Craftsman 917.371812 owner manual Lawn Mower, Gear Case

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 rear drive wheels each time you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash,

grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the drive wheel and dust cover area and must

be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.

_, 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 hazardous, 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).

TO REPLACE BLADE

1.Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

2.Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3.Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

4.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.

Trailing

Blade ada

Lock- washer

Hardened Blade

Blade washer bolt

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade

is balanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to 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, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail.

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.

GRASS CATCHER

•The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

•Check your grass catcher often for dam-

age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace-

ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

GEAR CASE

•To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

•The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.

•If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369. Do not substitute.

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