Craftsman 917379430 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
JCRAFTSMAWI
6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.379430
• 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 60
VisitourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. S
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 oommemial 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 c_eaners 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, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 14
Storage ............................................... 16
Troubleshooting ................................. 17
Repair Parts ........................................ 36
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
hGENERAL OPERATION -" _.... !"
• Read, understand, and folJo_ all.
instructions on the m.scl_r).e _'n"d[n_-_he
ou.ghly_i.l_q_ 3,vJth tbe-coat rols and the
proper use of the machine before .... .
.stastmg ....................
• Do not put hands_r_e1'rlear or ur_der " '
rotatif_j part_.'K'eep clear bfth-e'-
discharge opening at all time_." "'" •
• _nl_O'W-Tes_50"fi_ible-i_divi_gals, .who,
are familiar with th_,(rLstr_ctJ.ons,to
"_'p'_ra-ate-"_'e-machine. ,: o,., •:
• C.Lle,&LEL_aKea.oLob_ts41uch as 'roCks, •
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. 2
Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
Do not operate the mower when
barefoot 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
approved 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 mecha-
nism 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.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when
operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. At1slopes require extra
caution. 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.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
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 the plug to prevent acciden-
tal 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 debds 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 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 sen/icing them.
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
3
_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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
prug.
A 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.
These accessories wereavailable when this lawn mower was preduced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableat mostBears retailoutletsand service
centers. Most Sears storescan also order repairpartsfor you, whenyou provide the model
number ofyour lawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay not applyto your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
_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 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.
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STAB/LIZER
%o ccso o
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE elL
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
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 parts 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 fawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as necessanj 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 cadon thorougly for additional
loose pads,
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables,
1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing
position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper 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 "Adjust
Handle" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper
Lift up
Mewing
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
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 return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening
of mower.
w_ItCAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
hout 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.
Mulcher plug
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGJNE FA_T SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP _ANO$
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
control bar
Throttle control
Starter
Grass catcher,
lever
I cable
w/dipstick
Mulcher plug
Prime
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Wheel adjuster
without oil or gasoline in the engine. (on every 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 Safely Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar - must
be held down to the handle to stad 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,
Muleher plug - must be removed to
convert to bagging or discharging
operation,
Throttle control - Used for starting the
engine and allows you to select either
fast or slow engine speed.
Theoperation 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.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed is controlled by a
throttle located on the side of the upper
handle. Fast position isfor starting,
normal cutting, trimming and better grass
bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,
trimming and fuel economy.
"€_ Slow
Fas, :i
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_I_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running,
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
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
adjuster lever toward wheel, Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-
ments, Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
PlateTab
LowerWheelsfor HighCutr_'L__L_-_A_
Lever
RaiseWheels for LowCut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
1, Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame
side hooks onto the door pivot pins,
2, The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher
frame.
_I,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,
Pivotpins Rear door
Grass
catcher
handle
Catcher \
frame hook
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do notdrag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
(
irass
catcher
frame
handle
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-prepelling 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-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
I
_ Drive _ Drive
To engage
drive control Drive control
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 oilto use, see
=ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.
1. Re sure lawnmower is level and area
2. Remove engine oilcap and fill to the
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
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
\'control _,_control
disengaged
around oil fill is clean.
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove
and discard the debds plug that is inside
the tank.
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-
line, 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
additionaJ information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
_1, CAUTION: 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.
Gasoline . •
filler cap._mi_L _lEnglne oilcap
(Discard II_i_L_
debrisplug
+del IrJ
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
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before trying to start.
Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an
engine which has already run for a
few minutes.
2. Move throttle control lever to fast
position.
3. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not arlow starter
rope to snap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdming 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.
MOWINGTIPS
• 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
ovedap 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: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manual,
• The special mulchingblade willreout 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
biodegrede qulcPJyto provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide
the best recuttingactionofthe blades.
• Avoidcuttingyour lawnwhen itis wet. Wet
grasstends to form clumpsand interferes
withthe mulchingaction.The best time to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon.At
thistimethe grass has dried and the newly
cutarea will not be exposed tothe direct
sun.
• For best results,adjustthe lawn mower
cuttingheightsothat the lawnmower cuts
offonlythe top one-thirdof the grass
blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrownit willbe
necessaryto raisethe heightofcut to
reduce pushingeffortand to keep from
overloadingthe engine and teaving
clumpsof mulchedgrass. For extremely
heavy mulching,reduce your width ofcut
by overlappingpreviouslycut path and
mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass condi-
tions 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 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.
Max, 1/3
s¥oocoMP o
Check for Loose Fasteners _' I__
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) _ Id#
M Clean Lawn Mower y_
O Clean Under Ddve Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)
Check ddve belt/ ulleys
RE (powe r-propeu le_IPMowers) IV#
Check/Shar pen/Replace Blade _
Lubrication Chart I/
Clean Battery/Rechar
IElectdc Stad Mowe_ e I/
E Check Engine Oil Level I_
N Change Engine Oil fl/1.=
G Clean Air Filter ii/ =
I inspect Muffler ¥_
N Clean orReplace Spark Plug ¥1
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge IV#2
I . change n'_0_e Of_ When op_rat L,_ iJr_er a heavy Ioa_d or In h_Jh arP_bient temperalures.
2 Service more often when ope_tlng ifldidy or dusty _onddic_s
3 Replac_ b_adesmo_e olten when mowing In sandy SOil
4 - Charge 48 t_urs at end of season,
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tawn 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,
cleaR 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 _ast
longer.
• FalSaw the maintenance schedule in
this manual
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").
(_ Refer to maintenance "Engine" section,
(_ Spray lubricant
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
10graphite type lubricant sparingly.
mounting pin
v'
v',
LUBRICATION CHART
_Wheel Adjustor
__)|
bracket
Rear door hinge
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