Craftsman 917.377610 User manual

Owner's Ma_nual
CRnFTSMRHo
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377610
e Safety
o Assembly
,, Operation
® Maintenance
e EspaSoi
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 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 34
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANT( 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:
• 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 CentedDepartment 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, ROEBUCKAND CO_, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controlsand
know how to operate your mower proper-
ly.Learn how to quickly stop mower.
•Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.
oKeep 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 manu-
al.
, 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 run-
ning.
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
engine is running or when the engine is

hot.Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforeiillingthegastank.Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestarting
theengine.
, Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempttodo thiswhilethe engineisrun-
ning.
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
° Keepyoureyesandmindonyourmower
andtheareabeingcut. Donotlet other
interestsdistractyou.
° Donotmowwetorslipperygrass.Never
runwhileoperatingyourmower.Always
beSureofyourfooting-- keepa firm
holdonthehandlesandwalk.
o Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder
rotatingparts.Keepclearofthedis..
chargeopeningat alltimes.
° Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveorare not.using yourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,
andanygravel--coveredareas.
• Neverdirectdischargeof materialtoward
bystandersnorallowanyonenearthe
mowerwhileyou areoperatingit.
, Beforecleaning,inspecting,or repairing
yourmower,stoptheengineandmake
absolutelysurethebladeandallmoving
parishavestopped.Thendisconnectthe
sparkplugwireandkeepit awayfrom
thesparkplugto preventaccidental
starting.
- Donotcontinueto runyourmowerif you
hitaforeignobject.Followtheprocedure
outlinedabove,thenrepairanydamage
beforerestartingandoperatingyou
mower.
- Donotchangethegovernorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine.Enginedamage
orpersonalinjurymayresult.
o Donotoperateyourmowerif itvibrates
abnomlally.Excessivevibrationisan in-
dicationof damage;stoptheengine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
° Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Never cutgrass 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 excessive:
ty steep slopes. Use caution when oper-
ating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions ---maintain
good footing.
o Never operate your mower without prop-
er 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 tight.-
ened properly.
- Check all bolts; nuts and screws at fre-
quent 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 rec-
ommended by and comply with specifica-
tions 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.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot con-
tact spark plug in order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con..
tains chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
3

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was pr Fuced They are also
available at most Searsretail outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also
order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number e{ your Iawn 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
,,l_,,ll_ ,i i_1i LII, .............
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MULCRER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STAE R
,,, , /,,
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
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 pur-
poses. 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 neces-
sary to ensure proper tightness. Atl parts
such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., neces-
sary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
= Remove loose parts 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 han-
die and padding holding operator pres-
ence control bar to upper handle.
,Roll tawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
oRaise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position,
°Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower han-
dle and tighten both handle knobs.
°Remove handle padding holding opera-
tor presence control bar to upper ham
die.
° Your lawn mower handle can be adjust-
ed for your mowing comfort. Refer to
"Adjust Handle" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
4

Operator presence
control bar "_ Lilt up
Upper handle "'_,_
=.°, F)
Lower _L_. :_._"".-_',_,,j" ,sition
handle ._
3-position
Handle
adjustment
bracket
/
Handle
pin
TO INSTALL A'[-rACHMENTS
'four lawn mower was shipped ready to b_
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
• Open rear door and remove mulcher
ptug, Store mulcher plug in a safe
place.
• You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower,
Mulcher Plug

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.
I1[11111 _ .............. IMUl i,, ,i,
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
CAU"NON ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OFF
__._L..L LUU J[J"2_ _'J"............. I , , ...n
FUEt
i ..
OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY =
DI Operator presence control
Starter handle
Grass catcher
Wheel adjuster
]ever
Cabte clip
oil cap wldlpstick
Primel
Mutcher
plug Gasoline cap
_. II .... IlIII .... IJ LLJ_UII/J/ II I i_lii pllI I I I I IIIIIIRIIF p i
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 Commis-
sion. 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 engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the en-
gine.
Drive control bar - used to engage
power-propelled foward motion of lawn
mower.
Mulcher plug - Located at the rear dis-
charge opening must be removed when
converting to bagging operation.
6

]'he operation of any lawn mower can
result in foreign objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye dam-
age_ 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
The engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance, Speed is not adjust-
able_
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal r#gu ations require an
engine control to be installed on this lawn
mower in order to minimize the nsk of blade
contact injury. Do not under any circum-
stances 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.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
,All four wheels are adjusted by a single
lever.
• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raise
mower, move lever forward to desired
position, ]b lower mower, move the lever
toward the rear.
Wheel Adjuster
Lever
Lower Wheels
for high cut
Raise Wheels for
low cut
Operator presence Drive con-
control bar I trol bar
"_ Drivecontrol
\\ desengaged
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
° Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks into
the slots of the rear door.
•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 [newer
without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate
the lawn mower with the rear door removed
or propped open.
Catchei" frame hook
Rear door
Grass
"catcher
handle
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
°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 empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
o To start forward motion, lift drive control
bar up to handle.
,To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar°
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
bar fully engaged against handle when in
use,
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower isshipped without oil in
the engine.
° Be sure mower islevel and area around
oil fill isclean.
7

Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill
to the full line on the dipstick.
Use 27 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 oi! cap and tighten,
Change the oi! after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
3AS
, Fill fuel 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 fresh-
Bess.
AtARNING: Experience indicates that alco-
hol blended fuels (called gasohol or using
_thanot or methanol) can attract moisture
t_hich leads to separation and formation of
_,cids during storage. Acidic gas can dam..
_ge the fuel system of an engine while in
storage. To avoid engine problems, lhe fuel
_ystem should be emptied before storage of
30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start
the engine and let it run until fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for addi,-
tionat information. Never use engine or car-
buretor cleaner products in fuel tank or per-,
manent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying to start, Use a
firm push, This step is not usually nec-
essary wllen starting an engine which
has already run for a few minutes.
Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter hart..
die quickly. Do not allow starter rope to
snap back.
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence 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, tf you do flood
engine, wait a few minutes before attempt-
ing to start and do not repeat priming
steps.
Engine oil cap
Gasoline filler //w/dipstick
.i/
cap
8

MOWING TIPS
• Undercertainconditions,suchasverytall
g_ass,it maybe necessarytoraisethe
heightofcutto reducepushingeffortand
_tokeepfrom_verloadingtheengineand
leavingclumpsof grass€lipp!ngs°
• :Forextremelyheavycutting,reducethe
widthofcutbyoverlappingpreviouslycut
path andmowslowly_
• Whenusingareardischargelawnmower
in moist,heavYgrass,clumpsofcutgrass
maynotenterthegrasscatcher.Reduce
ground speed(pushingspeed)and!orrun
,thelawnmowerovertheareaa second
time.
o Ifatrailofclippingsisleftontherightside
of areardischargemower,mowina
clockwisedirectionwithaSmalloverlapto
collecttheclippingsonthe_next pass.
o Poresin clothgrasscatcherscanbecome
filledwithdirtanddustwithuseand
catcherswillcollectlessgrass,Topre-
ventthis,regularlyhosecatcheroffwith
waterandletdrybeforeusing.
• Keeptopofenginearoundstarterclear
andcleanofgrassclippingsandchaff.
Thiswillhelpengineairflowandextend
enginelife.
MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT:Forbestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfreeofbuilt-upgrassand
trash.See"Cleaning"in MAINTENANCE
sectionofthismanual
• Thespecialmulchingbladewillrecutthe
grassclippingsmanytimesandreduce
theminsizesothatas theyfallontothe
lawntheywilldisperseintothegrassand
notbe noticed,Also,themulchedgrass
willbiodegradequicklytoprovidenutri-
entsforthelawn. Alwaysmulchwithyour
highestengine(blade)speedasthiswill
providethebestrecuttingactionofthe
blades°
o Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenitiswet
Wetgrasstendstoformclumpsandinter-
fereswith the mutch!ng action,, 3"he best
time to mow your lawn is the early after.,
noon. 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 i_ower
cutting: height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass
blades_ flf the lawn is overgrown it will be
necessary to raise the height Of cut to ,_
reduce pushing effort and to keep fro m
overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.,
o Certain types of grass and grass condi-
tions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely hid_
the clippings. When doing a second cut,
mow across or perpendicular to the first
cut path,
o Change your cutting pattern from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week.
This will help prevent matting and grain-
ing of the lawn.
113

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(fl Equipped)
Clean Lawn Mower
O Clean Under Drive Cover
_r i.(Power-.Pr£pelled Mowers}
Check drive bG1UpuiTeys
E..(.Power-PropelledMowers)
RiCheck/Sharper-,/RepiaceB!ade...................
LubricationChart
Clean BatterylRecharge
(Electric Start Mowers)
11111 J I II i
E Check Engtne Oil Level
NChange Engine oi!
Gclean Air Filter .......
I Inspect Muffler
v" v' v'
v'
v'
v'3
Lv' v'
• v' iJ.
N ;Clean or Replace Spark Plug V'
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge . ,1t/'2
I - Change more allen when op_raling under eheavy load or{n high _mbiont lemp_re_ures,
2-Setvtco more oltBn when oporel]ng In didy or dugty com:lltlons
3-Replace bJ[td_smore alton when mow;ng tn sa.n6y soil
4 - Char£e 48 hou_ al end o! season,
SERVICE DATES
L_
ez t
IENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
he warranty on this lawn mower does not
over items that have been subjected to
perator abuse or negligence. To receive
Jll value from the warranty, operator must
_aintain mower as instructed in this manu-
I.
;ome adjustments will need to be made
eriodically to properly maintain your unit.
II adjustments in the Service and Adiust-
tents section of this manual should be
becked 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 fitter element assures prop-
er ai[4uel mixture and helps your engine
run better and last longer.
Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
EFORE EACH USE
Check engine oil level.
Check for loose fasteners.
UBRICATION
eep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
ION CHART"),
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjuster
(_ Drive pins
(_) Engine oil
Rear
door
hinge
(_ Spray lubricant
(_ Refer to MAINTENANCE
"ENGINE" soctlon,
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the
self lubricating bearings. If you feel they must
be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly°
10