Craftsman 917379540 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN+

6.5HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379540

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espahol

• 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 website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 16
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 17

Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 37
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

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 workmanship.

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 crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

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

Safety standards require operator
presence controls to minimize the

risk of injury. Your unit is equipped
with such controls. Do not attempt to
defeat the function of the operator

presence controls under any

circumstances.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this

manual.

Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.
Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-

turer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.

The blade turns when the engine is
running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,

wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the

blade and can cause severe injury.

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

your mower.

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

Wear only solid shoes with good traction

2

when mowing.

• Checkfueltankbeforestartingengine.
Donotfill gastankindoors,whenthe

engineisrunningorwhentheengineis
hot.Allowtheengineto coolforseveral

minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
off anyspilledgasolinebeforestarting

theengine.

• Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never

attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running.

• Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificial
light.

OPERATION:

• Keepyoureyesandmindonyour

mowerandtheareabeingcut. Donotlet
otherinterestsdistractyou.

• Donotmowwetorslipperygrass.Never
runwhileoperatingyourmower.Always

besureof yourfooting-- keepafirm

holdon the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone

near the mower while you are operating
it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make

absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from
the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure

outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you

mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage
or personal injury may result.

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

indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of

slopes, never up and down or you
might lose your footing. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Use caution
when operating the mower on uneven
terrain or when changing directions --

maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine
mounting bolts often to be sure they are

tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working
condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and
working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive

grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-

tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacement bags that are

recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of
your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may

reach an open flame or an ignition

source such as a hot water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

_l_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_:_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

-_WARNING

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

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

3

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 parts 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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

%

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KWS

/ FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

I GRASSCATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

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 assembled
at the factory with the exception of those parts

left unassembled for shipping purposes. All
parts such as nuts, washers, belts, etc.,
necessary to complete 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.

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

, i

ENGINE OIL

TO REMOVE LAWNMOWER FROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle

and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose

parts.

4

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower handle
and tighten beth handle knobs.

• 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 Adjustment
section of this manual.

Operator presence control

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 retum to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated
properly.

barupper handler__

Lift up ///_

Lower handle

Lift up >

position

Mulcher plug

_]iCAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without 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.

5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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.

"l_asesymbolsmsyappearonyourlawnmowerofinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.Leamandunderstand
theremeaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

\

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Engine oil

cap w/

dipstick

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Housing

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

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 Commission. 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.
Palmer - 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.

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

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 was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I,CAUTION: Federal regulations re.quire
an engine control to De installeo on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any
cimumstances 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 cUTrlNG HEIGHT

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suityour require-
ments. Medium positionis best for most

lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. 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.

Plate Tab

TO AI"rACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame

hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher

frame.

ACAUTION: 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.

Grass
catcher

handle

Pivot _ t
pins Catcher

frame hoot<

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame

handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings

from under lawn mower handle.

• Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

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

Bag handle

Grass

;her

frame
handle

Lower Wheels for High Cut._ ._

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

release 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 to
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 controlbar

"_ control

To engage drive Drive control
control disengaged

Drive

ADD GASOUNE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

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

freshness.

AWARNING: ..Expe.rienoeindicates 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 untilthe
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use

fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Instructionsfor add_ information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

the fuel tank or permanent damage may

occur.

,A,,CAUTION: Fill to bo_om of gas.tank
tiller neck. Do not ovenill. Wipe OTrany

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

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full
line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see =ENGINE" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need

to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty conditions.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
times before tl_ng to start. Use a firm

push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pull starter handle

quickJy. Do not allow starter rope to snap
back.

• To step 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.

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
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 (push-

ing 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 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 thismanual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fell onto the

lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, 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 rscuttingaction 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 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.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown itwillbe necessary
to raise the height ofcut to reduce pushing
effort and 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 conditions
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.

9

FILL IN DATES j__ _o"_,._,__ _ q_ _x.-', _.

Check for Loose Fasteners ll/ ql/
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher

, (if Equipped) I_ _ tf

a Clean Lawn Mower

O Clean Under Drive Cover
W i _Power-Propel_edMowers)

E Check drivebelt/pulleys t_

R (Power-PropelledMowers)

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade If s

LubricationChart ip/

Clean Battery/Rechar_le

IElectric Start MowersI I_ 1#/4

E Check EngineOil Level

N Change Engine Oil I_t,2

G Clean Air Filter I_ 2

I InspectMuffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge 1_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load orin highambient temperatures.

2 - Service more often when ¢flerahng in dirty or d_ty conditions.

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil
4 - Change 48 hours atend ofseason.

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,
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

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

(_ Wheel adjuster

Handle bracket mounting pin

(_) Spraylubricant

_) Referto Maintenance "ENGINE" sectJcn.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel beertngs. Vtscous lubl_,ants will attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.

LUBRICATION CHART

_-__ Rear door hinge

10