Craftsman 917379690 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.5 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPE_E_)

ROTARY LAWN I_WFR

Model No.

917.379690

• 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: www.sears,com/craftsman

Warranty

Safety Rules

Assembly
Operation

Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRAN-['Y 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 th_
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.

• 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 whil,

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

2 Product Specifications
2 Service and Adjustments
4 Storage
6 Troubleshooting

10 Repair Parts
10 Parts Ordering

Back Cov

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 b_

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 sandal:

Wear only solid shoes with good tractic

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 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 repai_"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!!! BECOMEALERT!!] YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_q_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.

_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 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
centers. 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

r- .T_.._:.. - 3

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS I WHEELS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

AIR FILTERS

STABILIZER

FOR

LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

A

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructionsand this manual in its
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 unassembled for shipping purposes. 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

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose pads 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 thoroughlyfor additional loose

parts.

4

HOW TO 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 contr_ •

Upper handle _ /._'/. /'_

Lift up _'_///L,ft UV !_!

_'_-i_ // position

TO INSTALL ATTACHM ENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. Toconvert 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 retum to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge 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

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAW;
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the

local;ion of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbolsmay appear on yourlawnmower or inliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.Learnand understan_
there meaning,

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone control cable

\

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Mulcher plug

Gasoline cap

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Engine oil
cap w/

dipstick

Housing

Primer

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Wheel adjuster
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in 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
rums 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
carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine
Drive control lever - used to engage power-

propelled forward motion of lawn mower.
Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert t

bagging or discharging operation.

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.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a
throttle located on the side of the upper
handle. Fast position is for starting,

normal cutting, trimming and better grass
bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,

trimming and fuel economy.

TO ADJUST CUTTING 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

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO ATrACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame

hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• 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 open.

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.

Pivot " _

pins Catcher "--.

frame hook

7

Grass

catcher

handle

k!!i x U

\

I

J

TO EMPTY GRASSCATCHER

• 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
catcher

frame

handle

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 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 20 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.

ADD GASOLINE

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

Drive

control

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

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

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

freshness.

AWARNING: 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.

f.A,,CAUTION: Fill to bosom of gas.tank

iller neck. Do not overfill. Wipe on any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.

To engage drive Drive control
control disengaged

8

Gasoline
filler cap

Engine oil cap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) timesbefore tryingto start. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.

• Move throttle control lever to fast
position.

• 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.

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
(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 best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section
ofthis 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
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 it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn isthe early aftemoon. 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

offonly the top one-thirdof the grassblades.
Ifthe lawn isovergrown it will be necessary
to raise the height ofcut to reduce pushing

effortand to keep from overloading the
engine and leavingclumps of mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your widthof cut by overlapping

previouslycut pathand mow slowly.

• Certain types ofgrass and grass conditions
may requirethat an area be mulched a
second time to completely hidethe

clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

acrossor perpendiculartothe first cut path.

• Change yourcuttingpattern from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then

change to east to west the next week. This

willhelp prevent matting and graining ofthe
lawn.

o

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Chock for Loose Fasteners r-i/'

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(ff Equippedt _ _4_

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) I_

Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade I_ 3

Lubrication Chart I_ I/

Clean Battery/Recharge

/Electric Start Mowers / _ i/4

E Check Engine Oil Level Ik#'

N Change EngineOil If1,2
G Clean Air Filter II/ 2

I Inspect Muffler V #

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge 11_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy lead or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season,

/--

SERVICE DATES

l#

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

\

/

//

(_) Handle bracket mounting pin

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

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel beatings. Viscous lubricants wiltattr

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the
lubricating bearings. If you feel they must I:

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered grapl
type lubricant sparingly.

Rear door hinge

"IN