Craftsman 917.378440 Manuel utilisateur

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'I

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.5 Horsepower

21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.378440

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rulesand Instructions

before operatingthisequipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sea rs.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ...................................... 2-4

Assembly /Pre-Operation .................... 5

Operation ........................................... 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 10

Maintenance ................................. 10-13

Product Specifications ........................ 11

Service and Adjustments.............. 13-15

Storage ......................................... 15-16

Troubleshooting ........................... 16-17

Repair Parts .................................. 34-43

Sears Service ...................... 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 used in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich

vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, Illinois60179

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.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: 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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro-

ductive 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.

•, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on

contact, stay away from these areas.

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.

• 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.

•Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait

until the blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when

operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in

severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

not mow it.

DO:

•Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

•Remove obstacles such as recks, tree

limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause 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 amachine 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

setting or overspeed the engine.

These accessorieswere availablewhen thislawnmowerwas produced.They are not

shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableat most Searsretailoutletsand service

centers. Most Searsstorescanalso orderrepairpartsfor you, whenyou providethe model

numberofyourlawnmower. Some oftheseaccessoriesmay notapplytoyour lawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

'___ '

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

f J\

\_ \\ GRASS CATCHERS

\_ FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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 place 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

control bar

Mowing

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in

the Operation section of this manual).

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL 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.

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

Operator presence control bar

•Drive control lever

Starter

handle Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Grass Muffler

Housing

Gasoline filler cap'

Air filter

Primer (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

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 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.

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign

objects thrown intothe

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 standard safety glasses

or a wide vision safety mask over

spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR 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.

lib

._ SLOW

FAST ,"-','._

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_I_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.

•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.

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.

bar Drive

control

TO DRIVE

ENGAGE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

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.

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as amulcher. To convert to bagging:

•Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place

the grass catcher frame hooks onto the

door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, remove

grass catcher and close rear door.

_I;I,CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clipping

deflector or approved grass catcher in

place. Never attempt to operate the lawn

mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

Pivot )ins Rear Grass

catcher

_'_- handle

7Catcher frame

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippirlgs

from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both

frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

Bag

handle

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

ACAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

Make sure that rim of spout is clean.

3. You receive a container of oil with the

unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil

from the container down the oil fill

spout into the engine.

4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.

Insert and tighten dipstick, then

remove it to check oil level.

5. Continue adding small amounts of oil

and rechecking the dipstick until it

reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine

will smoke on startup.

6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick

before starting engine.

•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

•Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler

neck. Do not overfill. 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 freshness.

A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: 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.

iRe

oil cap

filler cap

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.

TO STOP ENGINE

•To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather itmay be

necessary to 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 attemptingto start and do not

repeat primingsteps.

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

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 the

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 grass, reduce your

width of cut by overlapping previously

cut path and mow slowly.

MAX1/3

• 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.

MAINTENANCE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

SC.EeU'E

Check for Loose Fasteners t/ t/

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) t/I_

MClean Lawn Mower v'

O Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power-Propelled Mowers) !/

Check ddve belt/pulleys

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers) If

ChecldSharpen/Replace Blade _ 3

Lubrication Chart V'

Clean Battery/Recharge

/Electde Start Mowers ! V'

ECheck EngineOil Level !/

NChange Engine Oil 1,/1,_

GClean A_rFilter Ikf 2

I InspectMuffler t##

NClean or Replace Spark Plug v'

EReplace Air FilterPaper Cartridge 1112

I/4

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.

2- Service more often when operating in dirty ordusty co_itions.

3- Replace blades more o_en when mowing in sandy soil,

4-Charge 48 hours 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

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help

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

adjuster (on

each wheel)

gineoil

Rear door

hinge

(!) Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) Spray lubricant

(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance 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-lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

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