Sears 917.372851 User Manual
/W/nN°
MODEL N BER 917.372851
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer
Responsibilities
• Service
OWNER'S MANUAL
°
Convertible
oAdjustments
. Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
148746 Rev. 2, 06.06.95 Printed in U.S.A.-
II1[[11ill ..................................
x
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATLNG HANDS AND FEET ANDTHROVVlNG OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT ta SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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 famifiar with
the controis and know how to operate your mower properly,
Learn how to quickly stop mower.
• Do not allow chitdren to use your mower. Never atfow adults
to use mower without proper instructions,
• Keep the area of operation ctear of ait persons, especially
small children and pets,
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed 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.
,, Donotuse accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. 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 iniury,
• 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 when mowing.
• 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 severa_ minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.
• Always make wheel height adiustments 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 betng
cut. Do not let olher inlerests distract you.
• Do not mow wet or sIippery grass. Never run while operating
your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep afirm hold
on the handles and walk.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts, Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Always stop ihe 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 btade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting,
SAFETY RULES
• Do not continue to run your mower if you hil aforeign object.
FolLow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age 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 abnormaIly, Exces-
sive 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 danger-
OUS.
, Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow
across the face of sIopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing, Donot mow excessively steep slopes. Use
caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain orwhen
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 condi-
tion,
• Keep alt safety devices in place and working.
• To=i:#duce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.
Check grass catcher often for deterioration 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, ciothes dryer, etc,
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
Look for this symbol to point out im-
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT[[! YOUR
portant safety precautions. It means
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
WARNING
reproductive harm.
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower, It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance,
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",
MODEL
NUMBER 917_372851
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFiCATiONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5
DISPLACEMENT: 12.6 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25quart
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SFiSG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 oz.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION J19LM, RJ19LM
(GAP: .030") STD36t458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008"
EXHAUST: .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 in.
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
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 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 crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructionscontained 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 tN USE tN 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, ILLINOIS 60179
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFET'_ RULES ....... _ .................................................... 2
PRO[_UCT S PEC_F_C,AT|ONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-!4
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6
OPERATION .................................................................. 8
iNDEX
A
Accessories .......................................... 5
Adjustments:
Carburetor ................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................. 16
Handle Height ............................. 16
Height of Cut ................................. 9
Air Filter:
Replacement ............................... t4
Service ........................................ 14
Assembly .............................................. 6
8
Blade:
Sharpening ................................. 13
Replacement ............................... 13
C
Controls:
Drive Control ................................. 9
Engine Zone Control ..................... 9
Engine Speed Control ................... 9
Operator Presence Control Bar .... 8
Customer Responsibilities ........ 3, 12-14
Air Filter ............... ........................ 14
Blade Care/Replacement ............ t 3
Drive Wheels ............................... 13
Engine ......................................... 14
Lubrication .................................. 14
Spark Plug .................................. 14
Cutting Levels ...................................... 9
Engine:
Air Fiiter ....................................... 14
Oil Change .................................. 14
Oil Level ...................................... 14
Oil Type ....................................... 14
Starting ........................................ 10
Stopping ...................................... 10
Storage ....................................... t7
Fuel:
Capacity ........................................ 3
Storage ....................................... 17
Type ............................................ 10
Lubrication:
Engine .......................................... 14
Lawn Mower ................................ t2
Maintenance Agreement ...................... 3
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 12
Mowing Tips ....................................... 1t
Oil:
Engine ......................................... 10
Storage ....................................... 17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 15
STORAGE ................................................................... 17
TROU BLESHOOTtNG ................................................. 27
REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 18-22
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 23-25
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................................... 28
E
Operation:
Drive Control ................................. 9
Engine Control .............................. 9
Grass Catcher ............................. 10
Mower ........................................... g
Operator Presence Control Bar .... 9
Options:
Accessories ................................... 5
R
F
Repair Parts:
Engine .................................... 23-25
Lawn Mower ........................... 18-22
Responsibilities, Customer ....... 3, 12-14
S
L
M
O
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Service and Adjustments ................... 15
Carburetor ................................... 16
Engine Speed ............................. 16
Handle ......................................... 16
Spark Plug .......................................... t4
Specifications ....................................... 3
Speed Control:
Engine ......................................... 10
Starting the Engine ............................ 10
Stopping the Engine ........................... 10
Storage ............................................... 17
T
Troubleshooting Chart ....................... 27
W
Warranty ............................................... 3
4
LAWN MOWER ACCESSO IES
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. 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
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
AIR FILTERS
7
SPARK PLUGS
BLADES
BLADE ADAPTERS
5
WHEELSBELTS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn
mower, 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 opera-
tion of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts
such as nuts, washers, botts, etc., necessary to complete
the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
o Remove loose parts included with mower.
- Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat,
o Remove allpacking 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 thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)
iMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.
° Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.
o Raise upper handle section intoplace on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.
o 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.
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your
lawn mower are not adjusted to the same position as the
front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to
the same cutting height position.
SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 2B) -
= Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge
opening of mower (see above instructions).
• Unlock closed discharge guard by lifting latch and allow
guard to swing open to discharging position.
, Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
, To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis-
charge guard must be closed and locked securely.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
, Rear mulcher plug installed.
, Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
= Rear mulcher plug removed.
• Grass catcher installed.
• Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Side discharge guard unlocked and open.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
MULCHER PLUG
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
UPPER HANDLE
LIFT UP
LOWER
HANDLE
LIFT UP
MOWING POSITION
FIG. I
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 2A) -
o Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
muicher ptug in a safe place.
o You can now install grass catcher.
• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install
mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.
FIG. 2A
DISCHARGE GUARD
CLOSED POSITION
OPEN POSITION
B FIG. 2B
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
• Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of
grass catcher and thread frame intosewn hem of bag.
NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubular frame.
o When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag
as shown in inset.
* S1idesewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until
both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-
ing.
, Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sure handte is outside of bag and frames are fufly
seated as shown in inset.
• 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.
Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating
lawn mower.
, Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the
grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge bracket.
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower
housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame.
LY
TUBULAR
FRAME
LOWER FRAME HANDLE
\
amesmust
fully seated}
//
FiG. 3B
Oo,,owomow°,
I _out clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
I to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.
TUBULAR FRAME SEWN
SEWN HEM
HEM
FLIP LID
FiG. 3A
GRASS
CATCHER
FRAME
FORMED
TABS
FiG. 4
7
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ _HIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER, Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
These symbols may appea, on your |awnmow_ror-i, literat_e-suppmied withtheP';oduct. Learn and understand
their meaning°
,i ,i mmnum I i iinlll
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST
OR WARNING ON OFF
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CABLE
STARTER HANDLE
GRASS CATCHER
!\l
SLOW FUEL
CHOKE
CABLE CLIP
'_i_¸"
OIL DANGER KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER
GASOLINE CAP
PRIMER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVE COVER
\
MULCHER PLUG
/
ENGINE OIL CAP WtDIPSTICK
SIDE DISCHARGE GUARD WHEEL ADJUSTER
FIG. 5
(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 turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL - 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 enginel
STARTER HANDLE _ used for starting the engine.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelled forward motion of lawn mower,
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine whichallows you to select either fast (4) or slow
(_) engine speed.
MULCHER PLUG - Located at the rear discharge opening
8
must be removed when converting to bagging operation.
HOUSING
OPERATIC
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 the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 6)
The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the
side of the engine. Fast (_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Stow
(,_) position is for light cutting, trimming and fuet economy.
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 con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is
running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
DR_VE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)
, Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence control bai"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 con-
trol bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to corn
tinue 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.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to rear bagging or side discharging,
see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this
manual.
ENGINE SPEED
LEVER
CONTROL ._
LOWER WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT
FiG. 6
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR
DRIVE
CONTROL
TO ENGAGE
DRIVE CONTROL
FIG. 7
/
DRIVE
CONTROL
DRtVECONTROL
DISENGAGED
RAISE WHEELS
FOR.LOW CUT
CAUTI_ON: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
CONVERT LAWN MOWER:
Release control bar to stop engine.
o
Make sure the blade and atl moving parts
have completely stopped,
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your
lawn mower are not adjusted to the same position as the
front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to
the same cutting height position.
FIG. 8
a
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut°
o
Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting
height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.
To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-
ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your
requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same
9
setting.
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