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

Trailin/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

13Blade

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Craftsman 917.376542 owner manual Lawn Mower, Drive Wheels

917.376542 specifications

The Craftsman 917.376542 is a riding lawn mower that embodies performance and durability, making it a reliable choice for homeowners with medium to large lawns. Known for its robust build and user-friendly features, this model offers both efficiency and comfort, appealing to gardening enthusiasts and casual users alike.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.376542 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a 19.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this riding mower delivers ample power for tackling tough terrains and thick grasses. Its vertical, air-cooled design ensures reliable start-up and smooth operation, setting the stage for an efficient mowing experience.

The mower features a 42-inch cutting deck, which is ideal for maneuvering around garden beds, trees, and other obstacles. This cutting deck is designed for precision and can be easily adjusted to multiple cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. This versatility allows users to customize their lawn's appearance based on seasonal conditions and personal preferences.

In terms of user comfort, the Craftsman 917.376542 is equipped with a high-back seat that offers excellent support during long mowing sessions. The ergonomic steering wheel enhances handleability, while the foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission provides seamless speed adjustments without the need for shifting gears. This technology contributes to a smoother ride and simplifies operation, especially for those who may be less experienced with handling riding mowers.

Another significant characteristic of this lawn mower is its ease of maintenance. The mower's design allows for straightforward access to essential parts, facilitating routine upkeep tasks such as oil changes or air filter replacements. Additionally, the mower features an easy-to-clean cutting deck, helping to maintain optimal performance over time.

For those seeking versatility in yard care, the Craftsman 917.376542 can accommodate a wide range of attachments, including baggers, snow blades, and mulching kits. This adaptability enables users to transition their mower into a multi-functional tool, extending its usability beyond the mowing season.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.376542 stands out with its powerful engine, maneuverable design, comfortable operation, and maintainability. These features align to make it an excellent investment for homeowners seeking an efficient and dependable riding lawn mower.