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Craftsman 917.378381 User Manual

Craftsman 917.378381
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Owner's Manual
IC..FTSMnWl
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
6.5 Horsepower
Power-Propelled
21" Rear Discharge
Model No.
917.378381
EspaSol, p. 19
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
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Craftsman 917.378381 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Model Number917.378381
CategoryLawn Mower
EngineBriggs & Stratton
Engine TypeGasoline
Cutting Width21 inches
Cutting Height AdjustmentDual-lever
Cutting Positions6
Drive TypeSelf-Propelled
Drive SystemRear-Wheel Drive
Speed SettingsVariable
Fuel Tank Capacity1.6 quarts
Mulching CapabilityYes
Weight80 lbs
Engine Power6.75 ft-lbs Gross Torque

Summary

Warranty Information

Limited Two Year Warranty

Details warranty coverage, terms, and exclusions for the lawn mower.

Warranty Service Availability

Explains how to obtain warranty service for the product.

Safety Rules and Precautions

Important Safety Precautions

Highlights critical safety symbols and warnings for operation.

General Safety Warnings

Provides warnings about engine exhaust and battery chemicals.

General Operation Guidelines

Pre-Operation Checks

Emphasizes reading manual, controls, and clearing the mowing area.

Safe Operating Procedures

Details practices like wearing footwear, avoiding backward motion, and using guards.

Slope Operation Safety

Mowing Slopes Safely

Recommends mowing across slopes and exercising caution.

Slope Operation Restrictions

Advises against mowing near drop-offs or on steep/wet slopes.

Children Safety Precautions

Preventing Accidents with Children

Stresses keeping children away and remaining alert during operation.

Service Safety Precautions

Fuel Handling Safety

Covers safe practices for gasoline and fuel containers.

Maintenance Safety Steps

Advises on disconnecting spark plug before adjustments.

Product Specifications

Key Technical Specifications

Lists serial number, purchase date, capacity, oil type, spark plug, and torque.

Repair Protection Plans

Agreement Benefits Explained

Outlines expert service, unlimited parts/labor, and product replacement.

Service Scheduling Options

Explains how to schedule service via phone or online.

Sears Installation Services

Professional Installation Information

Details on professional installation services for home appliances.

Lawn Mower Accessories

Performance Enhancing Accessories

Describes clipping deflectors and grass catchers for mower performance.

Maintenance Related Accessories

Lists mufflers, air filters, spark plugs, belts, and blade adapters.

Assembly and Pre-Operation

Manual and Instruction Reading

Emphasizes reading all instructions and the owner's manual.

Initial Setup Important Notes

Highlights shipping without oil/gas and secure assembly.

Lawn Mower Setup Procedures

Unboxing and Carton Removal

Details how to remove the mower from its shipping carton.

Handle Folding and Adjustment

Step-by-step guide to unfold and adjust the mower handle.

Grass Catcher Assembly Guide

Instructions for assembling the grass catcher.

Battery Preparation Steps

Initial Battery Charging Process

Explains connecting the charger and the initial charging duration.

Battery Maintenance for Storage

Notes on charging after use and for winter storage.

Lawn Mower Operation Guide

Understanding Mower Controls

Identifies key parts like operator presence control bar and primer.

Safety Symbol Meanings

Explains common safety symbols found on the mower.

Engine Starting Procedures

Operator Presence Control Bar Function

Describes its function for starting and stopping the engine.

Primer and Starter Handle Usage

Explains use of the primer and auxiliary starter handle.

Operating the Lawn Mower

Engine Speed Settings

States engine speed is factory set and not adjustable.

Drive Control Operation

Explains how to engage and disengage self-propelling.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Cutting Height Adjustment Method

Describes squeezing the lever and moving the wheel.

Mower Conversion Instructions

Converting to Bagging Operation

Steps to attach the grass catcher.

Converting to Mulching Operation

Steps to remove the grass catcher.

Grass Catcher Emptying

Emptying the Grass Catcher

Steps to lift, remove, and empty the grass catcher.

Before Starting Engine Procedures

Adding Engine Oil Instructions

Instructions for checking and filling engine oil.

Adding Gasoline Instructions

Guidance on filling the fuel tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.

Stopping the Engine

Engine Stop Procedure

Release the operator presence control bar to stop the engine.

Starting the Engine

Cold Engine Starting Steps

Priming the engine for cold starts.

Using Starter Key or Rope

How to use the ignition key or pull starter.

Mowing Tips and Techniques

Adjusting for Mowing Conditions

Tips for tall grass, heavy cutting, and wet conditions.

Grass Catcher Performance Tips

How to maintain grass catcher efficiency.

Engine Area Cleaning Importance

Importance of keeping the engine clear of debris.

Mulching Mowing Best Practices

Mulching Blade Performance Tips

How the mulching blade works and best engine speed.

Avoid Cutting Wet Grass

Advice against cutting wet grass for mulching.

Changing Mowing Pattern Advice

Suggestions for changing mowing patterns weekly.

Maintenance Schedule Overview

Regular Service Intervals Chart

Details tasks for before/after use, and at 10, 25, 100 hours.

Service Date Tracking Space

Space to record dates for completed services.

General Maintenance Recommendations

Linking Maintenance to Warranty

Links proper maintenance to warranty coverage.

Annual Component Checks

Recommends yearly replacement of spark plug and air filter.

Before Each Use Essential Checks

Essential checks before operating the mower.

Lubrication Guide and Chart

Lubrication Points Chart

Visual guide to lubrication points on the mower.

Lubricant Type Restrictions

Warnings against oiling plastic wheel bearings.

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tasks

Tire Maintenance and Care

How to keep tires free from damage from chemicals and hazards.

Drive Wheel Cleaning Procedures

Checking and cleaning drive wheels for free movement.

Blade Maintenance and Replacement

Removing the Mower Blade

Steps to safely disconnect spark plug and remove the blade.

Installing a New Mower Blade

Instructions for installing a new blade with proper torque.

Sharpening and Balancing the Blade

Guidance on sharpening and balancing the blade for safety.

Grass Catcher and Gear Case Care

Grass Catcher Cleaning and Checks

Cleaning the grass catcher and checking for damage.

Gear Case Cleaning and Lubrication

Cleaning the gear case area and lubricant information.

Engine Lubrication and Oil Changes

SAE Viscosity Grades Chart

Chart showing oil grades for different operating temperatures.

Engine Oil Consumption Notes

Notes on multi-viscosity oils and checking oil levels.

Changing Engine Oil Procedure

Step-by-step procedure for draining and refilling engine oil.

Air Filter and Spark Plug Service

Cleaning the Air Filter Element

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter.

Replacing the Spark Plug Guide

When and how to replace the spark plug.

General Mower Cleaning

Mower Housing Cleaning Steps

Cleaning the underside and engine area of the mower.

Drive Cover Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning under the drive cover.

Service and Adjustments Overview

Pre-Service Safety Procedures

Essential safety steps before performing service.

Rear Deflector Functionality

Purpose and replacement of the rear deflector.

Drive Belt Maintenance Procedures

Removing the Drive Belt

Steps to access and remove the drive belt.

Replacing the Drive Belt

Procedure for installing a new drive belt.

Handle Height Adjustment

Adjusting the Mower Handle Height

Steps to change the handle position for comfort.

Engine Speed and Carburetor Info

Engine Speed Settings Explained

Factory settings and service recommendations for engine speed.

Carburetor Service Advice

Notes on non-adjustability and service center advice.

Lawn Mower Storage Preparation

Mower Cleaning and Lubrication

Steps for cleaning and lubricating before long-term storage.

Folding Handle for Storage

How to fold the handle for compact storage.

Engine Storage Preparation Steps

Fuel System Storage Procedures

Emptying fuel tank or using fuel stabilizer.

Engine Oil for Storage

Draining and refilling engine oil before storage.

Cylinder and Battery Storage Prep

Cylinder Storage Preparation

Pouring oil into cylinder and replacing spark plug.

Battery Storage Preparation

Disconnecting and charging the battery.

Other Storage Recommendations

Gasoline Storage Guidelines

Not storing old gasoline or using rusty cans.

Indoor Storage Safety Warnings

Warnings about storing indoors with gasoline.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Engine Does Not Start Causes

Causes and corrections for starting issues.

Troubleshooting Mower Issues

Loss of Mower Power Solutions

Diagnosing and fixing power loss.

Poor Cut Quality Fixes

Addressing uneven cuts and wheel height.

Excessive Vibration Diagnosis

Identifying causes of vibration.

Starter Rope Operation Issues

Problems with the starter rope.

Grass Catcher Filling Problems

Reasons for poor grass collection.

Hard to Push Mower Solutions

Solutions for difficulty pushing the mower.

Drive Speed Loss Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting belt or drive cable issues.

Craftsman Lawn Mower Parts List

Upper and Lower Handle Parts

Lists parts for the upper and lower handle assemblies.

Control Bar and Knob Components

Parts related to the control bar and knobs.

Wheel and Axle Arm Parts

Parts for the wheel and axle arm system.

Engine and Pulley Components

Engine components and pulley parts.

Blade Adapter and Blade Parts

Parts for the cutting blade and its adapter.

Available Accessories List

Mentions optional accessories not included with the mower.

Craftsman Lawn Mower Parts List (Continued)

Drive System and Belt Parts

Parts for the drive system, including belts and pulleys.

Wheel Adjuster Kit Components

Components for the wheel adjuster kits.

Gear Case Assembly Parts

Parts list for the gear case assembly.

Grassbag Assembly Components

Parts for the grass collection bag and frame.

Driveshaft and Related Parts

Components related to the driveshaft.

Gear Case Assembly Breakdown

Gear Case Major Components

Lists parts like case halves, gears, levers, and shafts.

Gear Case Seals and Bushings

Various seals and bushings for the gear case.

Gear Case Bearings and Washers

Ball bearings and washers for the gear case.

Briggs & Stratton Engine Parts Diagram

Engine Block and Crankshaft Diagram

Major engine block and crankshaft parts diagram.

Cylinder Head Components Diagram

Parts related to the cylinder head assembly.

Piston and Connecting Rod Diagram

Internal engine components diagram.

Briggs & Stratton Engine Parts List (Carburetor)

Carburetor Gasket Set Components

List of gaskets for the carburetor.

Carburetor Overhaul Kit Parts

Components for rebuilding the carburetor.

Air Filter Housing and Cover Parts

Parts for the air filter housing and cover.

Briggs & Stratton Engine Diagram

Engine Housing and Cover Diagram

Parts for the engine housing and covers.

Emissions Label and Related Parts

Emissions label and associated components.

Engine Gasket Set Components

Gasket set for the engine assembly.

Briggs & Stratton Engine Parts List (Internal)

Cylinder Head and Piston Components

Components for cylinder head and piston assembly.

Crankshaft and Valve Train Parts

Crankshaft and valve train components.

Engine Gaskets and Seals List

Various gaskets and seals for engine assembly.

Valve Springs and Retainer Parts

Valve springs and retainers.

Briggs & Stratton Engine Parts List (Controls & Accessories)

Governor and Tappet System Parts

Components for the governor system.

Intake and Breather System Parts

Parts related to intake and breather systems.

Starter and Ignition System Parts

Rewind starter, spark plug, and related parts.

Carburetor and Fuel System Parts

Parts for the carburetor and fuel system.

Brake and Interlock Switch Parts

Safety brake and interlock switch components.

Service and Support Options

In-Home Repair Service Details

Details on getting repairs at home for appliances and equipment.

Carry-In Repair Center Information

Information on Sears Parts and Repair Centers for carry-in service.

Protection Agreement Purchase

Information on purchasing service and maintenance agreements.

Spanish Language Support Contact

Contact information for Spanish-speaking repair service.

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