Sears 917.372301 User Manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

4.0 RESERVE SOLID STATE

REAR BAGGER LAWN M0 WER

22"

POWER-PROPELLED

POWER

IGNITION

MODEL NO.

917.372301

THIS MOWER COMPLIES WITH CPSC REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 1982 TO START THE ENGINE IT IS NECESSARY TO DEPRESS THE CONTROL BAR WHEN STANDING BEHIND THE MOWER, BEFORE PULLING ON THE STARTER ROPE, FOR FURTHER STARTING DETAILS SEE PAGE 9 OF THIS MANUAL

u SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., CHICAGO, IL 60684 U.S.A.

#ll., ..

Part No. 86301 Rev, 0 6/17/85

CRAFTSMAN quality LAWN CARE equipment

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

Far two years from the date af purchase, when this Craftsman power mower is maintained, lubri- cated and tuned-up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of

charge, any defect in material and workmanship If this Craftsman power mower is used for' commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies far

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 plugs

- Repairs necessary because af operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual

WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAR-

EST SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT 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. Department 698/731A Sears Tower, Chicago, IlL 60684

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE ON THIS PRODUCT CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SEARS STORE FOR DETAILS_

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the rules for safe use. Always use care when using your lawn mower. Keep away from moving parts

DO NOT work an your lawn mawer with engine running Always keep your lawn mower clean. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower, A well cared for

mawer will run and last longer Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual Blade, blade flange, air cleaner/air filter, spark plug are expendable parts which are your respon-

sibility

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................. 2

KNOW YOUR CRAFTSMAN MOWER ............................................................................................ 3

RULES FOR SAFE USE................................................................................................................ 4

HELP YOUR LAWN MOWER LAST LONGER ........................................................................................ 5

HOW TO SET-UP YOUR MOWER ................................................................................................... 6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ...................................................................................................... 8

HOW TO USE YOUR MOWER ............................................................................................................ g

MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................... 11

STORAGE ........................................................................................................................... 15

REPAIR PARTS........................................................................................................................................ 17

ENGINE REPAIR PARTS............................................................................................................ 24

]"ROUBLE SHOOTING ................................................................................................................................... 27

KNOW YOUR CRAFTSMAN MOWER

ZONE/ENGINE

CONTROL

HANDLE KNOB

GRASS

CATCHER LATCI"

CONTROL BAR

CONTROL

PLATE

CABLE CLIP

ENGINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

WHEEL ADJUSTER ON EACH WHEEL)

HANI

ENGINE CONTROL KNOB

PRIMER

MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

SPECIFICATIONS TOOLS REQUIRED

Oil: Use SAE 10W30 motor oil SAE 30 motor oil can also be used

Gasoline: Use unleaded automotive gas- oline, Regular automotive gasoline can also

be used DO NOT use premium gasoline,

or gasoline containing alcohol

AIR FILTER

FIG I

DRIVE COVER

H_O SING

FOR CATCHER ASSEMBLY

3/8 and 7/16" wrench or

adiustable wrencM

Medium flat blade screwdriver.

FOR BLADE REMOVAL

Standard 15/16" box or open

end wrench_

Sears Rotary Walk-Behind Power Mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards In- stitute, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, and U_S Consumer Product Safety Commission, as applicable,

RULES FOR SAFE USE

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE I1 CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING--UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO

YOUR MOWER.

IMPORTANT

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE ENGINE CONTROL INSTALLED ON THIS MOWER IN ORDER TO

MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CONTACT INJURY DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ATTEMPTTO

DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR CONTROL

1 Please read your owner's manual,

Only allow persons who know the

safety rules to use your mower

2 DO NOT tie the control bar to the

handle Control must be free to permit brake engagement when

handles and control are released,

3 DO NOT allow children to use your

mower

4_ Check your' mower over before each

time you mow Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, etc_

5. Remove all sticks, stones, wires, cans, boards, etc. from area to be

mowed. These objects can be

thrown by the blade.

6 DO NOT allow children, bystanders,

or pets in the mowing area_

7 BE CAREFUL- WHEN THE ENGINE IS

RUNNING THE BLADE IS TURNING_

8 Always shut off engine before try_

ing to adjust wheel heights

9 When engine is running, DO NOT

put hands or feet under mower' or in

the discharge chute, nor make any adjustments_

10_ Stay clear of discharge opening

at all times,

11_ Check gasoline before each use_

Do not fill gas tank when engine is running, when indoors or when engine is hal Allow engine to cool before filling gas tank_ Wipe off any spilled gasoline before start-

ing engine 12_ Mow only in good light_ 13 Wear only solid shoes when mow-

ing, DO NOT operate mower when

barefoot, or wearing open sandals 14_ Disengage drive control on power

propelled mower's before starting

engine_

15 DO NOT use a damaged mower'.

Always have damage repaired before mowing

16 Always stop engine when not cut-

ting grass or when crossing gravel drive, sidewalk, or roadway.

17_ Never pull mower towards you, al-

ways follow mower to cut grass_

18. Never use your mower without pro- per guards or deflectors in place.

19. Always mow across a slope or in-

clined area. DO NOT mow up or down a slope or inclined area,

20. DO NOT mow in wet grass_ DO NOT run with the mower

21. DO NOT run your' mower indoors. Exhaust gasses are deadly poison

22_ DRAIN THE GASOLINE tank before

transporting your mower inside your car or other vehicle.

23 DO NOT run your mower if it vi-

brates too much Stop engine and make repairs. Vibration is an indi-

cation of damage.

24. DO NOT change the engine gow ernor settings to over-speed the

engine-Ldamage or' injury can re- sult_

25 If a grass catcher is used on your

mower, check the catcher often for

damage_ Use only recommended catcher_ Always stop engine to re-

move grass catcher_

26_ DO NOT store your mower or gas-

aline where fumes may reach an open flame and cause a fire.

27_ Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields before starting your lawn mower and while mowing

The operation of any lawn mower can result inforeign objects thrown into the eyes,

which can result in severe eye damage Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your lawn mower and while mowing, We recommend Wide Vision

Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears

Retail or Catalog Stores_

ACCESSORIES TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MOWER

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR: Converts rear bagging mowers to side discharge to disperse clippings safely and

evenly_ HIGH WHEEL KIT: A pair of 12_inch rear wheels improves handling on soft, spongy lawns and uneven

terrain_ Includes height adjusters; doesn't affect cutting height range,

MOWER COVER: Sears Tyvek®cover protects mower from weather when stored outdoors_ GAS CAN: A new gas can keeps rust and dirt out of fuel system for longer engine life and improved per_

formance_ Craftsman gas cans have built in filters to keep impurities out of your engine THESE ACCESSORIES WERE AVAILABLE AT MOST SEARS STORES AND THROUGH THE CATALOG AT THE

TIME THIS MANUAL WAS PRINTED.

IMPORTANT TIPS TO HELP YOUR LAWN MOWER START FASTER, RUN AND PERFORM BETTER

1_ USE UNLEADED GASOLINE: It burns cleaner and leaves less residue inthe engine. Regular gasoline can

also be used. DO NOT use gasoline containing any alcohol or with any additives.

2_ DRAIN OR RUN-OUT ALL GASOLINE FROM TANK AT THE END OF THE SEASON: DO NOT leave gaso-

line in your mower when stored for long periods It will "GUM" your engine. Run engine until the gaso- line runs out.

3. START EACH MOWING SEASON WITH FRESH GASOLINE: DO NOT keep gasoline in your can. If your gasoline can is starting to rust, replace can.

4 CHANGE YOUR SPARK PLUG EVERY SPRING: An old, corroded spark plug prevents fast starting and

smooth running engine.

5. REPLACE YOUR AIR CLEANER OR FILTER OFTEN: Dirt, along with heat can harm your engine, the cleaner or filter will clog up, preventing clean air from reaching your engine. See "Air Cleaner/Filter"

section of this manual for replacing air cleaner or filter.

6. USE SAE 10W30 OIL: DO NOT use SAE 10W40 oik

7. CHANGE OIL AS RECOMMENDED: IMPORTANT - chan_j_ oil after the first two (2) hours of use, then every 25 hours of use,

8, REPLACE THE BLADEWHEN NEEDED: You can sharpen the blade, but we do not recommend it. Erosion

from hitting foreign objects can damage the blade Replace blade with one specifically designed for your mower.

9. AT THE END OF THE SEASON, CLEAN YOUR MOWER: IMPORTANT- first disconnect the spark plug wire, If possible, store your mower in a well ventilated area and protected from moisture_

10. FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE SUGGESTIONS IN YOUR OWNERS MANUAL: Read your manual and keep it in a convenient place for easy reference°

11. DO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THE OIL OR GASOLINE: DO NOT USE GASOHOL, or gasoline contain- ing any alcohol

Your lawn mower has been completely assembled at the factory, except for the grass catcher and grass catcher ftame, To set-up and attach grass catcher, follow the steps under "GRASS CATCHER".

The following parts are included not assembled:

1 Grass Catcher Frame 1 Grass Catcher Top

1 Grass Catcher Bottom 1 Hardware Package

HOW TO SET-UPYOURMOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

I_ Raise the handles until the lower handle is in

mowing position (See Fig° 2)_

NOTE: The lower handle automatically locks into mowing position when raised from shipping to mowing positiom

2. Raise the upper handle into position on the lower handle and tighten the two (2) handle knobs_

NOTE: The anti-pivot bracket on your mower

handle prevents folding upper handle the wrong way which can bend control cables (See Fig_ 5)_ 3_ The handle can be mounted in high or low

position to suit the comfort of the uset_ The

handles are shipped mounted in the high

position.

4. If the handle feels too high for you: a_ Remove the two (2) screws and one (I)

bolt, washer and Iocknut holding the trim plate and rope guide to lower handle.

Keep for re-assembly (See Fig. 1)_

b. Remove the handle knobs and bolts from

upper and lower' handle.

c. Remove the hairpin cotters (See Fig. 3).

d_ Turn handle over, position handle levers

in place (See Fig. 4).

e_ Put handle back on mounting pins (See

MOWING

POSITION

LOW POSITION

FOR SHORT PERSON

llll,

MOUNTING PIN

MOWING POSITION

HIGH POSITION

FOR TALL PERSON

FIG 2

LOWER

HANDLE

SPRFNG

HAIRPIN COTTER

///

FIG,3

Fig.3).

fo Put springs and hairpin cotters back in

mounting pins (See Fig. 3)_

g. Put upper handle on lower handle using

handle bolts and knobs previously re-

moved.

NOTE: Be sure anti-pivot bracket is on right hand side of your handle (See Fig. 5)_

h. Put trim plate and rope guide back on

lower handle, removed in (a) above_

Tighten the two (2) screws and one (1)

bolt (See Fig_ l)o

NOTE: Be sure washer is between trim plate and

rope guide bracket.

i, Snap cable clip over cable and lower

handle (See Fig_ 1).

5. To fold handle for storage, squeeze the handle levers until lower handle cleats handle brack-

ets, then move handle forward (See Fig. 3).

CAUTION: WHEN FOLDING HANDLE FOR TRAN_-

PORTING OR STORAGE, BE SURE TO FOLD HAN-I DLE AS SHOWN IN FIG. 5. IF YOU FOLD HANDLEI

THE WRONG WAY, YOU MAY BEND THE CON- I TROL CABLES. J

TO ADJUST HEIGHT OF CUT

NOTE: The wheels are set in a low cut position for shipment, and should be adjusted for the cutting

height desired before use. NOTICE: Lowering wheels raises the height of cut.

FIG 4

HOW TO SET-UPYOURMOWER(CONT'D)

TO ADJUST HEIGHT OF CUT (CONT'D)

CAUTION: DO NOT change the height of cut with the engine running°

1_ The wheel adjusters give you five (5) different

cutting positions, Medium cut is the best for most lawns.

2, High cut is approximately 3 5/8", medium cut

is approximately 2 1/2", and low cut is approx-

imately 1 3/8"o There are two (2) other post. tions_ Pick the position which suits you for best cutting (See Fig. 6),

3. The wheel adjusters on your lawn mower can

be easily adjusted as shawn in Fig, 7_ To change the height of cut, squeeze adjuster

lever toward the wheel, moving up or do_ n to selected height. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting (See Fig, _)

4, When cutting in heavy or mni_l grass, the re_

of the lawn mower may be raised one setting higher to allow better discharge of the grass.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear

wheels of your lawn mower, was assembled at

the factory and requires no assembly.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

NOTE: The grass catcher for your mower is sup_

plied unassembled. To assemble your grass cat-

cher follow steps below,

1. Position clamp onto catcher frame as shown in (Fig, 8) and close ends of clamp°

2_ Put grass catcher frame into catcher top (See

Fig. 8).

3, Put one (1) #10-24 x 5/8 truss head screw into

hole in catcher top and clamp and #10-24 lock- nuts, DO NOT TIGHTEN (See Fig_ 8).

4, Put three (3) #10-24 x 5/8 truss head screws

into the catcher frame using #10.24 Iocknuts_ Use a flat blade screwdriver to drive screws while holding the Iocknuts with adjustable or

3/8" wrench (See Figr 8).

5. Position baffle inside of catcher top as shown in (Fig. 9). Put two (2) #10-24 truss head screws

into holes with two (2) #10-24 Iocknuts. Use a

flat blade screwdriver to drive screws while

holding the Iocknuts with adjustable or 3/8" wrench.

6. Position top half of catcher on the bottom half (See Fig, 8)°

7, Align the holes in sides of top and bottom

halves of catcher,

8. Install the eight (8) 1/4-20 x 5/8" truss head screws with the eight (8) 1/4-20 "Keps" nuts

into the holes in the catcher side.

9_ Tighten the screws with a flat blade screw-

driver.

10_ Hold,the "Keps" nuts wdh" an adjustable or

7/16 wrench while tightening the screws.

NOTE: Be sure all screws and nuts are tight.

RIGHT WAY

FIG, 5

_jl WHEEL ADJUS1E2 LEVER

SHOWN WITH WHEEL REMOVED

FIG. 6

FIG 7

TRUSS HEAD bCREW_ _ "

CATCHER TOP

FIG fl

HOW TO SET-UPYOURMOWER (CONT'D)

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Place the catcher frame into the slots of the hinge bracket,

2. Depress the door latch tab and slide the frame into position at the end of the slot (See Fig_ 10).

3. Release door latch tab to lock flame into place_

4, To remove grass catcher, stop blade, lift up

on back of glass catcher with one (1) hand and press down on the door latch tab with the other hand (See Fig. 10)_

5o When grass catcher frame in unlatched, ie-

move catcher from the rear of the mowel and

empty.

6. When grass catcher is removed from the

mower, the rear door closes for safety.

NOTE: YOUR REAR BAGGER MOWER IS NOT' AI

MULCHING MOWER_ DO NOT OPERATE YOURI

IMOWER WITHOUT AN APPROVED GRASS CAT/

ICHER OR OPTIONAL CLIPPING DEFLECTOR INJ

IPLACE. J

TRUSS HEAD SCREWS CATCHER BAFFLE

CUTAWAY OF CATCHER TOP " LOCKNUTS

FIG 9

HINGE

BRACKET

NEVER ATTEMPT' TO OPERATE THE MOWER WITH

THE DOOR REMOVED OR PROPPED OPEN°

BEFORESTARTaNGENGINE

1_ Remove engine oil cap with dipstick arrd fill

to the "FULL" line on the dipstick, using about 1 pint or 0.5 liters of Sears 10W30 oil or equiva-

lenh SAE 30 oil can also be used (See Fig_ 11).

DO NOT use SAE 10W40 oil.

The total oil capacity of your engine is 21 oz.

or 0.62 liters. Fill only to the "FULL/' line on the dip- stick. DO NOT over fill. The first fill on a new

engine use about 1 pint or 0°5 liters. Check oil levet

and add as required to bring to proper level.

2. Pour oil slowly, DO NOT over fill.

NOTE: On a new engine some oil may be left in

the engine, as each engine is run for operational

checks before shipping_

3_ AFTER THE FIRST TWO (2) HOURS OF MOWING

CHANGE THE OIL. See "To Change Oil" section under maintenance.

Use only oil with automotive classifications SF, SE, SD, or' SC markings on oil container.

4. Fill the gasoline tank with about one and one half (1 1/2) quarts of fresh, clean unleaded

automotive gasoline. Regular leaded gasoline can also be used (See Fig. 11).

DO NOT use old or stale gasoline which has been kept from one season to another; starting pro-

blems can result_

DOOR LATCH TAB

FIG. 10

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

FIG. 1 1

CAUTION: DO NOT USE GASOLINE CONTAINING

ANY AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL, AS IT CAN CAUSE

SERIOUS DAMAGE OR CAN SIGNIFICANTLY RE_ DUCE ENGINE PERFORMANCE, DO NOT USE PREMIUM LEADED GASOLINEu

DO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THEOIL OR GAS- OLINE_

Be sure your gasoline can is clean and free of rust and dirt°

Replace your can if it has started to rust_

REMEMBER: Read your Owner's

Manual and Rules for Safe Use

HOW TO USEYOUR MOWER

[IMPo.TA.TI

ENGINE CONTROL CAUTION: THE BLADE TURNS WHEN THE ENGINE

IS RUNNfNG_

YOUR MOWER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPER-

ATOR ZONE ENGINE CONTROL WHICH REQUIRES

THE OPERATOR TO BE POSITIONED BEHIND THE MOWER HANDLE TO START AND OPERATE THE MOWER.

THE CONTROL BAR MUST BE DEPRESSED TO THE HANDLE TO START AND RUN THE ENGINE, RE-

LEASING THE CONTROL BAR WILL STOP THE ENGINE, AN INTERNAL ENGINE BRAKE ASSISTS THE BLADE IN STOPPING QUICKLY.

WHEN THE OPERATOR LEAVES THE NORMAL

MOWING POSITION TO REMOVE THE GRASS

CATCHER, CHANGE THE CUTTING HEIGHT, PICK UP STICKS OR OTHER OBJECTS IN THE MOWING

PATH, THE ENGINE WILL AUTOMATICALLY STOP WHEN THE CONTROL BAR IS RELEASED,

CAUTION: FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE ENGINE CONTROL INSTALLED ON THIS MOWER

IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BLADE CON-

TACT INJURY. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUM- STANCE ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR CONTROL

!NGINE CONTROL KNOB •: ....... _L_

_ = "1 GASOLINE FILLER CAP

PRIMER

FIG 12

C%E ENGINE

CONTROL

1O ENGAGE DRIVE CONT Ol

Ergo :_E

CONTROL

FIG 13

ENGINE CONTROL

The engine speed is controlled by a lever (red knob) located on right side of englne_ It has

"HIGH" and "LOW" positions "HIGH" position is for starting engine, heavy cutting and better

grass bagging. "LOW" position is for light cut- ting, trimming and fuel economy (See Fig° 12),

TO START ENGINE

THE CONTROL BAR MUST BE DEPRESSED TO THE HANDLE TO START AND RUN THE ENGINE_

NOTE: The carburetor has a fixed fuel mixture and has a primer to assist starting

1, Check oil level; check gasoline tank for gaso-

line; and make sure spark plug wire is attach,

ed.

2. Push lever forward to "HIGH" position (See

Fig. 12).

3. When starting a cold engine, push the primer

five (5) times before pulling starter rope_ Use firm pushes when pushing primer, wait several

seconds between each push (See Fig, 12)o

4, Repeat step 3 above as required_

CONTROL

RELEASED

ENGINE STOP

ENGINE

CONTROL

DEPRESSED

START, RUN

FIG 14

FIG,15

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