Craftsman 917379680 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
JCRRFTSMRN'I
6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No
917.379680
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• 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: wwwsears.com/craftsman
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 1t
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
Fortwo yearsfrom date ofpurchase,whenthisCraftsmanLawnMower ismaintained,
lubricated,andtunedup accordingtothe operatingandmaintenanceinstructionsinthe
owner'smanual,Sears will repairfree ofchargeany defectinmaterialorworkmanship.
IfthisCraftsmanLawnMower is usedfor commemialor rentalpurposes,thiswarranty
appliesforonly90 daysfrom the dateofpumhase.
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:
• Expendableitemswhichbecomeworndudngnormaluse,suchasrotarymower
blades,bladeadapters, belts,air cleanersand sparkplug.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuseornegligence,includingbentcrank-
shaftsandthefailure to maintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscon-
tainedin the owner'smanual.
Warrantyservice is availableby returningtheCraftsmanpowermowerto the nearest
SearsServiceCenterlDepartmentintheUnitedStates.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhile
thisproductisin use inthe UnitedStates.
ThisWarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumay alsohaveotherrightswhich
varyfrom statetostate.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES,ILLINOIS 60179
Safetystandardsrequireoperator
presencecontrolsto minimizethe
risk of injury.Yourunitis equipped
withsuchcontrols.Do notattemptto
defeatthe functionoftheoperator
presencecontrolsunderany
circumstances.
TRAINING:
• Read thisoperator'smanualcarefully.
Becomefamiliar withthe controlsand
knowhowtooperateyour mower
properly.Leamhow to quicklystop
mower.
• Do notallowchildrento useyourmower.
Neverallowadultsto usemowerwithout
properinstructions.
• Keepthearea of operationclearof all
persons,especiallysmallchildrenand
pets.
• Use moweronlyasthe manufacturer
intendedandas dsscdbedinthis
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.
• Checkfue!tankbefore startingengine.
Do notfillgas tankindoom,whenthe
engineis runningor whentheengineis
hot.Allowthe engineto.coolfor saveml
minutesbeforefilling thegastank.Clean
offany spilledgasolinebeforestarting
theengine.
• Alwaysmake wheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempt to dothiswhilethe engineis
running.
• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
• Keepyoureyesand mindon your
mowerand the areabeingcut.Do notlet
otherinterestsdistractyou.
• Do notmowwet orslipperygrass.Never
run while operatingyourmower.Always
be sureof yourfooting -- keepa firm
holdonthe handlesand walk.
• Do notputhandsor feet nearor under
rotatingpads.Keepclearofthedis-
chargeopeningat alltimes.
•"Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveorare notusing yourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,reads,
end any gravel--coveredareas.
• Neverdirectdischargeof matedal
towardbystandersnorallowanyone
nearthe mowerwhileyouare operating
it.
• Beforecleaning,inspecting,or repairing
yourmower,stoptheengineandmake
absolutelysure the bladeand allmoving
partshavestopped.Thendisconnectthe
sparkplugwireandkeep it awayfrom
thesparkplugto preventacoidental
starting.
• Donotcontinuetorun yourmowerifyou
hit a foreign object.Followthe procedure
outlinedabove, thenrepairany damage
beforerestartingand operatingyou
mower.
• Do notchangethegovernorsettingsor
overspeedthe engine.Enginedamage
orpersonal injurymayresult.
• Do notoperateyourmowerifitvibrates
abnormally.Excessivevibrationis an
indicationofdamage; stopthe engine,
safelycheckforthecauseof vibration
and repairas required.
• Do not run theengineindoors.Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up end down or you
might lose your footing. Do not mow
excessively steep slopes. Usa 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
mountingbolts oftento be sure they are
tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightnessto
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 detedora-
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 stodng 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.
_kLook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!f! BECOMEALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_iLCAUTION: 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.
_kWARNING
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 accessorieswere availablewhen this lawn mower wasproduced.They am not
shipped with your mower. They are also availableatmost Sears retailout_ts and service
centers. Most Sears storescan also orderrepairpartsforyou,whenyou providefile model
number of yourlawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay not applyto your lawnmower,
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
STABILIZER
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASSCATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLER8
©
BELI_ BLADES
Read these inane and thismanual in its
entiretybeforeyou attempt to assemble or
operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.
Your new lawnmower has been assembled
at the factory withthe exceptionofthose parts
leftunassembladfor shippingpurposes, All
pads such as nuts,washers, bolls,etc.,
necessa_ to completethe assembly have
been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe
and properoperationof your lawn mower,all
pads and hardware you assemble mustbe
tightenedsecurely. Use the correcttooisas
necessaryto ensure proper tightness.
BLADE AOAPTERS WHEELS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASEDATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
AIR FILTERS
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
CARTON
• Remove loose parts includedwithmower.
• Cut downtwo end comers of carton and
lay end panel down flat.
• Remove all pacldng meterialsexcept
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holdingoperator presence
controlbar to upperhandle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
cartonthoroughly for additionalloose
pads.
4
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfoldhandlescarefullyso as
notto pinch ordamage controlcables.
• Raise handles until lower handle section
locksinto placein mowingposition.
• Remove protactivepadding, _ upper
handle sectionintoplace on lower handle
and tightenbeth handle knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding operator
presence cont_ bar to upper handle.
• Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for yourmowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust
Handle"in the Service and Adjustment
,sec_onofthis manual.
bar
Upper handle _
Liftup
Mowing
position
Lower handle
TOINSTALLAI"rACHMENTS
Yourlawnmowerwasshippedreadyto be
usedasa mulchar.Toconverttobeggingor
discharging:
• Openreardoorandremovemulcharplug.
Storemulcherplugina safeplace.
• Youcan nowinstallcatcheroroptional
clippingdeflector.
• To returnto mulchingoperation,install
mulcherplug intodischargeopeningof
mower.Be surealltabsareseated
properly.
Muleher plu_
_CAUTION: Do notrunyourlawn
mower withoutmulcherplugin placeor
approvedclippingdeflectoror grass
catcherinplace. Neverattemptto
operatethe lawnmowerwiththe rear
doorremovedor proppedopen.
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarize yourselfwiththe
locationofvariousoontrolsandadiustmonls. Save thismanualfor future reference.
_ symbolsmayappearonyourlewnmowerorInIlta'akmSUlpfll_withtheproduct._ _ _
thmmean(n_
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Enginezonecontrolcable
Operatorpresencecontrolbar
Drivecontrol lever
Starter handle
Grasscatcher
Muicherplug
Engine oil
capw/
dipstick
Primer
Gasoline cap
Housing
IMPORTANT: This lawnmower is shipped
WITHOUT OILOR GASOLINE in theengine. Wheeladjuster
(oneachwheel)
MI=ET8 CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears r_tarywalk-behindpowerlawn mowersconformtothe safetystandardsofO'teAmerican
NationalStandardsInstituteandthe U.S. Consumer ProductSafetyCommiss_n. "Theblade
fume 'Mienthe engine is running.
Operator pre_n_ecofltrolber -must be
helddownto the handle to startthe engine.
Release to stopthe engine.
Palmer- pumps additionalfuelfrom the
cad0urstorto the cylinderfor use when
Starter handle - used for startingtheengine,
Drive control laver - used to engage power-
propelledforward motion of lawn mower.
Mulcher plug - must be removedtoconvertto
begging or dischargingoperation.
startinga cold 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 is controlled by a
throttle located on the side of the upper
handle. Fast position isfor starting,
normal cutting, tdmming and batter grass
bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,
trimming and fuel economy.
TO ADJUST Ct.rl'nNG HEIGHT
• Raise wheelsfor lowsut and lowerwheels
for highcut.
• Adjustcuttingheighttosuityour require.
merits. Mediumpositionisbestfor most
lawr_.
• To changecuttingheight,squeeze adjuster
levertowardwheel. Movewheel up or
downtosuityourrequirements. Be sure all
wheelsare inthesame 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 High Cut _,,w
/
ver
RaiseWheelsforLowCut
TOA'I'FACH GRASSCATCHER
• Liftthe reardoorof the lawn mower
and place the grasscatcherframe
hooksontothe doorpivotpins.
• The grasscatcherissecuredto the
lawnmowerhousingwhen the rear
doorisloweredontothegrasscatcher
frame.
ACAUTION: Do not runyourlawn
mowerwithoutclippingdeflectoror
approved grasscatcher inplace. Never
attemptto operatethe lawn mowerwith
the rear doorremovedor open.
ENGINEZONECONTROL
_I_CAUTION: Federalregulationsrequire
an enginecontrolto be installedon this
lawn mowerin orderto minimizethe dsk
ofbladecontactinjury.Do notunderany
circumstancesattemptto defeatthe
functionof the operatorcontrol.The blade
turnswhenthe engineis running.
• Yourlawnmowerisequippedwithan
operatorpresencecontrolbarwh_h
requirestheoperatortobe positioned
behindthelawn mowerhandletostartand
operatethelawnmower.
Grass
catcher
handle
Pivot
pins
frame hook
7
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.
(
Grass
frame
handle
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 controldisengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
• To keep drive control engaged when
turning comers, push down on handle
and liftfront wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.
Operatorpresencecontrolbar Ddve
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
(I,
Your lawn mower is shippedwithoutoilinthe
engine.
• Be sure moweris level and area aroundoil
fillis clean.
• Remove engineoil cap end fillto the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engineholds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in
Maintenance sectionof this manual.
• Pouroil slowly. Do not overfill.
• Check oil levelbefore each use. Add oilif
needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level,tightenengineoilcap
each time.
• Reinstallengine oil cap and _ghten,
• Change the oilafter evely 25 hoursof
operationor each season. You may need
to change the oil more oftenunder dusty,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOUNE
• Fill fuel tank, Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.
Purchase fuel inquantitiesthat can be
used within30 days to assurefuel
freshness.
AI_WARNING: 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 gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the 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 the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
_kCAUTION: F 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.
Toengagedrive Odvecontrol
control disengaged
Gasoline
filler cap
Engine oil cap
TO START ENGINE
• To starta coldengine, push pdmer three
(3) timesbeforetryingto start. Use a firm
push. This stop isnot usuallynecessary
when startingan engine whichhas
already run for afew minutes.
• Move throttle control lever to fast
position.
• Hold operatorpresence controlbar down
tothe handle and pullstarter handle
quickly. Do not allow starterropeto snap
back.
• To stop engine, release operatorpresence
cantrolbar.
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 end do not
repeat priming steps.
MOWlNGTIPS
• Under Gertain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloedthg the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed end/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 end 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 g_
To prevent this, regularly hose catchd
off with water and let dry before usinc.
• Keep top of engine around starter cl(
and clean of grass clippings and cha
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life,
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfree ofbuilt-upgrassand
trash. See"Cleaning" in Maintenancesestiq
ofthismanual.
• The specialmulchingblade willrecurthe
grass clippingsmany timesand reduce
them insize so that as they fail ontothe
lawn _ willdisperseintothe grassenc
not be noticed. Also,the mulchedgrass
biodegradequicklyto providenutrientsfi
the isN_n.Alwaysmulch withyourhigha
engine (blade)speedas this willprovide
bestrecuttingactionof theblades.
• Avoidcuttingyourlawn when It iswet.
grass tendstoformdumps and interfer(
withthe mulching action. The besttime
mow yourlawn isthe early afternoon. A
this lima the gresshasdriedendthe ne_
cutarea willnot be exposed to thedirect
sun.
• For bestresults,adjustthe lawn mower
cutting hek3htso _t the lawnmower cu_
offonlythe topone-thirdofthe grassbla,
Ifthe lawn is overgrownitwill be necess_
to raise the heightof cutto reduce pushin
effortand to keep fromoverloadingthe
engine and leavingdumps of mulched
grass.For extremelyheavymulching,
reduceyourwidth of cutby overlapping
previouslycutpathand mowslowly,
• Certain typesofgrassand grass condltic
may requirethaten area be mulcheda
second_ne to completely hidethe
clippings. When doing asecond cot, rr_
acrossor perpendicularto thefirstcut p_
• Change yourcuttingpettem from week 1
week. Mow north tosouthoneweek th_
change to east towestthe next week. "1
will helppreventmalting and grainingof
lawn.
Max 1/3
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