Craftsman 917379582 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTSMAN"

6.75 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379582

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

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

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

Warranty
Safety Rules
Assembly
Operation

Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance

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 wom 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

Product Specifications 11
Service and Adjustments 14

4 Storage 16
6 Troubleshooting 17

10 Repair Parts 37
10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

Safety standards require operator

presence controlsto minimize the
riskof injury.Your unitis equipped

withsuch 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 controlsand

know how to operate your mower
properly.Leam how to quicklystop

mower.

• Do not allow childrento useyour mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without

proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

parsons,especially small children and
pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer

intendedand as describedin 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 tums 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 trection

when mowing.

2

• Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the

engine is running or when the engine is
hot. Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean
off any spilled gasoline before starting

the engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Never

attempt to do this while the engine is

running.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your
mower and the area being cut. Do not let
other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating pads. 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 govemor 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 belts, 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:kLook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTII! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: Always d sconnect 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.

AWARNING

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

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

3

These accessories were availabla when _ lawn mower was produced.They am not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retailoutletsand senlice
cerdem. Most Sears stores can aisoorder repair paris for you, when you provide the model
number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may notapply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MULCHERKITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

FOR

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructionsand this manual in its

entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT:. This lawn mower is sh'_:)ed

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE in the engine.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled

atthefactorywiththeexceplk)nofthoseparts

left unaseambled for sh'q_pingpurposes. All

partssuchasnuts,washem,bolts,etc.,

necessarytocomp_etheassenV_have

beenplacedinthepartsbag.Toensuresafe

and proper operation of your lawn mower, al
pads and hardware you aseald01e must be

Ik_tenedseourely.Use the correct tools as

necessarytoensurepropartightness.

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

TOREMOVELAWNMOWERFROM
CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end cornem of carlonand

_ endpan_downnat

• Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle

andpa,:UnghoUngoparatorpresence

control bar to uppar hande.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for adddional Iooea pads.

4

HOWTOSETUPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefullyso as

nottopinchordemagecontrolcebl_.

• Raise handles unff lower handle section

locks into place in mowing posi_.

• Removeprotec_vepad_ng,ra_eupper

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

• Remove handle peddngholing operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

foryour mowing comfo_ Refer to "Ad'just

Handle"_ theServiceandAdjustment

section of this manual.

Operator presence

bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing
position

TO INST ALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn rnower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.

Store mulcl_r I_ug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional

_pping deflector.

• To return to mulching ope_, install

mulcherplug intodischargeopeningof

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated

prope_y.

Mulcher plug-

ACAUTION: 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.

Lower handle

5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWN

MOWER. Comparethe illustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe

_ ofvadouscontrolsend _. Save _is menualforfuturereference.

_ _tmbolsmayappeeronyourIronmo_r orinligaturesupldled_ehtheixodudLI.._m_ _
t_mmmn_

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE

(_R WARNING ON (pFF

Enginezone controlcable

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug cap w/

FAST SLOW CHOKE

FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Drivecontrollever

Handle knob

Engine oil

Housing

Gasoline cap

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Wheel adjuster
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. (on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

I

Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform tothe safety standards of the American
National Standards Instituteand 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 startthe engine.
Releasetostopthe engine.

Primer- pumps additionalfuel from the

Drivecontrol lever- usedtoengagepower-
propelledforwardmotionof lawnmower.
Mulcher plug- mustbe removedtoconvertto
baggingordischargingoperation,

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting

a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

6

mower can result in foreign

The operation of any lawn

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
ACAUTION: 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

tums 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 whsels for lowcut and lower wheals
for high cut.

• Adjust cuttingheight to suityour require-
ments. Medium pos_ isbest for most

lawns.

• To change cuttingheight,squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or

down to suityour requirements. Be sure all
wheeis are in the sarne sstting.

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.

TO A'n'ACH GRASS CATCHER

• Closs the ift top lid. Lifttop lid must be

dosed while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear door on b_e mower housing

and place the grass catcher frame ontothe
formed tabs on ff_erser door hinge

bracket.

• The grass _r issecured to the lawn

mower housingwhen 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.

Hinge

Reardoor

Grass catcher
frame

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove gress catcher, raleass operator
presence control bar to stop engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcherbythehandle,

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

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

Plate Tab

7

DRIVE CONTROL

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

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 ddvs control engaged when
turning comers, push down on handle

and liftfront wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar Drive

control

To engage drive
control

Drive control
disengaged

ADDGASOUNE

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

Purchase fuel in quantitiesthat can be

used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicatesthat

alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasohoior

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 linesand carburetor are empty. Use

fresh fuel next season. See Storage

Ins_K_Jonefor additionelinformation. Never
use engine or cafouretor cleaner products in

the_._ tankorpermanantdemagemay

occur.

ACAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

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

Gasoline filler cap Engine oil cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OL

Your lawn mower isshipped without oilin the

engine.

• Be sure mower is levoi and area around oil

fillis claan.

• Remove engine oilcap and fillto the full

tineonthedipet_

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.

• Engine holds 27 ozs. of oil. Fortype and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in

Maintenance _ of _ manual.

• Pour oil aiowh/. Do not over filL

• Check oillevai bofore each use. Addoilif
needed. RII to full line on dipelJck.

• To read proper levoi, tkjhten engine oil cap
each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and ligt_an.

• Change the oil after evely 25 hoursof

oper-a_:)nor each season. You may need

' tochangetheoilmoreoftenunderdusty,

concaJons.

TO START ENGINE

• To sterta coldengine,pushpdmerthree
(3) Umesbeforetryingtostart. Useafirm
push. Thb step isnotusuaJyneseseery
whanstaring an angine whichhas
alreadyrunfora few minutes.

• Holdoperatorpresencecontrd bardown

to the handleand pullstarterhand,e

quickly.Do notallow sterterropetosnap
back

• To stop en_ne, releaseeperstor preesnco
controlber.

NOTE: In coolerweather itmay be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. In

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

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

cuffing 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: Forbest performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See =Cleaning" in Maintenance section

of this manual.

• The special mulchingblade will recutthe

grassclippingsmanyt_s andreduce

them in size so that ss they fall onto the

lawn they willdisperse intothe grass and

notbenoticed.Also,the_ grassWIU

biodegrade quicklyto providenutrientsfor

the lawn. Always mulch withyour highest

engine (blade) speed as thiswigprovidethe
best recuttingaction of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when itis wet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching aclJon. The besttime to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At
this time the grsss has dried and the newly
cut area will not be e_0osed tothe direct

SUn.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheightso that the lawn mower cuts
offordythe top one-third of the gress _des.
tfthe lawn isovergrown it will be necessary
to raise the heightof cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from ovedcading the
engine and leavingclumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your widthof cut by overlapping

prev_h/cutpathandmowsk_y.

• Certain types of grass and grass condilions

may require that an area be mulched a

sscondUmetocomp_elyhidethe

clippings.Whendoingasscondcut,rnow

acrossor_ totheI_rstcutpath.

• Changeyouro_Ungpatternfromweskto

week. Mow northto scuth one wesk then
change to east to west the nextweek. This

willhelp prevent matlJngand grainingof the
lawn.

/3

9

.A,NTENANC SC,EOUL

REOU ,RSSRV,CEf , p'SERV'OE O'TES

Checkfor LooseFasteners _ ll/
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher

i(If Equipped) II/'

CleanLawnMowar _

M Clean UnderDriveCover

(Power-PropelledMowers) q/

_ Check ddve I_lt/pulle_

R i Check/Sharpen/ReplaceBlade S

l(P°wer'Pr°pelledMowers)

Lubrication Chart I_

clean Battery/Recharge

IElactric Start Mowers I I/ li/4

E Check En_lice Oil Level ql/

Change Engine Oil

G CleanAirRltar _';

I Inspect Muffler I_

N Cleanor ReplaceSparkPlug

ReplaceAir FilterPaper Carlddge I/'2

1- Change more ofteewhen operatingunder a heavyload orIn high ambient temperatures.

2 -Service morn o_tenwhanogeratl_gIn dlrlyor duslycondillorts.
3 - Replacebladesmoreoften when rnowlnginsandy soil.

4 -Charge 48 houreat endof season.

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").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheel adjuster

\

Rear door hinge

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

(_) Spray lubricant
(_) Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" section.

IMPORTANT: Do notoil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. VLscouslubricantswillattract

dustand dirtthat will shortenthe lifeofthe self
lubricatingbearings. If youfeel they must be

lubricated,use onlya dry,powdered graphite

typelubricantspa_n_y.

10