Craftsman 917379440 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379440

• 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 web stte:www.sea rs.c om/craflsma n

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 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, 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.

I.GENERAL OPERATION °

• Read, understand; and fo'T]'owall

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 o
starting,

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating pads. Keep clear of the

discharge opening at all times. •

• Only alrow responsibre 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. 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. OnFy 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.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes 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.

II1. 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 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 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

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

plug.

_,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.

AIWARNING: 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.

_, 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 were availablewhen this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutlets and service

centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair pads 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

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS Ale FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS 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 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 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 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.

control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing

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_tCAUTION: 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

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 ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

presence control bar

controllever

zone control cable

Grass catcher_, e knob

cap w/dipstick

Housing

Mulcher plug

Gasoline

Drive cover

IMPORTANT; This lawn mower is shipped
without oil or gasoline in the engine. (on every wheel)

adjuster

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 Commis-
sion. 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.

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.

Mulcher 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.

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.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a
throttle located on the side of the upper
handle. Fast position is for starting,

normal cutting, trimming and better grass
bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,

trimming and fuel economy•

,_ Slow

Fact •

II i'I

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.

• 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.

Wlate lad

Lower Wheels for High Cutt-_L_,__L_'A_

_,_ _ Le_ver

RaiseWheels for Low Cut

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.

_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 not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

,_rass

catcher

frame

Bag
handle

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self.prepelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pushing the drive
control Jeverforward 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

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. 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 itto 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

operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirty conditions.

"_ control

disengaged

ADD GASOLINE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove
end discard the debris 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

additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_, 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 _ _.Engine oilcap

filler cap_

(Discard

debrisplug

,nsido

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 allow starter

8 rope to snap back.

| U "_IU_ I=NUlN I"

• 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

oft 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.

MULL;MINI_ IVIUWINL_ I I1"_

IMPORTANT: 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 recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce

them in size so that asthey fall onto the

lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Ako, 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 eady aftemoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

• Forbest results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts

off only the top one-third of the grass
blades. Ifthe 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 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 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

..,.TEN..CESC"0OULE

P,LLNDATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _ I1_
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(IfEquipped) _ _ llf

CleanLawnMower _ _

M

CleanUnderDriveCover
(Power-PropelledMowers) !#*

o

Checkdrivebelt/pulleys

Power-Propelled Mowers) II_

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade ti_3

LubricationChart I_ ti_

Clean Battery/Rechare

I/ElectricStart Moweir_ I1_ 1_4

E ICheckEngineOilLevel _

N IChange Engine Oil Iv#1.2 __
G CleanAirFilter _ =

N_,Inspect Muffler

Cleanor Replace Spark Plug _*

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I1_=

1 - Cha_:je more often when operating L,_lde r a t_eavy load or in high ambient temperatures

2 - Service more often when operating _ dirty or _usty condit_ns
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing _n,_andy SOil

4-Ch.r_e= _,ou== e,_of..... LUBRICATION CHA RT

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,
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 engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

!

,, I

mounting pin

L_ 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

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

10

(_Wheel Adjuster

_ /,,,,,1_ Engine oil

_J

bracket_l!Rear door hinge