Craftsman 917379600 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRWI

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.379600

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• 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 unleaded gasoline,
and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modiflcatton (EM), and Three-way

Catalyst ('rwc) (If so equipped).

AVISO: Los motores homologados para cumplir can la reglamentacibn sobre emisiones de
California y de la Agencia de Proteccidn Ambiental estadounidense (EPA) para equipos
pequefios no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los

siguientes sistemas de controlde emisiones: modificacibn del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple
accibn (TWC) (en case de tener/o).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of

your engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To
findthe life period specificationfor your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

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

La calcamania D.O.M incluye especificaciones sobre la duracibn de_ motor para el periodo de

vida dtil de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este periodo sa relaciona con la duracibn an
conformidad con las emisiones seg_n Io certiflcado por EPNCARB. Para hailer la especificaei6n

del periodo de vida de su motor, mire cud1de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su
calcomanla 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.comlcraftsman

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

appliesfor 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, IIILnois60179

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

Service and Adjustments.................... 13

Storage ............................................... 14

Troubleshooting ................................. 16

Repair Parts........................................ 35

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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructionson the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and
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.

• Be sure the area is clear of other
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 instructions for

proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

2

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing grovel
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

untilthe 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 result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face ofslopes: 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.

II1.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

isnot 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 outof the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another
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
comers, 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 inspectthe equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheal 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 cautionwhen servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspead the engine.

3

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A CAUTION: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents,and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of Californiato cause
cancer and birthdefects or other

reproductive harm.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds,chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.

A 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.

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 canters. 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 GRASS CATCHERS / ' 'i

[_ \ I__S-_-_- REAR DISCHARGE SlDEDISCHARGE

"_i_- _ LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS ---

\ FOR Ill

MULCHER KITS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

" _ _ __,

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

STABILIZER

i

GAS CANS

Read these instructionsand this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to

assemble or operate your new lawn

mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT 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 parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts,etc., necessary to com-

plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper

operationof 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 comers 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
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

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

Operatorpresence
controlbar

Upper handle ---_/J

ing

Lif_up

_osition

Lower handle

KNOWYOUR 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 IocatLon 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, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

presence control bar

Engine zone

control cable

Starter handle'

Grass

Prim_

knob

Gasoline cap

Housing

Drive cover

iMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE

in the engine.

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the

Amedcan National Standards Instituta and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must Starter handle - used for starting the
be held down to the handle to start the engine.

engine. Release to stop the engine. Drive control lever - used to engage
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the power-propelled forward motion of lawn
carburetor to the cylinder for use when mower.
starting a cold engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultin

foreignobjectsthrowninto

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

_kCAUTION: 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 cuttingheight
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 suit your 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

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawnmower was shippedreadyto be

usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto bagging:
REARBAGGING

• Liftreardoo_ofthe lawnmower and place
the grass catcherframehooks ontothe

doorpivotpins.

• To convertto mulching operation,remove

grasscatcher and closerear door.

_,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attemptto
operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.
Pivot

Catcher frame

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Open door and liftup 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.

Grass catcher

handle

/

Bag catcher frame

handle handle

RaiseWheels for LowCut

7

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-prapelling 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 motionwill 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
against 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.

Operatorpresencecontrolbar

Drive

' t control

\_, Toengage \_ Drive control

"" dn_'econtrol_" 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 figto the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,
tighten engine 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 gaso-
line. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness,

_WARNING: Experience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisturewhich 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, startthe
engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructionsfor

additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
*_,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor
use gasoline near an open flame.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present duringthe 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
usuallynecessary 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 cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. 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 priming steps.

MOWINGTIPS

• Undercertainconditions,suchasvery
tailgrass,itmaybenecessarytoraise

theheightofcuttoreducepushing
effortandtokeepfrom 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 trailof clippingsis left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in

a clockwise directionwith 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 collectless 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 MOWlNGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housingfree of built-up

grass and trash. See =Cleaning" in

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulchingblade wig 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. Atso, 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 racutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour ]awn 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
notbe exposed to the direct sun.

• For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cuttingheight so that the lawn mower
cutsoff only the top orm-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown
it will be necessary to raise the height
of cutto reduce pushingeffort 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
conditionsmay require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely

hidethe clippings. When doing a

second cut, mow across or perpendicu-

larto the firstcut path,

• Change your cutting pattern 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

9