Craftsman 917379500 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAN+I

6.75 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379500

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with Califomia and U.S. EPA emission regulatines
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment). are certified to operate on regular unleadedgasoline,

and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).

AVISO: Los motores hcmologados pera cumplir con la reglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de

California y de la Agencia de Protecci6n Ambiental estadounidenee (EPA) para equipos

pequefios no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e induyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emisienes: mediflcack'xl del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple
accibn (TWC) (en caso de tener_).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life peded of

_our engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To

nd the life peded specillcation foryour engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter pdnted on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.

La calcomanla D.O.M. incluye especificaciones sobre la duracibn del motor para el periodo de
vide Otilde su mok_rrelaccionade con emisiones. Este periode se relaciona con la duraolde en

conformidad con las emisiones segun Io certiflcado por EPNCARB. Para hallar la especfficacibn

del periode de vida de su motor,mire cu_l de las alguientes letras viene impresa en su

calcomanla D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules andInstructions

before operatingthisequipment

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

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

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications.......................... 11

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments ................. 14-15

Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 15-16

Operation ............................................. 6*9 Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts..................................... 35-43

Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Parts Ordedng ........................ Back Cover

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

lubdcated, and tuned up accordingto the operating and maintenance instructionsin
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in matedal or workman-

ship.

If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
appliesfor only 90 days from the date of purchase.

ThisWarranty 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 thefailure to maintain the equipment accordingto the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.

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

Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warrantyapplies only

while this product is in use inthe United States.

ThisWarranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
varyfrom state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failureto observe the followingsafety instructionscould result in

sedous injury or death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION •

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructionson the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controlsand
the proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands orfeet 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.,
whichcould be picked up and thrown
by the blade. 2

Be sure the area Isclear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.
Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or weadng 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 protectivedevices in place.

See manufacturer's instructionsfor
proper operation and installationof

accessodes. Only use accassodes
approved by the manufacturer.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggravel
ddves,walks,orroads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe chute.

• Shut theengine (motor) off and wait
untilthe 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 serf-propelled mecha-

nismor drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start tovibrate
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 withside 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 e slope, do
notmow 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, ditchesor
embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not tdm 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 childrenout ofthe trimmingarea
and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be aled and turn machine off if children
enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
lock behind and down for small
children.

• Never allow children to operate the
machine.

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

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 orfuel

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

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Never make adjuslments 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
stodng.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

stdke 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 detederation,

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 servicingthem.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

A,Look for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means

CAUTIONltl BECOMEALERTtl! 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

plug.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminalsand

_IWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals

known tothe State of Califomia to cause
cancer and birthdefects or other

reproductive harm.
_11CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot dudng
operation and remain hot after engine has
stopped, To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California tocause cancer and
birthdefects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

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

servicecenters. Most Sears stores can also order repair partsfor you, when you
providethe model number ofyour lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not

apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCEER KITS STABILIZER

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

Reedtheseinstructionsandthismanual
initsentiretybeforeyouattemptto

assembleoroperateyournewlawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine.
Your now lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory withthe exception
of those partslef_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 yourlawn 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 reatedals 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 thorouglyfor additional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinchor damage controlcables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locksinto 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 "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustmentssection of this manual.

Operator

conb'ol bar

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher.To convertto

bagging or discharging:

Open rear door end remove mulcher
plug. Store rnulcherplug in a safe
place.

• You can now installcatcher or
optional clipping deflector.

• To return to mulchingoperation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening

of mower.

_.thCAUTION: Do not run your lawnmower

out mulcher plug in place or ap-

proved clipping deflector or grass catcher
in place. Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed

or prepped open.

Mulcher plu

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

reference.

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 WARN_G ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone
control cable

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Grass Gasoline cap

Engine oilcap w/d

Muncher plug

Handle knob

Housing

Drive cover

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Wheeladjuster
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (on eachwheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Amedcan National Standards Instituteand the U,S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion, The blade turns when the engine is running,
Operator presence control bar - must Drive control lever - used to engage

be held down to the handle to start the power-propelledforward motion of lawn
engine, Release to stop the engine, mower,

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the Mulcher plug - Locatedat the rear

carburetor to the cylinder for use when discharge opening must be removed
starting a cold engine, when converting to bagging operation.

Starter handle - used for starting engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn
mowerconresultinforeign

objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage.

Always wear safety glassesor eye
shields while operating your lawn mower

or performing any adjustments_ repairs.
We recommend a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimumperformance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine controlto be installedon this

lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk
of blade contact injury. Do not under any

circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operatorcontrol. 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.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the ddve

controllever forward until itclicks; then
releasing the lever.

• Forward motion will stop when the

operator presance control bar is
released. To stop forward motion
withoutstopping engine, release the
operator presence control bar slightly
until the ddve control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.

• To keep ddve control engaged when

turningcorners, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off groundwhile
turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

Drive

control

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 cuttingheight, squeeze
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suityour require-
ments. Be sure all wheels are in the

same seffing.

NOTE: Adjuster is prepedy positioned
when plate tab insertsinto hole in lever.

Also, 9-pesition adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positionedbetween the

plate tabs.
LowerWheetsforHighCut PlateTab

Raise Wheels for Low Cut Leve

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. L_ the rear doorof the lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame
side hooks onto the deer pivot pins.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear
deer 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.

Pivot pins

Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame side hook

To engage Odvecontrol
drive control disengaged 7

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
I, Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippingsfrom bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

/

fTame

handle

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 fillto the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate 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.

ADD GASOLINE

• 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.

J_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasehol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisturewhich leads to separation and
formation of acids dudngstorage. 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 daysor

longer. Drainthe gas tank, start the
engine and letit run untilthe fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use freshfuel
next season. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner productsin the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank
fillerneck. Do notoverfill. Wipe offany
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor

use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the
engine, a small amount 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 Wing tostart,
Use a firm push, This step is not
usually necessary when starting an
engine which has already run for a
few minutes.

2. Hold operator presence control bar

down toMe handle and pullstarter
handle quickly, Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.

8

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.

NOTE: In coolerweather it may be
necessary to repeat pdmingsteps. In
wanner weather over pdming may cause

floodingand engine will not start. If you

do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to startand donot
repeat primingsteps.

MOWINGTIPS

• Under certain conditions,such as very

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

effortand to keep from ovedoading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to

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

time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping weviously
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
cutgrass 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 clippingsisleft on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small

overlap to collectthe 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 bose catcher
off with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top ofengine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippingsand chaff,

This will help engine air flow and
extend engine llfe.

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housingfree of built-up
grass and trash. See =CLEANING" in the
Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippingsmany times and
reduce them in size sothat as they fall
onto thelawn they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biedegrade quickly
to provide nutrientsfor the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades,

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumpsand
interferes with the mulching action.

The best time to mow yourlawn is the
eady afternoon. At thistime the grass

has dded and the newly cut area will
notbe exposed to the directsun,

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

cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown

itwill be necessary to raise the height
ofcut to reduce pushingeffortand to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving dumps 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
conditionsmay require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or perpendicu-

lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week

toweek. 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.

Max1/3