Craftsman EZ3 917.37755A User manual

Owner's Manual
®
6.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DRSCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN _OWER
Model No.
917°37755A
oSafety
o Assembly
o Operation
Maintenance
o EspaSoi
o Repair Parts
CAUTUON:
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 13
Assen'lbly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR VCARRANTY 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 wilt 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:
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 negUgence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to rnaintain 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:
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.
o 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 turns when the engine is
running.
PREPARATION:
o 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.
o Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower_
o Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
o Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
2

hot..Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank°Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine°
Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower..Never
attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
o Keepyoureyesandmindonyourmower
andtheareabeingcut.Donotletother
interestsdistractyou
o Donotmowwetorslipper,!grass..Never
runwhileoperatingyourmower_Always
besureofyourfooting-keepafirmhold
onthehandlesandwalk.
• Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunder
rotatingparts.Keepclearofthedischarge
openingatalltimes°
o Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveorarenotusingyourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,
andanygravel-coveredareas,.
o Neverdirectdischargeofmaterialtoward
bystandersnorallowanyonenearthe
mowerwhileyouareoperatingit.
o Beforecleaning,inspecting,orrepairing
yourmower,stoptheengineandmake
absolutelysurethebladeandallmoving
partshavestopped.Thendisconnectthe
sparkplugwireandkeepitawayfromthe
sparkplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
o Donotcontinuetorunyourmowerifyou
hitaforeignobject..Followtheprocedure
outlinedabove,thenrepairanydamage
beforerestartingandoperatingyour
mower.
o Donotchangethegovernorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine..Enginedamageor
personalinjurymayresult,
• Donotoperateyourmowerifitvibrates
abnormally.Excessivevibrationisan
indicationofdamage;stoptheengine,
safelycheckforthecauseofvibration
andrepairasrequired.
o Donotruntheengineindoors.Exhaust
fumesaredangerous.
o Nevercutgrassbypullingthemower
towardsyou.Mowacrossthefaceof
slopes,neverupanddownoryoumight
loseyourfooting,Donotmowexces-
sivelysteepslopes.Usecautionwhen
operatingthemoweronuneventerrain
orwhen:changingdirections-maintain
goodfooting.
o Neveroperateyourmowerwithout
properguards,plates,grasscatcheror
othersafetydevicesinplace.
MAINTENANCEAND STORAGE:
o Checkthebladeandtheenginemount-
ingboltsoftentobesuretheyare
tightenedproperly..
o Checkallbolts,nutsandscrewsat
frequentintervalsforpropertightnessto
besuremowerisinsafeworking
condition,.
o Keepallsafetydevicesinplaceand
working°
o Toreducefirehazard,keeptheengine
freeofgrass,leavesorexcessivegrease
andoil.
o Checkgrasscatcheroftenfordeteriora-
tionandwearandreplacewornbags..
Useonlyreplacementbagsthatare
recommendedbyandcomplywith
specificationsofthemanufacturerofyour
mower.
o Alwayskeepasharpbladeon your
mower,
° Allowenginetocoolbeforestoringinany
enclosure.
° Neverstoremowerwithfuelinthetank
insideabuildingwherefumesmayreach
anopenflameoranignitionsourcesuch
asahotwaterheater,Spaceheater,
clothesdryer,etc.,
CAUTION:Alwaysdisconnectsparkplug
wireandplacewirewhereitcannotcontact
sparkpluginordertopreventaccidental
startingwhensettingup,transporting,
adjustingormakingrepairs.
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,Theyarealso
availableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters_MostSearsstorescanalsoorder'
repairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someofthese
accessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower:
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
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
i ill .,.iii i ,.,., i,,.,,.,.,i
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
Read these instructionsand this manual in its
erltirety 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_ A!l 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
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.
TO RF,_iVIOVEELAWN MOWF,R FROM
CARTON
oRemove loose parts included with mower,
o Cut down two end comers of carton and lay
end panel down fiat.
- 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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWF,R
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTAWi': Unfold handles carefullyso as
not to pinch or damage controlcables
°Raise handles untillower handle section
locksinto place in mowing position.
° Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle se_on into place on lower handle
and tighten both handle knobs.
=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.
4

NOTE:Forshippingpurposes,therear
wheelsonyourlawnmowerarenotadjusted
tothesamepositionasthefrontwheels.
Beforeoperatingmoweradjustallwheelsto
thesamecuttingheightposition.
Operator presence control bar
Lift
/
Lower handle
Mowing position
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your Iawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher, lb convert to bagging or
discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher plugo
Store mu!cber P!Ugin 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.
Mucher 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.
5

KNOWYOURLAWN 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 adjustCnents_ 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
::: .... .....= ............ .... ..........................
Engine zone control cable
Operator presence control bar
Starter handle Drive control lever
Grass catcher Handle knob
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Mulcher plug
Gasoline filler cap
Housing
Drive cover
Primer Wheel adjuster
(on every 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 Comrnis-
sio!!: The blade,!urns when the engine is running: ......................................... ................
Operator presence control bar - most
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-propefled forward motion of lawn
mower-
Mulcher plug - must be removed to
convert to bagging or discharging opera-
tion.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mutcher plate in place and door
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector or grasscatcher in place.. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped6pen
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance_ Speed is not
adjustable,,
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
turns when the engine is running
o Your fawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
an d operate the lawn mower.,
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for tow 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,
Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate Tab
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
" 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
brackeb! -., .....
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 clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
o
Rear door
-,,,..
Hinge Grass catcher
bracket frame
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
o To remove grass catcher, release
operator presence control bar to stop
engine,
o Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emp-
tying; it will cause unnecessary wear,,
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
Lever

DRIVE CONTROL
o Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator' presence control bar down to the
handle and pushingthe drive control lever
forward until itclicks; then release the drive
control lever_
o Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released. To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release the operator presence controi bar
slightly until the drive control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling..
o To keep drk,e control engaged when tuming
comers, push down on handle and lift front
wheels off ground while turning lawn
mower. Operator presence
control bar
\
Drive Drive
control control
Drive control
To engage disengaged
drive control
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.
o Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fillis clean.
• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the full line on the dipstick.
° Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil
touse, see "ENGINE_' inCustomer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
o Pour oil slowly. Do not over' fill.
= Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. FilI to full line on dipstick,
o To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time,
o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
o 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
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unteaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities thatcan be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: When operating in
temperaturesbelow 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean winter grade gasofine to help insure
good cold weather starting.
WARNING: Experience indicatesthat alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol
or methano0 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 additiona_ information,
Never use engine or carburetor' cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur:
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filter
neck, Do not overfill° V'_peoff any spilled oil or
fuel Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an
open flame_
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer three (3)
times before t_ng 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 Move engine speed control lever to fast
pos_on.
o Hold operator presence cont.rol bar'down to
the handle and pult starter handle quickJy.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
o To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar°
NOTE: In cooler'weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause floodin.g and engine
will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps, Engine oil cap w!
Gasoline filler cap dipstick
8

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 overloadingthe engine and
!eaving clumps of grass clippings.
o 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, heaw/grass, clumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catchen Reduce
ground speed (pushing speed) and!or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time°
o 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 ofengine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff..This will
help engine air flow and extend engine life,
° 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 catchers off with water
and let dry before using.
Max,, 1/3
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbest 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 wil! 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 dded and the newly cut
area will not be exposed to the direct sun.
o For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one4hird 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 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 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 help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.

AS YOU COMPLETE /__,___'_._L_-_I=I_\fI_ n ....
Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped} _'
Mcie_ Lawn Mower
Clean Under Ddve Cover
i (Power*Propelled Mowers) _#'
i_hec_d,ve beiiiPuueys ...................................
E i (Power-Propelled M0_e_)
RcheC_sha_erJReplace Blade
Lubrication Chart
Clean BatterytRecharge
(Electric Start Mowe P) ..............................................
F_ Check Engine Oil Level _'
,N chang_EngineO_r ...................
GClean Air Filter _ ,
| inspect Muffler
N i Clean or Rep!a,ce SparkP,!ug...........
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
_'_
V' _'_
1-Change more often when operatir_guttde_ a hoavy toad or in high ambior_ttemperatu_'es.
2-Service more often when operating in dirtyor dusty conditions,.
3-Replace blades more o_tenwhen mowing it=sandysoil
4-Charge 48 hoers at end of season
GENERAL RECOtViiVtEENDATIONS
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
rnanual.
Some adjustments wilt need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your uniL
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should
be checked at least once each seasom '
o 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 Ionger_
°Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual
BEFORE EACH USE
o Check engine oil level_
o Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
TION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) Engine oil
(_) Handle/bracket
mounting pin
(_ Rear door
hinge
(_ Spay lub=icante
(_) Refer to CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES ENGINE'
section..
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