Craftsman 917379750, 917379740 Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

SELF-PROPELLED ROTARY LAWN MOWER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

172787 Rev. 4 08.07.01 VB/BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safety Rules ......................................... 2-3

Assembly ............................................. 5-8

Operation ........................................... 9-17

Maintenance .................................... 18-20

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Service and Adjustments ................. 21-23

Storage ............................................ 24-25

Troubleshooting ............................... 26-27

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

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 dis-

charge 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.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel ddves, 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 until the 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 operat-

ing 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. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.

• Mow across the face of slopes: 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, ditches or

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.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not 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 out of 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 corners, 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 accidental 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 inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel 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 caution when servicing them.

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

_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A 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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive

harm.

_WARNING: 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.

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.

CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchaseofanewLawnMower.Ithasbeendesigned, engineeredandmanufacturedtogiveyouthebestpossibledependabilityandperform- ance.

Shouldyouexperienceanyproblemsyoucannoteasilyremedy,pleasecontactyour nearestauthorizedservicecenter.Theyhavecompetent,welltrainedtechniciansand

thepropertoolstoserviceorrepairthisunit.

• ReadtheSAFETYRULESandthisOperator'sManualinits entirety before you

attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

• Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation

of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened se- curely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

• All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

• Remove all loose parts from carton.

• Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR MOWER

Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on your mower. If the opening is on the right side of the mower housing, it is a side discharge mower. If the opening is at the back of the

mower housing, it is a rear discharge mower. Only rear discharge lawn mowers have a grass catcher included with the mower. Approved grass catchers for side discharge

mowers may be purchased from your nearest authorized dealer.

Do I have a mulching lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on your mower. Raise the discharge guard (rear door on rear discharge mowers). If the opening is closed off by a plate, then your lawn mower is muicher ready. To convert to a discharging mower, see the Operation section

of this manual.

What is the right and left side of the

lawn mower?

When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is mentioned in this manual, it means when

you are in the operating position (standing behind the handle).

FRONT

What kind of engine is on my lawn mower?

When learning how to operate your new

lawn mower, you will need to know what kind of engine powers the mower. A decal

on the engine will indicate the manufac- turer and type or brand name of the engine.

BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES

LEFT

HAND

SIDE

RACK or REAR

(Operating Position)

RIGHT

HAND

SIDE

CLASSIC

TECUMSEH HONDA

ENGINES ENGINES

_'ECUMSt_H

_I,CAUTION: Do not operate this mower without the discharge guard or an entire

approved grass catcher in place. These guards are for your protection and are required by the American National Standards Institute and Consumer Products Safety Commis- sion.

_i'LCAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with plug.

HOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in operating position.

• Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle, remove protective

padding and tighten both 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 Adjustments section of this

manual.

control bar

Lift L

Mowing

position

FOR HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY - INSTALL REAR WHEELS

Some high wheel models require washers which will be provided in a parts bag. If

provided, install washers on the axle first as shown.

• Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of rear wheel adjuster.

• Install 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten securely.

• Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.

Wheel Axle assembly

Wave Washers

Iocknut

Lower handle

NOTE: For shipDng purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower may not be adjusted to the same position as the front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting height.

FOR REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY - ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

IMPORTANT: If your model lawn mower

is mulcher ready, the mulcher plate or plug must be removed before using mower as a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see the Operation section in

this manual. Look at the different grass catcher

illustrations that follow. Determine which type of grass catcher you have and follow

the appropriate instructions.

"FABRIC TOP" GRASS CATCHERS TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes. If

bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing.

• For HINGE BRACKET mounted catcher, place the grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• For HANDLE BRACKET mounted catcher, place frame side hooks into

slots in handle brackets.

• For DOOR PIVOT PIN mounted catcher, place the grass catcher frame

hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• For DOOR SLOT mounted catcher, place the grass catcher frame hooks

into the slots of the rear door.

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

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED

_oor

Hingebracket

Grass

catcher

frame

Formed tabs

HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED

Handle bracket hooks Rear Grass

catcher

_. handle

Catcher fram{

DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED

Pivot " Rear Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame

Catcher frame hook

DOOR SLOT MOUNTED

Rear door slots

Grass

catcher

handle

Rigid

"HARDTOP"GRASSCATCHER

ASSEMBLE FRAME AND BAG

• Thread upper tubular frame into hem of bag as shown. Be sure angled ends of

frame point downwards.

• Slip lower frame into tubular upper frame as shown.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

• Install two (2) blunt pointed screws in front holes and tighten securely.

Sharp pointed screws

Catcher top

(Rear a_

_-_. FORWARD 7t_

81untpointed screws

Catcher bag and {tame

(Frontholes)

Hem/

Start herej

Uppe

Upper tubular

frame

Vinyl bindings

Lower frame

ASSEMBLE TOP TO FRAME AND BAG

NOTE: For ease of assembly, place catcher top upside down on work surface.

• Nest bag and frame assembly into catcher top.

• Install two (2) sharp pointed screws into rear holes first and tighten securely.

• Pull catcher bag forward on frame to

remove slack.

• Install two (2) remaining sharp pointed

screws in side holes and tighten securely.

• Align lower frame and catcher top front holes.

TO ATTACH HARD TOP CATCHER

• Open the rear door on mower housing.

• Place frame side hooks into slots in handle brackets.

• Release rear door, allowing it to nest into top of catcher.

Rear door

slots

Grass catcher _" frame hook

_,CAUTION: Under normal usage, the

catcher matedal is subject to deterioration and wear and should, therefore, be

checked frequently for replacement. Any replacement catcher should be checked to ensure compliance with original

manufacturer's specifications.

_CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower

without the discharge guard (rear door), approved grass catcher, clipping deflector

or mulcher plate in place. Never attempt to operate mower with the discharge guard (rear door) removed or propped

open.

SPARK PLUG BOOT

On some models a spark plug boot is packed loose in the parts bag. If your

model has the boot, install on spark plug wire and reconnect spark plug wire to

spark plug.

Spark plug

FOR ELECTRIC START MODELS

ONLY-TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

• Disconnect engine connector (male) from battery connector (female).

• Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery connector (female).

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24

hours before starting your engine for the

first time.

• After charging, connect engine connec- tor (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for

partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.

_Boot

IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will not charge a discharged battery.

At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to

Iqrotect the battery during winter storage. _,CAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY

•_'k-'_'_J_J-_'_ CX._/_ Battery

_._-'_ _ -/_" charger

/_'f_ con'nec_tor

Battery connector (Female) (Male)

TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED BATTERY

Charger connector Battery connector

(female)

Engine connector (male) Battery charge

Theoperationof 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 recom- mend a wide vision safety mask over

spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

MODELS WITH FIXED SPEED ENGINES Engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. Engine speed is not adjustable.

MODELS WITH REMOTE THROTTLE Engine speed is controlled by the throttle

control located on the upper handle.

• Move lever forward for fast engine speed, starting, and for better grass

bagging.

• Move lever backward for slow engine speed.

• Some models have engines equipped with a choke feature. Move the lever all

the way forward to the choke position when starting a cold engine.

MODELS WITH ENGINE MOUNTED SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located at the carburetor on the engine.

High or fast position is for starting engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging.

Low or slow position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CLASSIC AND SPRINT

Rapid

Spark

plug

_Engine

Primer (if equipped) control lever

BRIGGS & STRATTON QUANTUM

speed

Engine speed

Choke (start)

Remote

throttle control

Engine speed control lever

TECUMSEH

control lever

"Primer (if

equipped)

'_ifequipped)

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