Craftsman 917379420 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRnFTSMnN"

6.5 HORSEPOWER

22" SIDE DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379420

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espahol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:
Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operatingthisequipment

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

Visit our Cmfl.sman website: www.ssars.com/cmftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 1(
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 1,"
Assembly 4 Storage 1_

Operation 5 Troubleshooting 1(
Maintenance Schedule 9 Repair Parts 3,=
Maintenance 9 Parts Ordering Back Cove

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 instructionsin

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 trom the date of pumhase.
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 inuse in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich
vary from state to state.

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

Safety standards require operator
presence controls to minimize the dsk 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 howto quicklystop
mower.

• Do not allow childrento 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 attachmentsthat

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 he thrown by the

blade and can cause severe injury.

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

your mower.

2

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

Wear only solidshoes with good traction

when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.

Do not fillgas tank indoors,when the
engine is runningor when the engine is

hot.Allow the engine to cool for several

minutes before fillingthe gas tank. Clean
off any spilled gasoline before starting
the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before startingyour mower. Never

attempt to do this whitethe engine is
running.

• Mow only in daylightor good artificial

light.

OPERATION:

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

other interestsdistractyou.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run white operating your mower. Always
be sure of yourfooting_ keep a firm

holdon the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands orfeet near or under

rotatingpads. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you

leave orare net using your mower, or
before crossing driveways,walks, roads,
and any grevel.-cevered areas.

• Never directdischarge of matedal
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 continueto run your mower if you
hita foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you

mower.

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

or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibrationis an

indicationof damage; stop the engine,
safelycheck for the cause of vibration

and repair as required.

• Do net run the _ indoors.Exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

* Never cut grass by pullingthe mower

towards you. Mow acrossthe face of
slopes, never up and down or you

• mightlose your footing.Do not mow

excessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven

terrain or when changing directionsm
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 belts, nutsend screws at

frequent intervalsfor proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working

condition.

• Keep all safety davices in place and

working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine

free of grass, leaves or excessive
grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often fordateriora-

tion and wear and replace wom bags.

Use only replacement begs that are
recommended by and comply with

specificationsof the manufacturer of
your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storingin

any enclosure.

• Never store mower withfuel 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!I! BECOMEALERT!t! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: 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.

AWARNING

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

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

3

7_ acQ_;sodss _m avaJa_ wi_Bn_s lawn mower wes produ_d. They am not
shlpped with your mower. They are also availableat mo6tSasrsretailoutists end sewice

centers. Most Sears storescan also orderrepairpartsfor you,when youprovidethemodel
numberofyourlawn mower. Some of _'tese eccsssofiesmay not applytoyourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR OISCHARGELAWNMOWERS MULCHER KITS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

FEAR OISCHARGF-

LAWN MOWERS

_/! GRASS CATCHERS

I

LAWN MOWERS

SiDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BFJ.TS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructions and this manual in
itsentirety before you attemptto 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 withthe exception 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 toolsas neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness. All parts

such as nuts, washers, belts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the pads bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with
mower.

AIR,FILTERS

• 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 cartcn thoroughly for additional
loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower 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.

4

S'rABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

s_mm,=on.

• Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper

handle.

Operatorpresencecontrol
bar

Upper handle

• Your lawn mower handle can be

adjusted for your mowing comfort.
Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service

Uft up

and Adjustment section of this manual.

Lower

r_ndle

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL.aND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswflhyourlawn mower to famil arize yourselfwiththe
Iocat_n o_variouscontrolsand adj--. Save this manualforfuturersference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Leam and understand their meaning.

CAUTIO_ EICQINE ENGINE FA,_T SLOW _ FUEL OIL DANQER, KEEPHAND8

ORWARNING ON OFF ANO FEETAWAY

Operator presence

Engine zone control cabF

Starter handle

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Mulcher door

control lever

Gasoline Biercap

_lrner

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Searsrotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator pmsance control bar - must be

helddswn to the hande tostartthe engine.
Release to stop the engine.
Pdmer. pte,nl__ fusl from b'_e
ca.,burstortothe cytindsrfor usewhen

Startar hendle - usedforstad_ngtheangine.

I)rlve control lever - usedto engage power-

propelledfonNardmotionof lawn mower.

Mulcher - allowsconvemionto dLschargeor

bag ngoperstbn.

staringaco dan ne.

5

_ he operationofany lawn mower

can resull_ lorsign,dojsctsthrown

_o the eyes, which can resultin

_were eye damege. Alweys wear safsty

glasses or eye shieldswhi_ operatingyour

lawnmoweror performingany adjustments
or repairs. We recommenda widevision

s_sty mask overspectacl_ or standard

s etyg sses.

_TO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: 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 rnoweris equippedwithan

operatorpresence controlbar which
requiresthe operatorto be posit)ned

behind_ lawn mower handleto startand

operatethelawnmower.

DRNE CONTROL

• Serf-propellingis controlledby holdingthe
operatorpresence controlbar down to the
handle and pushing_le drive controllever
forwarduntilitdicks; then releasethe lever.

• Forwardmotionwillstopwhen the operator

presencecontrolbar isreleased. To stop

forward motionwithoutstoppingengine,

releasethe operatorpresence controlbar

slicjd_ untilthe driveoontroldisengages.

Hold operatorpresence controlbar down

to handleto continuemowingwithouteelf-

propelling.

• To keep drive controlengagedwhen

turningcorners,push down on handlaand

liftfrontwheels off groundwhile turning
lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheetsforlowcut and lowerwheels

forhighcut.

• Adjustcuttingheightto suityour require-
ments. Medium_ isbestformost

lawns.

• TochangecutUngheight,squeeze

adjusterlevertowardwheel. Move wheel

upor downtosuityourrequirements.Be

sureall wheelsare inthe same setling.

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 Plate tab

high cut

Raise wheels for low
cut

NOTE: Your lawn mower has been
shipped ready for mulching operation. To

convert to discharging operation, you
must install the discharge deflector

attachment included with your mower.
TO INSTALL DISCHARGING

DEFLECTOR

• Lift door upward on it'shinge until the
deflector frame can be hooked over the

door mounting bracket as shown.

• Release the door to rest against
deflector frame.

• To return to mulching operation,
reverse the above steps and be sure
door is in closed position.

Deflector

Lever

Door

Operator presence control Drive

bar _ control

To engage ddve control

Drive control
disengaged

Bracket

ACAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in closed

position, discharge deflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.

6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Yourlawn mower is shippedwithout oilinthe
engine.

• Be sum moweris leveland area aroundoil
tiffisdeen.

• Remove engineoilcap and filltothe fuN
lineonthe dipstk:k.

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

• Engine holds 20 ozs.of oil. Fortypeand
gradeofoiltouse, see "ENGINE"

Maintenancesectionof thismanual.

• Pouroilslowly. Do notoverliU.

• Check oil levelbeforeesch use. Addoilif
needed. F# to_u4t_e on dipstk:k.

• To mad properlevel, tightenengine oil cap

each time.

* Reinstallengine oil cap and tighten.

• Change theoilalter every 25 hoursof

operat_ or sech seeson. You may nesd
tochange the_ more oftenunderdusty,

Arty

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline

will increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life). Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness.

aAiW.ARNING: Expe,dence in.dicatest.hat

conol blended fuem (calleo gasonoJ 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 Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine

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

f.A..CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gastank

iller neck. Do not overfill. Wipe on any

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

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five
(5) times before Wing 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 and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.

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

repeat pdming steps.

Engine oil, Gasoline filler

cap

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 ovedoading 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 ovedapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the 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 olt 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, 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

7

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING1 IPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See "Cleaning" in MAINTENANCE

section of this manual.

• The specialmulchingbladewillrecutthe

grass clippings many timesand

them insize sothatastheyfall ontothe
lawntheywill disperseintothe grassand

notbe noticed. Also,the mulchedgrass

willbiodegrade quicldyto providenutrients

forthe lawn. Always mulchwithyour
highestengine (blade) speed as thiswill

providethebest recuttingaction ofthe
blades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawn when itiswet. Wet
grasstendstoform ClLm_psandinterferes
v_h the_k_g action. The besttkneto

mowyour lawn isthe earlyafternoon. At

thistimethe grasshas dded andthe newty

cutarea wiUnotbe exposedtolhe direct
sun.

• For best results,adjustg_elawn_

cut6ngheightsolhst tbelawnrnowercuts
offonlythetopone-thirdof_e grass

blades, ffthe lawfl is ovorgrownit wil be
necessan/to rabe the heightofcutto

reducepushingeffortand to keepfrom

overloacr_gthe engine and leaving

clumpsof mulchedgrass.Forextremely
heavymulching,reduceyourwidthofcut

byove pingpreviouslycutpathand

mow slowly.

• Certaintypesofgrassand gr_ _

may requirethat an area be mulcheda

secor_t_netocompk_yt,_dethe

dippings. When doingasecondcutmow

acrossorperpandlculartothe first cutp_.

• Change yourcuttingpatternfrom week to

week. Mow northto southoneweek then
charge toeastto westthe nextweek. This

willhelpprevent mattingandgrainingof

the lawn.

8

.A, NANCESCHEOULE

AsYOUCOMPLrrE 1__O_'_.O_'__,_ _ _@__ ;_O_

.v,o

Checkto_Loo_ Fastenem _ I_

_an/IrmoectGrassCatcher
(IfE_Jipped) ,liS _

Mi CleanLawnMower

CheckdriveI_./pulleys

E (Power-Propetk_Mowers1

CheckiShaq_Replace Blade _a

Lulxicatton Chad ipe

Cteanaattmy
IE'ectrlcSta_MiI_ I/ 11/4

Check En_ne Oil Level I_ I

E

ChangeEngineOil I/1.2

N
G

Clean Air Rlter iif =

I

ReplaceAirFitterPaperCartridge _=

1•Ch_ge m0_eollenWhmloperldlr_utld_I heavyIolKIor inhill imbl#_ tm/tpemtun_

2 •SenSe mo_ oll_nwhenopm_ll Ind_lyo_d_y _W_ns.
3 - Repinebl_es r_r_ _en _ mow_ In randy_.

4 •Charge48hoursstendofm.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warrantyonthislawnmowerdoasnot

coveritems_at havebeensul:dectedto

operatorebuseorneg,ge_., TO receivetul

valuefromthewanw_, operatormust

maintain mower as instructed in this manual.

Someadj_ willneedtobe made

_ toprope_m_m_ you_ur_

Alladjustmentsinthe,_'vice andAdjust-

rnentSsectionofthismenuelshouldbe

ched(ed at least once eech season.

• Onceawar,rap_=_ ap_rkp_ cV_

or repla_ air filter alenlent and died(
blede for wear. A new spe_ plug and
dean/new air filter element assuras proper

air-fuelmixtureandhelpsyourerminerun

•betterand_st_ger.

• Follow the rnaintenance schedule in this

manual

BEFORE EACH USE

• Checkengineoilleval.

• Cl'mck for loose fastanem,
LUBRICATION

Keep unitwell lubd_ated (See "LUBRICATION
CHART').

_)Wheel

adjuster

_Englne

oil

_SprayUxk_nte

@Refer to MNNTINANCE "ENGINE'

SECTION.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel beadngs. Viscous lubdoants will

attract dust and dirt that will shorten the
life of the self lubricatingbeadngs. If you

|eelthey must be lubricated, use only a

dry, powdered graphite type lubricant
spadngly.

LUBRICATION CHART

_)Mulcher

door

_)Brake

spdng
bracket

bracket

mountlng pin

9