Craftsman 917379400 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTSMAN°

5.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWEF

Model No.

917.379400

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

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

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

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

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

Assembly .............................................. 4

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

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

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

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

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

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest

Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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

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

Storage ................................................. 16

Troubleshooting ................................... 17

Repair Parts .......................................... 37

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

Safety standards require operator

presence controls to minimize the

risk of injury. Your unit is equipped
with such controls. Do not attempt to
defeat the function of the operator

presence controls under any
circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this
manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is
running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the
blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using

your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.

2

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the

engine is running or when the engine is

hot. Allow the engine to cool for several

minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean

off any spilled gasoline before starting

the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never
attempt to do this while the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your
mower and the area being cut. Do not let

other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always

be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or

before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel-covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating

it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the

spark plug wire and keep it away from

the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure

outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you

mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage

or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you
might lose your footing. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions --
maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine
mounting bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working
condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and
working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive

grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tion and wear and replace worn bags.

Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of
your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition

source such as a hot water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

_,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

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

_qLCAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
_WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.

3

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service
centers. Most 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 DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SiDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand 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 assembled
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 assembly have
been placed inthe parts bag. To ensure safe
and proper operation of your lawn mower, all

TO REMOVELAWNMOWERFROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose

pans.

parts and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness.

GAS CANS

4

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as
not to pinch or damage controlcables.

• Raise handles untillower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower handle

and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment
section of this manual.

Operator presence control

bar

Upper handle _

Lift up

Lower handle

TO INSTALL A'II"ACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower.

up

Mowing
position

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

• Disconnect engine battery connector

(male) from battery connector (female)

• Connect battery charger connector
(male) to battery connector (female).

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24
hours before starting your engine for

the first time.

• After charging, connect engine connec-
tor (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery
charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a discharged battery.

At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.

_I,CAUTION: Always disconnect the

engine connector (male) from the battery
connector (female) to prevent accidental
starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Engine Battery

connector charger

(Male)

Baler
charger

/ /

Battery connector

connector
(Male)

(Female)

Mulcher plug

_I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without mulcher plug in place or

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

door removed or propped open.

5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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 appearon your lawnmoweror in literaturesuppliedwith the product.Learn and

understandthere meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Key Start Switch

Engine zone control cable

Auxiliary starter
handle

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)

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 Commission. The blade

tums 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.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.

Auxiliary starter handle - used forstarting

the engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-
propelled forward motion of lawn mower.
Mulcher plug - must be removed to convertto
bagging or discharging operation.

Key start switch- used to start the engine.

6

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign

objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
while operating your lawn mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs.

We recommend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

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

hooks onto the handle bracket hooks.

• The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

_,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without clipping deflector or

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

the rear door removed or propped open.

for optimum performance. Speed is not Handle

adjustable, bracket
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_¢_,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. Catcher

• Your lawn mower isequipped with an frame side
operator presence control bar which hook
requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame
handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
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

Bag
handle

when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.

Plate Tab

rass catcher

frame handle

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Lever

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

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

control lever forward until it clicks; then

release 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 to
handle to continue 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.

Operator presence control bar

\ _ control

To engage
drive control disengaged

O.ve

Drive control

ADDGASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. 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
freshness.

&WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

ACAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

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

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area aroundoil
fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not overfill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.

TO START ENGINE

• 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.

• Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle.

• Turn electric start key clockwise to
crank engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more

not crank engine more than five

continous seconds between eack time
you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds

between each attempt.

• To start engine using the auxiliary
starter handle, follow the steps above.

Exchange the use of the start key for
starter handle. Pull starter handle

quickly. Do not allow starter rope to
snap back.

8

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.
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
clippings. It may also be necessary to •

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

time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most •
cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed

(pushing speed) and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise direction with a small •
overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers will collect less grass. To •
prevent this, 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: Forbest performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section

of this manual.

The special mulching blade will recut the

grass clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that as they fal! onto the

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

will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients
for the lawn. Always mulch with your
highest engine (blade) speed as this will
provide the best recutting action of the

blades.

Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet

grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn 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 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 perpendicular to the 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.

Max 1/3

9

F'LL 'N DATES ./'__d ,?._2__"

ASYOUCOMPLETE /___'_/_0_'_ .....

REGULARSERVICE /_'4"_,_._/ SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners ¥/ ll/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(if Equipped)

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-PropeUed Mowers)

Clean Under Drive Cover
Check drive belt/pulleys

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

Lubrication Chart

Clean Battery/Recharge
(Electric Start Mowers)

E Check Engine Oil Level
N Change Engine Oil

G Clean Air Filter

I Inspect Muffler

v'

v'

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 * Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at 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
Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
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

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

(_) Wheel adjuster Engine oil

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

(_ Spray lubricant
(_) Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" section.

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

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.

i/

,/3

v' v'
v' V',

I/I,2

V'=

LU BRICATION CHART

spring
bracket

Rear door hinge

10