Craftsman 917379591 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTSMANo

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379591

• +Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• 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.corrdcraftsman

Warranty

Safet Rules

...... t .......... • ...............

.........

Product Specifications .......................... 11

Service and Adjustments ...................... 14

Storage ................................................. 16

....

Troubleshooting ................................... 17

Repair Parts .......................................... 37

Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover

POWER MOWER

of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

, according to the operating and maintenance instructions in _rs will repair free of charge any defect in material or workman-

thj_ M_wer;is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

._pptJ_es for (_nly 90. days from the date of purchase. _TJ}i_ Warra_y does not cover:,

,,: ExpenclaUle it_rns_which bec_me worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades blade adapters, belt_ air cleaners and spark plug,

• Repairs nee"essary 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, 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 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 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 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 pullingthe 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 wom 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.

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

CAUTION!!I 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.

A, WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects,

or other reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarenot shippedwithyour mower.TheyarealsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice centers.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodel

numberofyourlawnmower.Someofthese accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE ,

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

_/! GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructions and this manual inits 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 unassemblad for shipping purpo6as. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, 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.

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

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 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.

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 ATI'ACHMENTS Yourlawn mower was shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher. To converttobaggingor discharging:

• Open rear doorand removemulcherplug. Store mulcherplugina safe place.

• You can now installcatcheror optional clippingdeflector.

• To retumto mulchingoperation,install

mulcherplug into dischargeopeningof mower. Be sure alltabs are seated

pmpedy.

Upper handle _ Lift up

Lift up _,_

- ._.. Mowing

bar _,.

Lower handle

_.- position

Mulcher plu_

&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.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the k_,,ation_f various controls and adiustments. Save this manual for future mf_r_pn_T

These=ymbob mayappearon yourlawnmowaror In rc_ndure_ppaed with_e pcodud._ _ undea_t=_ U_e_emeaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Starter handle

Handle knob

Grass catchel

Engine oil

Mulcher plug

cap w/

Housing

cover

Gasoline cap

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in Wheel adjuster

the engine. (on each wheel) 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. Pdmer - pumps additional fuel from the

Drive control lever - used to engage power- propelled forward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - must be removed toconvert to bagging or discharging operation.

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

Starter handle - used for startingthe engine.

Theoperationof any lawn mowercan resultinforeign objectsthrownintothe eyes,

which can result insevere eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide visionsafety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR 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 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 requke-

merits. 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 a/I wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy 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

Lower Wheels for High Cutr---'_._..w

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close the lifttop lid. Lifttop lid must be closed wh_ operating lawn mower.

• Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and place _ 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.

_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,

Hinge

Rear door

Grass catcher frame

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator

presence control bar to stop engine.

• Liftup rear door and remove the grass

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

ovor

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

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 ddve control disengages. Hold

operator presence control bar down to handle to continue mowing without serf-

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

To engage Drive control ddve control disengaged

Drive control

ADD GASOUNE

• Fillfueltank.Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline wt_ a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

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

freshness.

_kWARNING: 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 fuel tank, start the engine and let it run until fuel lines and

carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next

season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank

or permanent damage may 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 !lame. Gasoline filler cap Engine oil cap

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the

engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around oil

fillis 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 27 ozs. of oil. Fortype 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 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 primer three (3) times before tryingto slad. 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

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 pdming steps,

MOWING TIPS

• Under cedain 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 (pushing 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 bsst 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 willdisperse 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 recutting action of the

blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when itis 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 ofthe grass blades. Ifthe 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 condi- tions 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 firstcut path.

• Change your cuffing 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.

+ 18 hidden pages

Craftsman 917379591 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual