Craftsman 917.374362 User Manual

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area
and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be
sure to clean both rear wheels.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept
sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.
A CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is haz-
ardous, could damage your mower and
void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5. Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).
6. Remove debris shield.
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position blade adapter on engine crank-
shaft. Be sure key in adapter and crank-
shaft keyway are aligned; and that drive
belt is inside tabs of belt retainer.
2. Install debris shield.
3. Position blade on the blade adapter.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on blade adapter.
4. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo-
site sharp edge) is up toward engine.
5. Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
6. Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
Belt
retainer
Trailing edge
Blade adapter
Hardened
Debris shield washer
Lockwasher
Blade Blade bolt
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure blade is bal-
anced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to mower or engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, you will need a
5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, ora cone bal-
ancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow
instructions supplied with balancer.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, but are not.
• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion
of the steel bolt or pin and hold the
bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If
blade is balanced, it should remain in a
horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
Center hole
14
5/8" bolt or pin
Blade

Craftsman 917.374362 Specifications

General

Brand	Craftsman
Model	917.374362
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

Warranty Information

2-Year Full Warranty Coverage

Details the manufacturer's warranty coverage for defects in material or workmanship.

Safety Rules and Precautions

General Safety Warnings

Highlights the dangers of the cutting machine and the importance of following instructions.

Preventing Accidental Starting

Instructs on disconnecting the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts during service.

California Emissions Hazard Warning

Warns about cancer and reproductive harm chemicals in engine exhaust.

Battery Lead Compound Warning

Alerts to lead and lead compounds in battery components known to cause harm.

Hot Surface Burn Hazard

Warns about hot muffler and engine parts causing severe burns upon contact.

Operational Guidelines

General Operation and Safety

Safe use instructions, avoiding moving parts, clearing area, and proper footwear.

Slope Operation Safety

Guidelines for mowing on slopes, emphasizing caution and proper technique.

Child Safety Awareness

Emphasizes keeping children away from the mowing area for their safety.

Gasoline Handling Safety

Critical safety instructions for handling flammable gasoline safely.

Gasoline Handling and General Service

Refueling Safety Procedures

Detailed steps for safe refueling, including container placement and nozzle contact.

Routine Maintenance and Checks

Covers general service tasks like checking fasteners, cleaning, and safety device inspection.

Spark Arrester Requirement

Mentions the requirement for a spark arrester in certain areas due to law.

Accessories and Maintenance

Available Mower Accessories

Lists accessories available for the lawn mower, not shipped with the unit.

Maintenance Components Overview

Shows images of various maintenance parts like filters, plugs, belts, and oil.

Assembly and Pre-Operation

Removing Mower from Carton

Step-by-step instructions for unpacking the lawn mower from its shipping carton.

Unfolding the Handle

Guidance on safely unfolding and setting up the mower's handle for operation.

Assembly and Preparation

Grass Catcher Assembly

Instructions for putting together the grass catcher bag and frame.

Battery Charging Procedure

Steps for charging the lawn mower battery before first use and for storage.

Attachment Conversion Reference

Refers to the Operation section for converting the mower for mulching or discharging.

Operation and Controls

Lawn Mower Controls Overview

Identifies and explains the function of key controls and safety features on the mower.

Safety Symbols Explained

Illustrates and defines common symbols found on the lawn mower and manual.

CPSC Safety Compliance

States that the mower meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Engine Speed and Control Bar

Explains factory-set engine speed and the function of the operator presence control bar.

Drive Control System Operation

Details how to engage, disengage, and adjust the self-propelling drive control.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Provides instructions for adjusting the mower's cutting height for different lawn conditions.

Mower Conversion

Rear Bagging Setup

Instructions for attaching the grass catcher for rear bagging.

Side Discharging Setup

Steps for setting up the mower for side discharge operation.

Conversion Mode Summary

A quick reference guide for converting the mower to different modes.

Engine Startup Procedures

Grass Catcher Emptying

Instructions on when and how to empty the grass catcher.

Adding Engine Oil and Gasoline

Details on checking and adding the correct type and amount of oil and gasoline.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Procedures for safely stopping and starting the lawn mower engine.

Mowing Best Practices

General Mowing Tips

Tips for efficient and safe mowing, including blade usage and cleaning.

Mulching Mowing Techniques

Recommendations for optimal mulching, including housing cleanliness and cutting techniques.

Maintenance and Lubrication

Maintenance Schedule Overview

A chart detailing maintenance checks and tasks based on usage frequency.

Lubrication Chart and Guidelines

Visual guide and recommendations for lubricating mower components.

Tire, Wheel, and Blade Maintenance

Tire and Drive Wheel Care

Instructions for inspecting and cleaning tires and drive wheels.

Blade Removal, Installation, and Sharpening

Procedures for safely removing, replacing, installing, and sharpening the mower blade.

Component Maintenance

Grass Catcher and Gear Case Care

Instructions for maintaining the grass catcher and gear case.

Engine Oil and Air Filter Service

Details on draining and refilling engine oil and servicing the air filter.

Cleaning and Component Checks

Muffler, Spark Plug, and Housing Cleaning

Information on inspecting the muffler, replacing the spark plug, and cleaning the mower.

Water Washout Feature Usage

Instructions for using the water washout feature to clean the mower's underside.

Drive Cover Cleaning

Guidance on cleaning the underside of the drive cover.

Service and Adjustments

Drive Belt Replacement

Procedures for removing and replacing the mower's drive belt.

Handle Height Adjustment

Instructions for adjusting the handle height for operator comfort.

Engine and Storage Preparation

Engine Speed and Carburetor Details

Explains factory-set engine speed and that the carburetor is not adjustable.

Mower and Handle Storage Procedures

Steps for cleaning, lubricating, and folding the mower for long-term storage.

Engine Storage and Troubleshooting

Fuel System and Engine Oil for Storage

Instructions for preparing the fuel system and changing engine oil for storage.

Engine Starting Troubleshooting

Lists common causes and corrections for the engine failing to start.

Troubleshooting Mower Performance

Common Operational Issues and Solutions

Addresses various operational problems like loss of power, poor cut, and vibration with solutions.

Drive, Push, and Handle Adjustment Troubleshooting

Covers troubleshooting for drive problems, pushing difficulty, and handle adjustments.

Additional Support Resources

Online Help and Manuals

Directs users to managemyhome.com for further assistance and product manuals.

Customer Support and Services

Online Resources and Expert Help

Information on accessing online resources and expert help for product support.

In-Home and Carry-In Repair Services

Details Sears' services for appliance, lawn equipment, and HVAC repairs at home or carry-in.

Protection and Maintenance Agreements

How to purchase protection or maintenance agreements for serviced products.