Craftsman 5.5 Horsepower 22" Rear Discharge Power Propelled Rotary Lawn Mower

Table of Contents

• Warranty
• Safety Rules
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance Schedule
• Maintenance
• Product Specifications
• Service and Adjustments
• Storage
• Troubleshooting
• Repair Parts

Warranty

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.
• 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

Safety Rules

Safety standards require operator presence 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.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Learn how to quickly stop the 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.

• 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 manufacturer. 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.

Assembly

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 assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. 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. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

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 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 MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.
• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section 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.

Diagram showing handle adjustment points.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in 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.

Diagram showing mulcher plug installation.

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.

Operation

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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.

Diagram showing symbols: CAUTION, ENGINE OFF, ENGINE ON, FAST, SLOW, CHOKE, FUEL, OIL, DANGER KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.

Diagram showing lawn mower controls: Engine zone control cable, Operator presence control bar, Throttle control, Starter handle, Grass catcher, Mulcher plug, Engine oil cap w/dipstick, Handle knob, Gasoline filler cap, Housing, Drive cover, Wheel adjuster.

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 Commission. 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.
• Starter handle- used for starting the engine.
• Drive control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of lawn mower.
• Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to bagging or discharging operation.
• Throttle control - Used for starting the engine and allows you to select either fast or slow engine speed.

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed is controlled by a throttle control located on the side of the upper handle. Choke position is for starting a cold engine and fast position is for normal cutting, trimming, and better grass bagging. Slow position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.

Diagram showing throttle control with FAST, SLOW, and CHOKE positions.

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.

• 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 requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

Diagram showing wheel height adjustment.

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.

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Lift the rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

Diagram showing grass catcher attachment.

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.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.
• Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.
• Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Diagram showing grass catcher removal and emptying.

Maintenance Schedule

Table outlining maintenance tasks and their frequency (Before Each Use, After Each Use, Every 10 Hours, Every 25 Hours, Before Storage, Service Dates). Tasks include checking fasteners, cleaning grass catcher, cleaning mower, cleaning under drive cover, checking drive belt, checking/sharpening/replacing blade, lubrication, cleaning air filter, inspecting muffler, cleaning/replacing spark plug, replacing air filter paper cartridge.

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, 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 CHART").

Diagram showing lubrication points: Handle bracket mounting pin, Wheel adjuster, Engine oil, Rear door hinge.

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.

Maintenance

LUBRICATION CHART

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for specific lubrication tasks.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated.

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.

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and run better. Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.

CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up. Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove buildup of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a season. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any buildup of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

Product Specifications

• Serial Number: [Space provided]
• Date of Purchase: [Space provided]
• Gasoline Capacity/Type: 1.0 Quarts, Unleaded Regular
• Oil Type (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F), SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
• Oil Capacity: 18.5 ozs.
• Spark Plug (Gap: .030"): CHAMPION J19LM OR J19LM
• Valve Clearance: INTAKE: .005" - .007", EXHAUST: .007" - .009"
• Solid State Ignition Air Gap: .010 IN.
• Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing 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.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
• Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end wrench.
• Remove blade and attaching hardware.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure the spacer is in the adaptor and key in shaft and adaptor keyway are aligned.
• Position blade on the blade adapter. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
• Install the blade bolt with washers into blade adapter and crankshaft.
• 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. lbs.

IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn 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.

Diagram showing blade balance check with a nail.

Service and Adjustments

CAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments.

• Release control bar and stop engine.
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the operator's mowing position. If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT

• Remove drive cover. Remove belt by pushing down on gear case pulley and rolling belt off it.
• Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor and fuel cap up.
• Remove blade.
• Remove debris shield.
• Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.
• Install new belt by reversing above steps.
• Always use factory approved belt to assure fit and long life.

Diagram showing drive belt removal.

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The upper handle may be adjusted to four (4) different height positions.

• Loosen both handle knobs only enough to allow the upper handle to pivot to the desired adjustment position.
• Tighten both handle knobs securely.

Diagram showing handle adjustment knobs.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

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.

Diagram showing grass catcher assembly.

Storage

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more.

LAWN MOWER

When lawn mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

• Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual).
• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting.

HANDLE

You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower handle toward each other until the lower handle clears the handle bracket, then move handle forward.
• Loosen upper handle mounting bolts enough to allow upper handle to be folded back.

IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for storage or transportation, be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may damage the control cables.

When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower handle will automatically lock into the mowing position.

Diagram showing how to fold the handle for storage.

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, 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.

• Drain the fuel tank.
• Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER

• Remove spark plug.
• Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.
• Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.
• Replace with new spark plug.

Troubleshooting Chart

Repair Parts

ROTARY LAWN MOWER -- MODEL NO. 917.379480

GEAR CASE ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER 702511

Diagram of Gear Case Assembly with numbered parts.

NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm

Diagram of various lawn mower parts with key numbers.

Diagram of Honda 4-Cycle Engine parts breakdown for Control, Camshaft, Carburetor, Fan Cover, Flywheel, Recoil Starter, Air Cleaner, Cylinder Barrel, Crankshaft, Piston Connecting Rod, Oil Pan, Muffler.

List of part numbers and descriptions for the Rotary Lawn Mower Model Number 917.379480, including accessories.