Craftsman 917.37177 manual HOW to SET UP Your Mower

Engine Power Rating Information

The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with SAE (So- ciety of Automo-tive Engineers) code J 11940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure), and rating performance has been obtained and corrected in accordance with SAE J1995 (Revision 2002-5). Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by, among other things, ambi- ent operating conditions and engine-to-engine variability. Given both the wide array of products on which engines are placed and the variety of environmental issues applicable to operating the equipment, the gas engine will not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of power equipment (actual "on-site" or net horsepower). This difference is due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude), and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton may substitute an engine of higher rated power for this Series engine.

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 assem- bled 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 tight- ened 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 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 thoroughly for additional loose parts.

OperatorMOWING

presencePOSITION control bar

LIFT	Upper
UP	handle

Handle knob

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1.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.

2.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.
_L-L; X_-//X_		}	_L-L;	X_-//X_		}	Frame
// \			- //	\			handle

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 up- per 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 "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual.

Vinyl	Frame
bindings	opening
TO INSTALL	ATTACHMENTS

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

discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.