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 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 rear wheels.

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

6.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 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).

6.Remove debris shield.

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 blade adapter on engine crank- shaft. Be sure key in adapter and crank-

shaft keyway are aligned; and that drive belt is inside tabs of belt retainer.

2.Install debris shield.

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

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

 

 

Belt

 

retainer

 

Trailing

edge

Blade adapter

 

 

 

Hardened

Debris shield

washer

 

Lockwasher

Blade

Blade

bolt

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

blade - but if you do, be sure blade is bal- anced. 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, you will need a

5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, ora cone bal- ancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow instructions supplied with balancer.)

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

13Blade

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Craftsman 917.374355 manual Lawn Mower, Drive Wheels
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917.374355 specifications

The Craftsman 917.374355 is a robust and reliable lawn tractor that exemplifies the high-quality standards associated with the Craftsman brand. Known for its durability and performance, this model is ideal for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently while enjoying the benefits of advanced features and technologies.

At the heart of the Craftsman 917.374355 is its powerful 20-horsepower Kohler engine, providing ample power for various mowing tasks. This engine is tuned for optimal performance, ensuring that users can tackle even the toughest grass with ease. The automatic hydrostatic transmission allows for smooth and effortless speed adjustments, making the mowing process seamless and enjoyable.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.374355 is its 42-inch cutting deck, which allows users to cover larger areas in less time. The cutting deck is adjustable, offering multiple height settings to accommodate different grass types and preferences. This flexibility means that homeowners can achieve a professional-looking lawn without much hassle. The deck is designed with a durable steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance, while the washout port makes cleaning the underside of the deck easy and convenient.

Furthermore, the Craftsman 917.374355 features an innovative turning radius that enhances maneuverability. This makes it particularly effective in navigating around gardens, trees, and other obstacles, ensuring that users can achieve a thorough cut without leaving any unkempt patches.

Comfort is also a critical consideration in the design of the Craftsman 917.374355. It includes an ergonomic seat with adjustable settings, providing optimal support during extended mowing sessions. The intuitive dashboard layout, which features easy-to-read gauges and controls, enhances the user experience, making it accessible even for those new to lawn care.

In addition to its impressive performance features, the Craftsman 917.374355 incorporates essential safety mechanisms, including an automatic shut-off feature when the operator leaves the seat. This safety measure provides peace of mind for users while mowing.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.374355 is an outstanding lawn tractor that combines power, comfort, and safety. Its advanced technologies and practical features make it a top choice for homeowners seeking a dependable solution for their lawn maintenance needs, ensuring a beautiful and well-kept yard year after year.
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