Craftsman 917379510 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.75 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379510

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with California and U.S. EPA emission regulations

for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleadedgasoline,

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

AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la reglamentacibn sobre emisiones de
California y de la Agencia de Protecoibn Ambiental estadounidense (EPA) para equipos

pequerios no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emisiones: mediflcacibn del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple
accibn (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of
_our engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To

nd the fe period specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter printed on your D.O.M. decah (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.

La calcomania D.O.M. incluye especiflcaciones sobre la duracibn del motor para el perlodo de

vida 5til de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este periodo se relaciona con la duraci6n en

conformidad con las emisiones seg_n Io certificado por EPNCARB. Para haltar la especificacibn
del periodo de vida de su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letrss viene impresa en su
calcomania D.OM.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.

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 .............................................. 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 ........................................ 37

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 couldresult in

seriousinjury or death. • Be sure the area isclear ofother
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 or feet 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., which

could be picked up and thrown by the

blade. 2

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 instructionsfor

proper operation and installafion 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 resultin

severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on a 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 trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

Ill. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidents 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 setting or overspeed the engine.
end under the watchful care of another 3

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

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and

birthdefects or other reproductiveharm.

A WARNING: Inorder to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark

plug.

A,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

_. 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.

its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-

ductive harm.

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 partsfor 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

\\ GRASS CATCHERS

\,

Q,,_ NEARDISCHARGE i'

FOR _ : _ ! '11I

LAWN MOWERS ....

MULCHER KITS

,/ GRASS CATCHERS

/ / FOR

SlOE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

Read these instructionsand this manual

in itsentirety 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 partssuch 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 corners of carton
and lay end panel down fiat.

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 carton thorougly for additional

loose parts.

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
foryour mowingcomfort. Refer to"AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

control bar

Upper

Lift u

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 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.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or ap-

proved clipping deflector or grass catcher
in place. Never attempt tooperate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed

or propped open.

Mulcher

5

KNOW YOUR 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, KEEPHANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Enginezone controlcable

Operator presence control bar

\

Ddve control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

cover

Engine oil

cap w/

dipstick

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shippedWITHOUT OLLOR GASOLINE in Wheeladjuster
the engine. (oneachwheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Searsrotarywalk-behindIx_ver lawn moanersconfenntothesafetystandardsof the Amedcan

Na_onalStandardsInstituteand the U.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommission.The 1:4ade
tumswhen the ermineisrunnin_l.
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
carburetorto the cylinderfor use when

starting a cold 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,

Starter handle - used for starting the

engine,

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 was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_I,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on 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 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

positionis best for most lawns.

To change cutting height, squeeze
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suityour 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 HighCut_t._.__IIP

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 ontothe grass catcher

frame.

_LCAUTION: 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.

Rear door

Grass

catcher
handle

Pivot

pins

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 clippingsfrom bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Bag handle

Grass

:archer

frame
handle

_ _L!ver

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

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

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

untilthe drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when
turningcorners, push down on handle

and liftfront wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.

Operatorpresencecontrol bar

, _ control

To engage Drive control

ddvs control disengaged

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 fill to the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do net over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tightenengine oil cap, then remove it to
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 gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel

freshness,

Drive

_i_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
nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_, CAUTION: Fill to bottomof 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.

Engineoil cap Gasolinefillercap

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. 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

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In coolerweather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause
floodingand engine will not start. If you

do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to start and do not

repeat primingsteps.

8

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

cuttingconditions, 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 clippingsis 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 the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut

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 biodegrade quickly

to provide nutrientsfor the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the

best recutting actionof 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 perpendicu-

lar to the first cut path.

• Change your cuttingpattern 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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES

Check fo_"Loose Fasteners _

Cleanllnspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipppe) b/ I_

Clean Lawn Mower It/ It/
Clean Under Ddve Cover

(Power-Propelled MoweR) t_
Check drive Pelt/ ulleys

(Power_Propell_lPi owers) I_
Check/Sperpen/Replace Blade t//3

Lubrication Chart fl/ ll/

Clean Batte_/Rechar e
IElectric Start Mowe_ ! t_ _4

Check Engine Oil Level f//
Chan_e En_line Oil 11//1,2

Clean Air Filter I_ 2

Inspect Muffler t/

Clean or Replace Spark Plug
_eplace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I_ 2

1 - Change more oftenwhenoperating under a hea W Io_ador inhigh ambient temperatures
2 _ Service moreoften when operatingin dirtyor dusbJconditions¸

3 - Replace blades more o_en when mowi_j insandy soil
4 - C_arge 48 hcumat e_d of season

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does

not cover items that have been subjected

LUBRICATION CHART

_) Wheeladjuster _ Engineoil

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

I_) Rear door hinge

I_) Refer to maintenance "Engine" section.

_) Spray lubricant

mounting pin

this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil bevel.

2, Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unitwell lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri-

cants will attract dust and dirtthat will
shorten the life of the self-lubricating

bearings, ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

10graphite type lubricant sparingly.