Craftsman EZ3 917.377302 User manual

_)__ Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMANo
6.6 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE'
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377302
CAUT!ON:
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 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maiiltenance Schedule I0 Repair Parts 33
Maintenance e, 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 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.
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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
•Read this operator's manual carefullyo
Become familiar with the conlrots 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.
oDo 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 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 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 _l gas tank indoors, when the
engine is nJnnlng or when the engine is

hot.Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingtile gastank°Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
, Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestarlingyourmower.Never
attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running,
°Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light,
OPERATION:
° Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area being cut. Do not let other
interests distract you.
•Do not mow wet or slippery grass, Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
oDo not pul hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
•Always stop the engine wheneveJ'you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel.--.covered areas_
. Never direct discharge of materfai 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 blade and all moving
parts have stopped.. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
o Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object° Follow the procedure
o_Jttined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mower.
. Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine° Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
•Do net operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally, Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
• Do not run the engirie indoors. 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 nol mow exces-
sively steep slopes, Use cmJtion when
operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing direclions -- maintain
good fooling.
• 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,
•Check all boils, nuts and screws al
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
• Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
o To reduce fire hazard, keep time 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.
° 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 ahot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spmk plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contacl, 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,whenyouprovidethernodelnumberofyourlawnmower:Someoftheseaccessoriesmay
nolapplytoyourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOF_ REAR DtSCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR OtSCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
StDEDISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS
AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BLADE ADAPTERS _WHEELS . ENGINE OIL
IMPORTANT; This cutting machine Is
capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety ir_structions 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 beer} assembled at the
factory with '_he exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes...All
:_ar_s 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
• Remove loose parts included with
mower.
• Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
•Remove alLpacking materials except
padd=ng between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control barto upper handte.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check cartonthoroughlyfor additional
loose parts.

MOWER
"TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT'; Unfold handles carefully so
as not to pinch or damage controT cables.
oRaise 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.
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.._he Service and
Adjustment section c_:t'i_is'manual.
Operator presence _, _,_
Upper handle ------_--_//_ Lift uP/////'
"four lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher, To convert to bagging
or discharging:
- Open rear door and remove muIcher
plug. Store mulcher plug tn a safe place.
- You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector,
• [o return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulcher plug
CAUTION" Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.

KNOW YOU R LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself wilh the location
of yar_ous cpl_!rois and adiustments. Save this manual for future reJerence.,.__.,.,_..__.._.__m..
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENG}N_ ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OP3_ FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANbS AND FEET AWAY
Engine zone control cabl_ Operator presence contro{ bar
_-,..., rive control lever
Starter handle
knob
Grass catcher
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Drive cover
Mutcher plug
Gasoline filler cap
Engine speed con|rol Primer Lawn mower housing
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel) . . _au_,._.. iii,
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the Ame.rican
National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
lures when the enqine is runninL ...........
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,
Sarter Handle - used tor starting lhe engine°
Drive Control Lever-- used to engage
powe[_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.

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan result in
foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
resuii in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating
your lawn mower or performing any adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over the speclacles or
standard safely glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed is controlled by a lever
.located on the side of the engine. Fast
position is for starling the engine, normal
cutting, and better grass bagging,, Slow
position is for light cutting, trimming and fue!
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 undJ 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 lhe fawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
Engine speed control lever
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
•Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.,
,Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
meni& Medium position is best for most
lawns.
•"10change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
fever toward wheel,, Move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels
are in the same setting.
NOTE:Adjusterisproperly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in Iever, Also, 9-
position adjusters (if so equ{pped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs,
Lower Wheels for High Grit Plate Tab =-_
Raise Wheels _-_
for Low Cut "_._,_1 ','0) '_ Le#er
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
° Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating fawn mower.
. Uft 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 lhe grass catcher frame,,
CAtYrlON: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place., Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower wilh the rear door removed or
propped open.
Hinge
bracket Grass catcher
frame
Formed
tabs
TO EMP'TY GRASS CATCHER
. To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine..
° Lift up rear door and remove lhe grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do net drag tile bag when emplying;
it will cause unnecessary wear.
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 release the lever.
o Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released, To slop
forward molion without stopping engine,
release the operalor presence control bar
slightly until the drive control disengages,.
Hold operator presence control bar down Io
handle to continue mowing withoul self
propelling.
,, To keep drive control engaged when turning
comers, push down on handle and lift front
wheels off ground while turning lawn
mower.

Operalor presence Ddve
contro .bar\L .....,4,' --. on rel
To engage \' "_ .4=....... ._
drive control
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped wiihot_t oil in the
engine,
', Be sure mower is leve_and a_ea around off
Ill{ is clean,
,, Remove engine oil cap w!dipstick and fill to
the full fine on the dipstick.
* Use 27 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities seelion of this manual
o Pour oil slowly. Do not over f&
,, Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to fiJll line on dipstick°
, To read proper level, tighten engine 0il cap
each time.
,, Reinstall engine eli cap and tighlen.
. Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season ..You may need
to change the oi! mere often under dusty,
didy condffion&
GAS
o Fill fuel tank, Us_ fresh, clean, fegular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantilies that oan be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended heels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methano!) 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 3D days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine
and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
ate empty.Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage Instructions _oradditional
information° Never use engine orcarbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may o_ur.
TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
/_mes before.trying to start. Use a firm push,
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already run _or
a few minutes.
•. Push engine speed conlrol lever to fast
position.
- Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pult starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
,, To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler'weather it may be necessary
_o repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming slops. Engine oll cap
Gasoline wldipstick
filler cop
MOWING TIPS
. Under certain conditions, such as very _all
grass, it may be necessary tc_raise the
height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving dumps of grass clippings_
" For extremely hea Wcutting, reduce the
width el 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 pos_on,
" When using a rear discha_e lawn mower in
moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass
may not enter lhe grass catcher. Reduce
ground speed (pushing .speed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time.
- 1Ia frail of grass clippings is left on the fight
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
in a clod_ise direction with a small oved ap
1o coflect bhe.clippings on the next pass.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chalf. This will
help engine air flew and extend engine life_

filledwithdirtanddustwiihuseand
catcherswillcollectlessgrass.Toprevent
"this,regularlyhosecatchersoffwithwater
andletdrybeforeusing.
MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT:Forbestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfreeofbuilt-upgrassandtrash.
CleanUNDERSIDEOFMOWERHOUSING
aftereachuse.See"Cleaning"inCUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIESsectionofthismanual.
• Thespecialmulchingbladewillrecurthe
grassclippingsmanylimesandreduce
theminsizesothatastheyfallontothe
lawntheywiltdisperseintothegrassand
notbenoticed.Also,themulchedgrasswill
biodegradequicklytoprovidenutrientsfor
thelawn.Alwaysmulchwithyourhighest
engine(blade)speedasthiswillprovidethe
bestrecurringactionoftheblades.
- Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenitiswet.Wet
grasstendstoformclumpsandinterferes
withthemulchingaclion_Thebes!timeto
mowyourlawnistheeadyaftemoonoAtthis
timethegrasshasddedandthenewlycut
areawillnotbeexposed to 1he direct sun.
Gutting helght so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass blades.
If the lawn ts 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 heavy mulching,
reduce your widlh of cut, mow slowly and
raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.
Cerlain types of grass and grass condilions
may require thai 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.
Change your cutting pattern from week to
weelc Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next Week. This
will help prevent matting and graining of lJ-_e
lawn_
MAX 1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGUL^RSERVICE
MClean Lawn Mower _i
_t_ Clean Under bdve Cover
Check drive belt/pulleys i
Ch Bc_dSharp anlR_p},_ce B_ada i
Lubrication Chad I
_rymeche_ _-- _- ....
E_ctdC Sta_ Mowem]
ECheck Engine O, Level ,_':
U Chart e Engine O_ i
P
GClean Air Filter _,
IInspect Mu_fler
N Clean or Replace Spar_ Plug i
EReplace Air Filler Paper Cartridge I I
.'_ERV1GE DATES
y:'-
v"
i/2 I
1-Ck_ng_ mma ohBnwhen operating,_md_ta heavy k_=dor _ high _mblen__rJmp_ml_}_os
2-Ssrv_,:,_more ellen whan operatingin d_y or dasty-r,or_lil_m_
3,-Rgp_co bl,'_dm'_mo_, of_.n when _c,wtngin _y soiL
4,1 Chz=_ge 48 hou_ at snd ol"sr_ason
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 un]L
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustmenls section of this manual should be
checked 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 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
• Check engine oil level. (_)
•Check for loose fasteners,.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION
CHAR'P).
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
Engine oil
Rear (_) Handle bracket
door
hinge mounting pin
SPRAY LUBRICANT
SAE 30 MOTOR OIL REFER TO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION.
IMPORTANT'. Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings..Viscous lubricants will attract
du_t and dirt that will shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings, ifyou {eelthey must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricantsparingly.
10