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass will biodegrade quickly

to provide nutrients for the lawn.

Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the

best racutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The

best time to mow your lawn is the eady
afternoon. At this time the grass has

dded and the newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower

cuts off only the top one-third of the

grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it
will be necessary to raise the height of

cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and

leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your

width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass

conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely

hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or perpendicu-

lar tothe first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattem 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.

9

.,._..o,,','E,

.e E

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(if Equipped) IJ#

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-PropelledMowers) •

O CleanUnderDriveCover

Checkddvebelt/ lays

RE(Power- Propell_Mowers) I1_

Check/Sharpen/ReplaceBlade 11'3

LubdcaltonChart l/

Clean Battew/Rechar

ElectdcStart Mowe_ I1' 1_4

E Check Engine 011Level

N ChangeEngineOil _d_1.2

G Clean Air Filter l/2

I Inspect Muffler

a Clean or Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air niter PaPer Cartridge 1_2

I - Change more o_ten when operating unde_ a heavy load or inhigh ambient temperatures.

2 - Service more often when operating in dldy or dam"/con_i_,_ns.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing insandy soil.

4 - _ge 48 hoursat end of W,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does

notcover items that have bean 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
Adjustments 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

assures proper air-fuel mixture and

helps your engine run better and last
longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engineoil level.

2. Checkfor loosefasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

(I) Refer to maintenance "Engine" section.

(_ Slxay lubdoant
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.

lO

LUBRICATION CHART

_,,_heel Adjuster

Handlebracket

mountingpin

i

._1_) Engine oil