Craftsman 917.37658 owner manual Lawn Mower

Models: 917.37658

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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.

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. lbs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

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, locknuts & 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 qualifi ed service center.

BLADE CARE

For best results, 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 manu- facturer 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 fi lter 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 & 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.

Blade adapter

Key

Crankshaft

 

 

keyway

Lockwasher

 

 

Blade

 

 

Blade

 

 

bolt Hardened

 

 

washer

Trailing edge

Crankshaft

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 fi le 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 Elf Mul-

13 tis EP00. Do not substitute.

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Craftsman 917.37658 owner manual Lawn Mower

917.37658 specifications

The Craftsman 917.37658 is a robust and highly efficient lawn mower designed to cater to the needs of homeowners who seek a reliable and powerful machine for maintaining their yards. This model is particularly well-regarded for its user-friendly features and advanced technologies, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.37658 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, this mower ensures consistent performance and durability, even when tackling tougher mowing conditions. The engine offers ample horsepower, enabling it to handle a variety of grass types, including those in challenging terrains.

Another notable characteristic of this mower is its 21-inch cutting deck, which allows for a wide cutting path. This feature optimizes mowing efficiency, as it requires fewer passes to cover a given area. Additionally, the cutting height is adjustable, giving users the flexibility to set the blade to the preferred height. Whether trimming grass for aesthetic purposes or scalping for a fresh start, the Craftsman 917.37658 can accommodate diverse mowing preferences.

The mower is also engineered with a rear-wheel drive system that enhances maneuverability. This makes it easier to navigate around obstacles like trees and flower beds while providing better traction on uneven surfaces. The comfortable handle design further improves the mowing experience, with options for height adjustment to suit users of different statures.

A key feature of the Craftsman 917.37658 is its versatility in cutting options. This model supports both side discharge and mulching capabilities, allowing users to choose how they want to manage grass clippings. The mulching feature is especially useful for those looking to recycle clippings back into the lawn, promoting healthier grass growth and reducing the need for additional fertilizer.

Safety is another priority in the design of the Craftsman 917.37658. It comes with a safety key, which prevents the engine from starting unless it is engaged, ensuring that users can operate the mower without unnecessary risks.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.37658 is a well-rounded lawn mower that combines power, efficiency, and user-friendly features. With its robust engine, adjustable cutting heights, versatile options, and focus on safety, this mower is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a well-manicured lawn with ease. Whether you're tackling a small patch of grass or a larger yard, the Craftsman 917.37658 is designed to meet your mowing needs effectively.