Lawn Mower, Drive Wheels | Craftsman 917.376534 guide

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 front 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 front wheels.

1.Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts & washers.

2.Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3.Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/ or drive wheel gear teeth.

4.Put wheels back in place.

NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

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). 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 the blade adapter on the en- gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2.Position blade on the blade adapter.

IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on blade adapter.

3.Be sure trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4.Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

5.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.

Blade adapter

Key

Crankshaft

Lockwasher

Blade

Blade
bolt	Hardened	_	'_
	washer	Trailing/edge	retainer

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is 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.

•To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with it.)

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

5/8" bolt or pin

14Blade

917.376534 specifications

The Craftsman 917.376534 is a versatile and efficient lawn tractor designed for homeowners seeking a reliable solution for maintaining their yards. With its robust construction and user-friendly features, this model is perfect for tackling various lawn care tasks, from mowing to mulching.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.376534 is its powerful 26 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. This dependable engine provides ample power to navigate through thick grass and uneven terrain, ensuring a smooth mowing experience. The automatic transmission system allows for effortless speed adjustments, enabling users to move at their desired pace without the need for manual gear shifts.

The cutting deck of the Craftsman 917.376534 measures 54 inches, making it an ideal choice for mowing larger areas efficiently. The deck features a three-blade system, providing a clean and precise cut while also promoting healthy grass growth. Users can easily adjust the cutting height with a simple lever, allowing for customization according to grass type and height preferences.

Equipped with a dual-blade bagging system, this lawn tractor excels in grass collection, significantly reducing the time spent on lawn maintenance. The bagging system prevents clippings from cluttering the yard, making it easier to achieve a neat appearance. Additionally, the rear discharge feature allows grass clippings to be expelled back onto the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer.

Comfort is paramount in the design of the Craftsman 917.376534. The plush, high-back seat provides excellent support during extended mowing sessions, while the steering wheel is ergonomically crafted for easy handling. The tractor’s compact design enables maneuverability in tight spaces, allowing users to mow with precision around flower beds and obstacles.

Safety features are also a priority in this model. The engine automatically shuts off if the operator leaves the seat, preventing accidental starts and promoting user safety. The headlights ensure visibility during early morning or late evening tasks, enhancing safety in low-light conditions.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.376534 combines power, efficiency, and comfort to deliver an outstanding lawn care experience. With modern technology and thoughtful design, this lawn tractor is well-suited for homeowners who seek to maintain their outdoor spaces with ease and confidence.