Service and Adjustments

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

•Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.

•Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.

•Keep ﬁ nished 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, mufﬂ er, air ﬁ lter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in short- ened engine life.

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER

Clean under drive cover at least twice a sea- son. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of drive cover.

WARNING: To avoid serious injury, before performing any service and adjustments:

1.Release control bar and stop engine.

2.Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

3.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire 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.

Belt keeper

Belt

Drive cover

PUSH DOWN

REAR DEFLECTOR

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

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1.Remove drive cover and belt keeper.

2.Remove belt from gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

3.Turn lawn mower on its side with air ﬁ lter and carburetor down.

4.Remove blade and debris shield.

5.Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1.Install new belt on engine pulley.

2.Reinstall debris shield and blade.

3.Return mower to upright position.

4.Install new belt on gearcase pulley.

5.Reinstall belt keeper and drive cover. NOTE: Always use factory approved belt to assure ﬁ t and long life.

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle can be mounted in a high or low position. The mounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for raising or lowering the handle.

1.Remove upper handle and wire tie(s) securing cable(s) to lower handle.

2.Remove hairpin cotters from lower handle bracket mounting pin.

3.Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

4.Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle.

5.Squeezelowerhandleinandpositionholes onto mounting pins on handle bracket.

6.Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

Mowing	Mowing
position	position

Hairpin

cotter Handle

Mountingbracket pin

LOW POSITION

HIGH POSITION

917.37658 specifications

The Craftsman 917.37658 is a robust and highly efficient lawn mower designed to cater to the needs of homeowners who seek a reliable and powerful machine for maintaining their yards. This model is particularly well-regarded for its user-friendly features and advanced technologies, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.37658 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, this mower ensures consistent performance and durability, even when tackling tougher mowing conditions. The engine offers ample horsepower, enabling it to handle a variety of grass types, including those in challenging terrains.

Another notable characteristic of this mower is its 21-inch cutting deck, which allows for a wide cutting path. This feature optimizes mowing efficiency, as it requires fewer passes to cover a given area. Additionally, the cutting height is adjustable, giving users the flexibility to set the blade to the preferred height. Whether trimming grass for aesthetic purposes or scalping for a fresh start, the Craftsman 917.37658 can accommodate diverse mowing preferences.

The mower is also engineered with a rear-wheel drive system that enhances maneuverability. This makes it easier to navigate around obstacles like trees and flower beds while providing better traction on uneven surfaces. The comfortable handle design further improves the mowing experience, with options for height adjustment to suit users of different statures.

A key feature of the Craftsman 917.37658 is its versatility in cutting options. This model supports both side discharge and mulching capabilities, allowing users to choose how they want to manage grass clippings. The mulching feature is especially useful for those looking to recycle clippings back into the lawn, promoting healthier grass growth and reducing the need for additional fertilizer.

Safety is another priority in the design of the Craftsman 917.37658. It comes with a safety key, which prevents the engine from starting unless it is engaged, ensuring that users can operate the mower without unnecessary risks.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.37658 is a well-rounded lawn mower that combines power, efficiency, and user-friendly features. With its robust engine, adjustable cutting heights, versatile options, and focus on safety, this mower is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a well-manicured lawn with ease. Whether you're tackling a small patch of grass or a larger yard, the Craftsman 917.37658 is designed to meet your mowing needs effectively.