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 m 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

13Blade

Page 13
Image 13
Craftsman 917.374043 owner manual Lawn Mower, Drive Wheels

37404, 917.374043 specifications

The Craftsman 917.374043 and 917.37404 are notable models within the Craftsman lawn tractor line, recognized for their robust performance and user-friendly features. These tractors are designed to provide a reliable solution for homeowners seeking efficient lawn care, offering a blend of power, durability, and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.374043 and 917.37404 is their powerful engine. Equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, these models deliver impressive torque and cutting ability. The engine's design ensures that the tractor can tackle even the toughest mowing conditions, making it ideal for larger lawns or properties with varied terrain.

These models come with a 42-inch cutting deck, which strikes a balance between maneuverability and mowing efficiency. This size allows for easy navigation around obstacles such as trees and flower beds while still covering a significant area in a single pass. Additionally, the cutting height can be easily adjusted, allowing users to achieve the desired grass length based on the season or specific lawn care requirements.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.374043 and 917.37404 incorporate a hydrostatic transmission system. This feature offers seamless speed adjustments and eliminates the need for manual gear shifts. Users can easily control their speed, enhancing maneuverability around the yard. The foot pedal control allows for smooth acceleration, making it easier to operate the tractor for extended periods.

Comfort considerations also play a key role in the design of these models. The tractors feature an ergonomic seat and steering wheel, ensuring that users can enjoy a comfortable ride during long mowing sessions. Furthermore, the intuitive dashboard layout provides essential information at a glance, including engine status and fuel level, allowing for easy monitoring while mowing.

Durability is another hallmark of the Craftsman 917.374043 and 917.37404. The construction of the deck is heavy-duty, ensuring resistance against wear and tear from grass cutting and environmental elements. The robust frame contributes to the tractor's long-lasting performance, making it a worthwhile investment for lawn care enthusiasts.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.374043 and 917.37404 stand out in the realm of lawn tractors. With their powerful engines, efficient cutting decks, hydrostatic transmission, and user-centric design, these models are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern lawn care. Whether for homeowners with expansive lawns or those managing diverse terrains, these tractors provide the reliability and performance needed for excellent lawn maintenance.