Sears 917.373981 owner manual Operation, HOW to USE Your Lawn Mower, Convert Lawn Mower

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OPERATION

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 6)

The engine speed is controlledby a lever locatedon the sideof the engine. Fast (,Pep)positionis for startingthe engine, normal cutting,and better grass bagging.Slow (_ ) positionisfor lightcutting,trimmingandfuel economy.

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 con- trol. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres- ence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)

Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pushing the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then release the lever.

Forward motion will stop when the operator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the operator presence control bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down to handle to con- tinue mowing without self-propelling.

To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.

TO CONVERT MOWER

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

see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in Assembly section of this manual.

CONVERT LAWN MOWER:

CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO

Release control bar to stop engine.

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

TO ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting

height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-

ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

ENGINE SPEED

CONTROL

LEVER

FIG. 6

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

DRIVE

DRIVECONTROL

CONTROL

LOWER WHEELS

 

FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS

 

FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 8

9

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Contents 03/21/94 NFTXMONTraining Maintenance StoragePreparation OperationMaintenance Agreement Product SpecificationsLimited TWO Year Warranty on Craftsman Power Mower Read and observe the safety rulesTable of Contents Engine Lawn Mower AccessoriesLawn Mower Performance Rear BAGTo Unfold Handle See Fig Simple Steps to Remember When Converting Your Lawn MowerPropped open To Convert MowerCatcherframe To Assemble and AIrACH Grass Catcher See Figs a thruPrimer Meets Cpsc Safety RequirementsHOW to USE Your Lawn Mower OperationConvert Lawn Mower To Start Engine Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasolineYour lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine GasolinefillercapMulching Mowing Tips Mowing TipsGeneral Recommendations Customer ResponsibilitiesFasteners IkfGear Case Lawn MowerDrive Wheels Grass CatcherMuffler Clean Under Drive CoverSpark Plug After Each USETo REMOVE/REPLACE Drive Belt Service and AdjustmentsTo Adjust Handle See Figs Thru Engine SpeedLowerhandle Other StorageFuel System Engine OILRepair Parts Description KEY Part KEY Part NO. noIo o Craftsman 22 Rotary Lawn Mower Model Number KEY Part Description141764 KEY Part Description Descripon Repair PartsSET Numbershere185 241 239 245 82J11 238 250Part Description REF Part DescriptionCarburetor no Rewind Starter no Ref. #184 of Engine Parts List27110 590619Manual Model Number Engine Model noPart Number Part Description

917.373981 specifications

Sears 917.373981 is a powerful lawn tractor specifically designed to meet the varied needs of homeowners aspiring to maintain their lawns with ease and efficiency. This model exemplifies versatility and reliability, making it a suitable choice for both small and larger properties.

At the heart of the Sears 917.373981 is its robust engine, which often features a reliable Briggs & Stratton or Kohler power source. This 17 to 19 horsepower engine provides adequate power for mowing, towing, and even mulching. The horizontal crankshaft design enhances durability and performance, ensuring prolonged usage with minimal maintenance. Additionally, the automatic transmission allows for smooth acceleration and a user-friendly driving experience, enabling operators to navigate obstacles effortlessly.

One of the standout features of the 917.373981 is its cutting deck, usually coming in a 42-inch size, which allows for efficient mowing, covering more ground in less time. The deck features adjustable cutting heights, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches, enabling users to customize their lawn care according to the season and grass type. Moreover, the deck's sturdy construction ensures longevity and impressive performance even in dense grass conditions.

The lawn tractor is equipped with a comfortable high back seat, providing ample support during lengthy mowing sessions. The dashboard is user-friendly, with essential controls within easy reach, ensuring that even novice users can operate the machine without hassle. Features such as headlights enhance visibility for early morning or late evening mowing, making it suitable for any schedule.

For those seeking functionality, the Sears 917.373981 also offers optional attachments such as mulching kits, baggers, and even snow plows. This increases its utility beyond just lawn mowing, effectively turning it into a year-round landscaping solution. The tractor's sturdy chassis and rear engine design enhance maneuverability, allowing turnaround in tighter spaces.

In summary, the Sears 917.373981 stands out for its powerful engine, efficient cutting deck, user-friendly features, and attachment capabilities. It's a comprehensive solution for homeowners looking to maintain their properties with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. Whether tackling large lawns or intricate garden layouts, this lawn tractor is a dependable ally in outdoor maintenance.