Welcome to the Craftsman Lawn Mower Manual Model 917, your comprehensive guide to safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting․ This manual ensures optimal performance and longevity of your mower․
Key Features and Specifications
The Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 is designed for efficient cutting and durability․ It features a powerful 160cc Honda engine, a 22-inch cutting deck, and a 3-in-1 system for bagging, mulching, or side-discharging grass clippings․ The mower is equipped with adjustable mowing heights, ensuring a precise cut for various lawn conditions․ Its ergonomic handle and smooth-rolling wheels provide ease of maneuverability․ The model 917․370605 includes a rear discharge design, while other variants like the 917․270940 offer a 20․0 HP electric start and a 42-inch mower deck․ These specifications make it suitable for both small and medium-sized lawns, ensuring optimal performance and convenience․
Safety Rules and Precautions
Always follow safety guidelines to ensure safe operation․ Only responsible adults should operate the mower, and protective gear must be worn․ Keep children and pets away while mowing․
General Safety Practices
Always read and follow the safety rules in this manual before operating the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917․ Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes․ Ensure the mowing area is clear of debris, children, and pets․ Never operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs․ Familiarize yourself with the controls and ensure all guards and shields are in place․ Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the blade․ Avoid mowing in reverse unless necessary, and always look down and behind before backing up․ Keep the mower on a level surface to prevent tipping․ Never touch hot surfaces, such as the engine or muffler, after operation․
Specific Safety Rules for Walk-Behind Mowers
When using the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 as a walk-behind, always maintain firm control of the handlebars․ Ensure the mower is properly assembled with all safety features intact․ Avoid mowing in wet or slippery conditions to prevent accidents․ Never leave the mower unattended while it is running․ If you must stop, turn off the engine and engage the brake․ Keep children and pets at a safe distance․ Be cautious of uneven terrain and avoid sudden turns․ Always mow uphill, not downhill, to maintain control․ If you need to reverse, disengage the blade and look behind you․ Never operate the mower in enclosed areas without proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup․ Regularly inspect the mower for worn or damaged parts and replace them promptly․ Stay alert and avoid distractions while mowing to minimize risks․
Assembly and Installation
Proper assembly and installation of the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 are crucial for safe and effective operation․ Follow the step-by-step guide in this manual carefully․
Pre-Assembly Checks
Before assembling your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917, ensure all components are included and undamaged․ Verify the package contains the mower deck, handlebars, wheels, and hardware․ Check for any shipping damage or missing parts; Review the manual to familiarize yourself with the assembly process․ Ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a wrench and screwdrivers․ Double-check the model number on the packaging matches the manual․ If any parts are damaged or missing, contact customer support immediately․ Proper preparation ensures a smooth and safe assembly experience․
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Begin by unpacking and organizing all components․ Ensure you have a wrench, screwdrivers, and other tools listed in the manual; First, attach the handlebars by aligning the brackets and securing them with bolts․ Tighten firmly but avoid overtightening․ Next, connect the mower deck to the main unit, ensuring proper alignment of the mounting pins․ Secure it with the provided hardware․ Check that all cables and levers are correctly connected․ Finally, tighten all bolts and screws to ensure stability․ Double-check the assembly for any loose parts․ Once complete, refer to the safety section before starting the mower․ Proper installation ensures safe and efficient operation․
Operating the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917
Operating the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 requires attention to safety and proper techniques․ Always wear protective gear and ensure the area is clear of obstacles․ Familiarize yourself with the controls and adjustments for efficient mowing․ Follow the guidelines for starting, stopping, and maneuvering the mower safely․ Regular checks ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment․
Starting the Mower
Starting the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 involves a few key steps to ensure safe and effective operation․ First, always conduct a pre-start safety check to ensure the mower is on level ground and free from obstructions․ Next, prime the engine by pressing the primer bulb 2-3 times until it feels firm․ Move the choke to the “start” position and pull the recoil handle steadily until the engine starts․ Once running, gradually release the choke and adjust the throttle as needed․ Always engage the brake and ensure the mower is in neutral before starting․ Refer to the manual for specific starting instructions tailored to your model․
Basic Operating Tips
For optimal performance, always mow in a pattern, working in straight lines and turning at the end of each pass․ Adjust the mowing height based on grass type and season, ensuring the blade is set between 2․5 to 4 inches for most grasses․ Keep the mower deck clear of debris and ensure the bag is empty before starting․ Maintain a steady walking pace and avoid sudden turns to prevent uneven cutting․ Regularly check and sharpen the blade for clean cuts and healthier grass․ Refer to your manual for specific tips tailored to your Craftsman Model 917 for the best results․
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance ensures your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 performs optimally․ Schedule routine tasks like blade sharpening, oil changes, and deck cleaning to extend its lifespan and performance․
Routine Maintenance Tasks
Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance of your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917․ Check and change the engine oil every 20-25 hours of use to ensure proper lubrication․ Sharpen the mower blade annually to maintain cutting efficiency and prevent tearing grass․ Clean the mower deck after each use to remove grass clippings and debris, which can rust the metal over time․ Inspect the air filter and replace it every 50 hours or as needed to ensure proper airflow․ Additionally, check the spark plug annually and replace it if worn out․ Lubricate moving parts like wheels and cables to maintain smooth operation․ Regular tire pressure checks and blade balancing are also essential for consistent performance․ Always refer to the manual for specific guidelines on these tasks to keep your mower in excellent condition and extend its lifespan․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 isn’t starting, check the fuel level, spark plug, and air filter․ A clogged air filter or faulty spark plug can prevent ignition․ For poor cutting performance, ensure the blade is sharp and properly balanced․ Uneven cutting may indicate uneven tire pressure or a misaligned mower deck․ If the mower vibrates excessively, inspect for loose bolts or damaged blades․ Lubricate moving parts if the mower operates stiffly․ Refer to the manual for detailed diagnostic steps․ Addressing these issues promptly ensures efficient and consistent mowing performance while preventing further damage to the machine․
Repair and Replacement Parts
Use the parts diagram in your manual to identify components needing replacement․ Always use genuine Craftsman parts for reliability․ Follow safety guidelines during repairs to ensure warranty validity․
Identifying Parts Using the Manual
To identify parts for your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917, refer to the detailed parts diagram in the manual․ Locate the model number on the mower’s decal to ensure accuracy․ Cross-reference the diagram with the parts list to find specific components․ Use the indexed sections to quickly locate blades, belts, or engine parts․ The manual also provides guidance on ordering genuine Craftsman replacement parts․ Always verify compatibility using the model number to avoid errors․ This section helps you efficiently identify and replace parts, ensuring your mower operates at peak performance․
Replacing Parts Safely and Effectively
When replacing parts on your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917, always follow safety guidelines to avoid injuries or damage․ Disconnect the battery and ensure the mower is cool before starting․ Use the parts diagram in the manual to locate and identify the component needing replacement․ Wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses․ Remove the old part carefully, taking note of any screws or clips․ Install the new part by reversing the removal steps, ensuring proper alignment and secure fastening․ Refer to the manual for specific torque specifications or adjustments․ After replacement, test the mower to ensure proper function and safety․
Warranty and Service
Craftsman offers a 2-year limited warranty for the Model 917 lawn mower, covering defects in materials and workmanship․ Proper maintenance is required for warranty validity․ Dedicated service support ensures your mower remains in top condition, with options for repair and part replacement readily available․
Understanding the Warranty Terms
The Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 is backed by a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship․ This warranty applies to the mower when properly maintained according to the manual․ Registration is required, and proof of purchase is necessary for warranty claims․ The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, neglect, or failure to follow maintenance guidelines․ In-home warranty service is available at no additional cost for eligible repairs, ensuring convenience for users․ For full details, refer to the warranty section in the manual, which outlines covered parts, duration, and exclusions․
How to Register and Claim Warranty
To register your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917, visit the official Sears website and complete the online registration form with your purchase details․ Retain your proof of purchase, as it is required for warranty claims․ Claims can be submitted through Sears’ customer service or authorized service centers․ Provide the model number (located on the rear of the mower) and a detailed description of the issue․ In-home warranty service is available for eligible repairs, eliminating the need to transport your mower․ Ensure all maintenance guidelines are followed, as improper care may void the warranty․ For further assistance, refer to the warranty section in the manual․
Your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917 is a reliable tool for maintaining your lawn․ By following this manual, you ensure safe operation, optimal performance, and extended longevity․
This manual provides essential guidance for the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917, covering safety, assembly, operation, and maintenance․ It emphasizes proper precautions to ensure user safety and equipment longevity․ The guide includes detailed instructions for starting the mower, routine maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting common issues․ Additionally, it outlines warranty terms and procedures for registering and claiming warranty services․ By following the manual, users can optimize their mower’s performance, extend its lifespan, and address any problems effectively․ This comprehensive resource is designed to help users make the most of their investment in the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917․
Final Tips for Optimal Performance
For the best results with your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917, always follow the manual’s guidelines for maintenance and operation․ Regularly check and sharpen the blade to ensure clean cuts and healthy grass growth․ Keep the mower deck free from debris to maintain even cutting performance․ Store the mower in a dry, protected area during off-seasons to prevent rust and damage․ Adhere to the recommended lubrication schedules to keep the engine running smoothly․ Finally, adjust the mowing height according to grass type and season to promote a lush, even lawn․ Proper care ensures longevity and reliability․