Craftsman 917.377292 User manual

Owner's ManuaJ
®
6.5 HORSEPOWER
" DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
OTARY LAWN
Model No.
9!7.377292
oSafety
oAssembly
oOperation
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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 33
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
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 purchaser
This Warranty does not cover:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
o 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 while
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, ROEBUCK AND CO, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
o 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 tums 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
when mowing.
°Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
2

engineisrunningorwhentheengineis
hot.Allowthe engineto coolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
off anyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyour mower.Never
attempttodothiswhilethe engineis
running.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
• Keepyoureyesandmindonyour mower
andtheareabeingcut. Donotletother
interestsdistractyou.
o Do notmowwet orslipperygrass.Never
runwhileoperatingyour mower.Always
be sureofyourfooting-- keepafirm
holdonthehandlesandwalk.
o Do notputhandsor feetnearorunder
rotatingparts.Keepclearofthedischarge
openingatalltimes.
. Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveorarenotusing yourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,
andany gravel--coveredareas.
o Neverdirectdischargeofmaterialtoward
bystandersnorallowanyonenearthe
mowerwhileyouareoperatingit.
• Beforecleaning,inspecting,or repainng
yourmower,stoptheengineandmake
absolutelysurethebladeandall moving
partshavestopped.Thendisconnectthe
sparkplugwireand keepitawayfromthe
sparkplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
° Do notcontinueto runyour mowerifyou
hitaforeignobject.Followtheprocedure
outlinedabove,then repairanydamage
beforerestartingandoperatingyou
mower.
o Do notchangethe governorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine.Enginedamageor
personalinjurymayresult.
o Do notoperateyour mowerifit vibrates
abnormally.Excessivevibrationisan
indicationofdamage; stopthe engine,
safelycheckforthecauseof vibration
andrepairasrequired.
• Do not runthe engineindoors. 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 exces-
sively 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 mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
•Keep al! safety devices in place and
working.
oTo 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.
o Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower_
, Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
o 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.
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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealsoavailable
atmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsfor
you,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmay
notapplytoyourlawnmower_
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
I
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS
AIR FILTERS
BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
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.
Safety standards require operator pres-
ence 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.
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. 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 as-
semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
o
o
Remove loose parts included with mower.
Cut down two end corners 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 thoroughly for additional loose
parts.
4

"IOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN
_OWER
ro UNFOLD HANDLE
MPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully
3o as not to pinch or damage control
;ables.
, Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
, Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower
handles and tighten both handle knobs.
= Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
o Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Ser'¢ice and
Adjustment section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up
Lower
handle
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
°You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
o To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug inplace or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher inplace.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'SMANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself _,_qthe location
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Engine zone control Operator presence control bar
control lever
Starter handle
knob
Grass catct
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Drive cover
Gasoline filler cap
Engine speed control Primer Lawn mower housing
Wheel adjuster
(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
tums when the engine is running,, .............................,
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Drive Control Lever-- used to engage
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.
Sarter Handle- used for starting the engine.
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower.
Engine Speed Control - located on the
side of the engine which allows you to
select either fast or slow engine speed°
Mulcher Plug located at the discharge
opening must be removed when convert-
ing to bagging or discharging operation.
6

7heoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin
oreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
esuitinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswear
;afety glasses or eye shields while operating
/our lawn mower or performing any adjust-
"nentsor repairs° We recommend a wide
,4sionsafety mask over the spectacles or
standard safety glasses_
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
]he engine speed iscontrolled by a lever
located onthe side of the engine. Fastposition
isfor starting the engine, normalcutting,and
better grass bagging. Slow position isfor light
cutting,trimming and fuel 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
control The blade tums when the engine is
running.
o 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.
Engine speed control lever
Primer
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
° Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position isbest for most
lawns.
o 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 intohole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
Lower Wheels for High Cut P_
Raise Wheels _ Lever
for Low Cut
TO A"rrACH GRASS CATCHER
o Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
o 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.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clippingdeflector or approved grass
catcher inplace. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped
Hinge door
bracket Grass catcher
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
7
- To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence controt bar to stop engine.
o Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle°
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
itwill cause unnecessary wear.
DRIVE CONTROL
o Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drive control lever
forward until itclicks; then release the drive
control 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 dnve control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
o To keep drive control engaged when tuming
comers, push down on handle and lift front
wheels off ground while turning lawn
mower°

Operator presence Drive
control bar\_\._,-- ,, jcontro!
\'_ "_ Drive control
To engage _' "_\ disengaged
drive control
BEFORESTARTINGENGINE
OIL
"{our lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe
engine.
o Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill isclean.
o Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the ful! line on the dipstick.
° Use 27 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fil!o
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fillto 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.
GAS
o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline_
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
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 fuel tank start the engine
and let it rununtil fuel linesand carburetor are
empty° Use fresh fuel next season. See
Storage instructions for additional information,
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products infuel tank or permanent damage
mayoccur.
TO START ENGINE
o To start a coldengine, push primer five (5)
times before trying to start, Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.
o Push engine speed control lever to fast
position.
• Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pull starter handle quickty.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
o To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces-
sary to repeat priming steps. In warmer
weather over priming may cause flooding and
engine will not start. Ifyou do flood engine,
walt a few minutes before attempting to start
and do not repeat priming steps.
Gasoline Engine oil cap
filler cap wldipstick
MOWING TIPS
° Under certain conditions, such as very tall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the
height of cut to reduce pushingeffort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of grass clippings.
° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn
mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster
setting higher than the front for better
discharge of grass_
• 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 grass clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
in a clockwise direction with a small overlap
to collect the clippings on the next pass.
° Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will
help engine air flow and extend engine life.
8

, Poresinclothgrasscatcherscanbecome
filledwithdirtanddustwithuseand
catcherswiltcollectlessgrass.Toprevent
this,regularlyhosecatchersoffwithwater
andletdrybeforeusing.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" in
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES section of
this manual
o The special mulching blade wilt recur 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 is the early afternoon. At this
time the grass has dried and the newly cLrt
area will not be exposed to the direct sun.
° For best results, adjust the lawn mower
crating height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass blades.
If the lawn is overgrown itwill be necessary
to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heawj mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and
raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front_
o Certain types of grass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
o Change your cutting pattem from week to
week. Mow north to south one 'week then
change to east to west the next week. This
will helpprevent matting and graining of the
lawn_ MAX 1/3
9

AS YOU COMPLETE ICE DATES
REGULAR SERVICE ICE D
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher
!(If Equipped) _
MCiea,LawnMower _... =............
Ctean under Dn',,'e'Cover .............
W(Power-Propelled Mowers) _/ .....
l'Check ddve 'belt/pulleys
(Power_PropetledMowers)
R Check/Sharpen!Replace Blade .......... _/3
Lubrication Chart ,b/
Clean Battery/Recharge .......
........(Ele=rtc Start Mowers) ............
E Check EngineOil Level .V'_
aChange Engtr_e Oil ......... _/'1,2
GClean Air Filter
IInspect Muffler
a_iean or Replace Spark Plug
EReplace Air Filter Paper Cartridge _1'2
t - Chonge more o,_enwhen operating under Qhe,ivy load or_nhigh embfen! femperaturss
2, Service more often when operating in didy or dustyconditions,
3 - Replete b_des more often when mowing In sandy sog.
4 - Charge 4B hours _t end of sm_son_
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyon this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive full
"valuefrom 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.
oOnce a year, replace the spark plug, replace
air filterelement and check blade for wear. A
new spark plug and clean/new air filter
element assures proper air-fuel mixture and
helps your engine runbetter and last longer.
,, Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
_4
!
• Check engine oil level
° Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keepunitwell lubricated(See"LUBRICATION
CHAR'£').
(_) Engine oil
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel
Rear
door (_ Handle bracket
hinge mounting pin
(]_) SPRAYLUBRICANT
(_) SAE30 MOTOROIL. REFERTO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION,
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt that wilt shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
10