Craftsman 917379590 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFTXHRN°

6.75 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE _'

POWER PROPELLEI_
ROTARY LAWN MO_/_i_

Model No.

917.379590

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Vis_,_o_ Great,mart websi_:e:www sears,com/craltsman

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.

o 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.

• 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 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.

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

CAUTION!H BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFE]Y IS INVOLVED.

_CAUTION,: Always disconnect spark
plug wire an(] 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 acceasories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

sidpped 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 accessonas may not apply to your lawn mower,

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

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 now lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOUNE inthe 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.

MULCHER KITS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

FOR

STABIUZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

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 fiat.

• 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 both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding operator

presence central bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjuslment
section of this manual.

Operator presence
bar

Upper handle _

Uft up

Mowing
position

TO INSTALL A'I-rACHMENTS

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 ina safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into dischan:je opening of

mower. Be sure all tabs are seated
properly.

Mulcher plug

_CAUTION: 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

KNOWYOUR 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 adju§tments. Save,,this manual for future reference.

Thesesymbolsram/_0pe_ronyourI_vn mow_ orinliteraturesuppliedwiththepmducLLeam_:1 _

there_ing.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

II

Engine zone COntrolcable

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Grass

Engine oil

Mulcher plug cap w/

dipstick

Housing

cover

Gasoline cap

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheet)

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.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

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.

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

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
_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 cuTrlNG HEIGHT

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

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is 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 ATrACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the lifttop lid. Lifttop lidmust be
dosed while operating lawn mower.

• Lift the rear deer on the mower housing

and place the grass catcher frame onto the

formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket,

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

run

CAUTION: Do not 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

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.

• Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

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

your

Rear door

Grass catcher

frame

Lower Wheels for High Cutr ._._. _

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

,ever

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 control bar

%,\ ./_ _XX . \ control

,,,, Drive

GAS

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

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

freshness.

WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohot 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. Sea Storage

InstTuctions for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

the fuel tank or permanent damage may

occur.

Gasoline filler cap Engine oil cap

To engage drive Drive control
control disengaged

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 dean.

• Remove engine oil cap and fillto the full

line on the dipstick.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine

for accurate dipstick reading

• Engine holds 27 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. Fill to full line on dipstick.

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primor 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 afew minutes.

• 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, 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 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

biedegrade quickly to provide nutrients for

the lawn. Always mulch with your highest

engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recuttJng action of the blades.

Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet

grass tends to form dumps 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 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 ofthe

lawn.

Max I/3

9