craftsman 917.370440 manual

Safety Precautions and Instructions

Always read the manual before operating. Wear protective gear like gloves and eyewear. Ensure the area is clear of obstacles. Keep children and pets away. Never operate near slopes or uneven terrain. Follow all safety guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries.

• Read the manual thoroughly before assembly or use.
• Wear protective gear, including gloves and eyewear.
• Ensure the area is clear of debris and obstacles.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Avoid operating on steep slopes or uneven ground.

1.1 Key Safety Rules for Operating the Craftsman 917.370440

Always read the manual before operation. Wear protective gear, including gloves and eyewear. Ensure the area is clear of debris and obstacles. Avoid operating on steep slopes or uneven terrain. Keep children and pets away. Never leave the mower unattended while running. Follow all safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

• Read the manual thoroughly before first use.
• Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eyewear.
• Clear the area of debris and obstacles.
• Avoid steep slopes and uneven ground.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Never leave the mower unattended while in operation.

1.2 Important Warnings and Cautions Before Use

Read all instructions carefully before operating. Ensure proper assembly and adjustment. Avoid overloading the mower. Keep loose clothing tied back. Never touch hot or moving parts. Use only recommended fuels and lubricants. Follow proper starting and stopping procedures. Be cautious of uneven terrain and obstacles. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing maintenance or repairs.

• Read and understand all instructions thoroughly.
• Ensure proper assembly and adjustment.
• Avoid overloading the mower.
• Keep loose clothing and long hair tied back.
• Never touch hot or moving parts.
• Use only recommended fuels and lubricants.
• Follow proper starting and stopping procedures.
• Be cautious of uneven terrain and obstacles.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before maintenance.

Assembly and Setup Guide

Proper assembly ensures safe and efficient operation. Carefully unpack and inventory all parts. Follow the manual for step-by-step instructions. Attach the handle, wheels, and deck. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Double-check the blade and cable connections. Refer to diagrams for clarity. Complete assembly before first use to avoid malfunctions.

• Unpack and verify all parts are included.
• Follow manual instructions for assembly.
• Securely attach the handle and wheels.
• Tighten all bolts and connections properly.
• Check blade and cable connections.

2.1 Unpacking and Inventory of Parts

Begin by carefully unpacking the mower and verifying all components. Check for the mower deck, handle, wheels, and hardware. Refer to the parts list in the manual. Ensure no items are damaged or missing. Handle with care to avoid injury. Organize parts to simplify assembly. Cross-reference with the provided parts diagram for clarity. Note: Part number 917446435 is obsolete and not included.

• Inspect the shipment for damage.
• Inventory all listed components.
• Check for included hardware and tools.
• Compare with the parts list in the manual.
• Organize parts for easy assembly access.

2.2 Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Attach the handle to the mower deck using the provided bolts and screws. Install the wheels by aligning the axles and securing with nuts. Ensure the blade is properly installed and tightened. Follow the manual’s sequence to assemble safely. Double-check all connections and tighten as needed. Handle sharp parts with care to avoid injury. Refer to the parts diagram for visual guidance during assembly.

• Attach the handle securely to the mower deck.
• Install wheels by aligning axles and securing with nuts.
• Ensure the blade is properly installed and tightened.
• Follow the manual’s sequence for safe assembly.
• Double-check all connections and tighten as needed.

Operational Features and Modes

The Craftsman 917.370440 offers three cutting modes: mulching, bagging, and discharge. It features a 2.4 bushel rear bagger and adjustable cutting height for versatile lawn care needs.

• Mulching Mode: Finely chops grass for nutrient-rich mulch.
• Bagging Mode: Collects clippings in a rear bag.
• Discharge Mode: Releases clippings as you mow.

3.1 Overview of Cutting Modes (Mulching, Bagging, Discharge)

The Craftsman 917.370440 offers three cutting modes for versatile lawn care. Mulching chops grass into fine clippings, returning nutrients to the soil. Bagging collects clippings in a 2.4 bushel rear bag for a tidy finish. Discharge mode spreads clippings evenly, ideal for healthy lawn growth. Each mode is easily adjustable, allowing you to choose the best option for your lawn’s needs.

• Mulching: Chops grass into fine particles for natural fertilization.
• Bagging: Collects clippings in a rear bag for easy disposal.
• Discharge: Releases clippings back onto the lawn for even distribution.

3.2 Adjusting the Cutting Height and Blade Settings

Adjust the cutting height using the lever to choose from six positions, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. For blade settings, ensure the blade is sharp for clean cuts; If dull, sharpen or replace it. Proper height and blade maintenance ensure even cutting and prevent lawn damage. Refer to the manual for specific adjustment instructions and blade care tips to maintain optimal performance.

• Use the height adjustment lever for precise cutting control.
• Sharpen or replace the blade regularly for best results.
• Follow manual guidelines for blade maintenance and adjustments.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance. Clean the mower deck, check oil levels, and sharpen blades. Store properly and winterize to maintain functionality and longevity.

• Clean the mower deck after each use.
• Check and maintain the oil levels as specified.
• Sharpen or replace the blade as needed.
• Store in a dry, protected area during off-season.

4.1 Regular Maintenance Tasks for Optimal Performance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the Craftsman 917.370440 lawn mower. Clean the mower deck, check oil levels, and sharpen the blade. Inspect belts and cables for wear. Lubricate moving parts and ensure proper tire pressure. Replace air filters and spark plugs as recommended. Store the mower in a dry place during winter to prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring it remains in top condition for years.

• Clean the mower deck after each use to prevent debris buildup.
• Check and maintain the oil levels as specified in the manual.
• Sharpen or replace the blade to ensure even cutting performance.
• Inspect belts and cables for signs of wear and tear.
• Lubricate moving parts to maintain smooth operation.
• Ensure proper tire pressure for stability and control.
• Replace air filters and spark plugs as per the recommended schedule.