Craftsman 917.378071 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRI FTSMnWJ
6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" SIDE DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.378071
•Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
•EspaSol
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179
Visitour Craftsman website:www.sears.com/cmftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safely Rules ......................................... 2
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation .............................................. 6
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10
Maintenance ....................................... 10
Product Specifications ........................ 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 14
Storage ............................................... 16
Troubleshooting ................................. 17
Repair Parts ........................................ 37
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 workman-
ship.
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 instructions
contained 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
IMPORTANT" This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safely instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly 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
discharge 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. 2
• 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.

• Stopthe blade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,or roads.
• Stoptheengine(motor)wheneveryou
leavethe equipment,beforecleaning
themoweror uncloggingthechute.
• Shutthe engine(motor)off andwait
untilthe bladecomesto completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher.
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificial
light.
• Do not operatethe machinewhile
undertheinfluenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Neveroperatemachinein wet grass.
Alwaysbe sureofyour footing:keepa
firmholdon thehandleandwalk;
neverrun.
• Disengagethe self-propelledmecha-
nismor driveclutchon mowersso
equippedbeforestartingthe engine
(motor).
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrate
abnormally,stoptheengine(motor)
andcheckimmediatelyfor thecause.
Vibrationis generallya warningof
trouble.
• Alwayswearsafetygogglesor safety
glasseswith sideshieldswhen
operatingmower.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slip
andfall accidentswhichcan resultin
severeinjury.All slopesrequireextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyona slope,do
notmowit.
DO"
• Mowacrossthefaceof slopes:never
upand down.Exerciseextreme
cautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
• Removeobstaclessuchasrocks,tree
limbs,etc.
• Watchforholes,ruts,orbumps.Tall
grasscan hideobstacles.
DONOT"
• Do nottrimneardrop-offs,ditchesor
embankments.The operatorcouldlose
footingor balance.
• Do nottrim excessivelysteepslopes.
• Do not mowon wet grass.Reduced
footingcouldcause 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
3 setting or overspeed the engine.

_,Lookforthissymbolto pointout
importantsafetyprecautions.Itmeans
CAUTION!!!BECOMEALERT!![YOUR
SAFETYISINVOLVED.
A WARNING"Inordertoprevent
accidentalstartingwhen setting up,
transporting,adjustingor makingrepairs,
alwaysdisconnectspark plugwire and
placewirewhereit cannotcontactspark
plug.
A,WARNING: 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.
AWARNING: 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.
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. 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
STABILIZER
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
4

Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to
assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thorougly 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.
1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into ptace in mowing
position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on
lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.
3. 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.
Operator I:
control bar
Upper UP
LIFT
UF
Mowing
position
Lower handle
5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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
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
Throttle
control
Starter
:)perator presence control bar
lever
Handle knob _nezone control cable
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Housing
Primer
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
without oil or gasoline in the engine. _Wheeladjuster
(on every wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Amedcan National Standards Institute and the U.S, Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns whenthe engine is running.
Operator presence control bar -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
engine.
Drive control lever -used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower.
Throttle control - Used for starting the
engine and allows you to select either
fast or slow engine speed.
6

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 spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed is controlled by a
throttle located on the side of the upper
handle. Fast position is for starting,
normal cutting, trimming and better grass
bagging. Slow position is for light cutting,
trimming and fuel economy.
,_ Slow
Fast "•
'r
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_kCAUTION: 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
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
Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height
to suit your requirements. Medium
position is best for most lawns.
•To change cutting height, squeeze
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-
ments. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs. Plate Tab
Lower Wheels for High Cut
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
Lever
TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING
MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side
discharging or optional grass catcher
can be attached.
• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without discharge guard, ap-
proved grass catcher or mulcher plate in
place. Discharge guard
Mulcher plate
7

DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then
releasing 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 control bar slightly
until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue 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.
Operator presence control bar
Drive Drive
control control
To engage
drive control Drive control
disengaged
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this
manual.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the
full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate dipstick reading. To read
proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then
remove it to read the dipstick.
3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• 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.
ADD GASOLINE
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove
and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank.
•Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-
line. 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 gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
_, CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline filler cap Engine oil cap
(Discard
debris plug
inside)
8
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) 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.
2. Move throttle control lever to fast
position.
3. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.

MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or run the
lawn mower over the area a second
time.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• 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 clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small
overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with
use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher
off with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "Cleaning" in
MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
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 cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it
will 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 heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• 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 perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.
• 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 graining of the lawn.
Max. 1/3
9

MA,NTENANCCH OU'
ASYOUCOMPLETE ....
Check for Loose Fasteners t,/ If
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) _,/ i,_,_
MClean Lawn Mower
O Clean Under Drive Cover(Power-Propelled Mowers)
Check drive belt/pulleys
RE (Power-Propelled Mowers)
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade t,/:_
LubricationChart V' 1/
Clean Battery/Recharge
tElecthc Start MowerstV' 1/4
ECheck Engine Oil Level _/'
NChange Engine Oil 1,/1,2
GClean Air Filter _2
i Inspect Muffler _'
N Clean or Replace Spark Plug i/
E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge _2
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2-Sen/ice more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4-Charge 48 houm at end of season.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does
not cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from 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.
• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
clean or replace air filter element and
check blade for wear. A new spark
plug and clean/new air filter element
assures proper air-fuel mixture and
helps your engine run better and last
longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
_) Wheel Adjuster
\
--l
_ _ (i) Engine oil
!
\
(_ Rear door hinge
(_ Handle bracket
mounting pin
(i) Refer to maintenance "Engine" section.
_) Spray lubricant
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings, viscous lubri-
cants 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