Craftsman Lawn Mower Model 917.376536 Manual

The Craftsman Model 917.376536 is a 21-inch, 6.75 HP Briggs & Stratton-powered rear bagging lawn mower with a 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), 3-position cutting height adjustment, single-lever height adjustment, durable steel deck, easy-start engine, and large-capacity rear bag. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting System Setup 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Storage Instructions 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 6.75 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, 21-inch Steel Cutting Deck, Rear Bagging System, 3-in-1 Discharge, Single-Lever Height Adjustment, Push Handle with Safety Bail.

Feature	Description
Engine	6.75 HP Briggs & Stratton, 4-cycle, overhead valve
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting System	3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.25" to 3.75")
Deck Material	Durable stamped steel
Starting System	Recoil start
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushels (rear)
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Handle	Adjustable push handle with safety bail
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach Lower Handle: Secure to deck using provided bolts and washers.
Attach Upper Handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten wing nuts.
Install Safety Bail: Attach to handle and connect cable to engine stop lever.
Install Bagging System: Attach rear bagger bracket and bag.
Install Side Discharge Chute (if not pre-installed).
Attach Wheels: Secure with washers and retaining clips.
Add Oil and Gasoline: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not attempt to start engine before adding oil and gasoline. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety rules before operation.

Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Do not mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Never allow children to operate mower.
Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.
Never remove grass bag or unclog chute with engine running.
Always push mower, never pull.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck at all times.

Specifications

Model Number: 917.376536
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 6.75 HP, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Heights: 6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Deck: 21-inch stamped steel
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Wheels: 8" rear, 7" front
Oil Capacity: 20 oz SAE 30 (summer)
Fuel Capacity: 1 quart unleaded gasoline
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Safety Bail (must be held to handle to run engine), Height Adjustment Lever, Push Handle.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Prime engine (3-4 presses on primer bulb).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly.

Stopping Procedure: Release safety bail. Engine will stop. For emergency stop, release bail immediately.

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired position (1-6) for cutting height.

Cutting System Setup

3-in-1 System Configuration:

Mulching: Install mulch plug (blocks discharge chute). Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach rear bag. Ensure chute is open to bag.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bag. Attach side discharge chute.

Tip: For best mulching results, mow when grass is dry and not too tall. Empty bag frequently to maintain airflow.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Check for loose fasteners	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Inspect/replace air filter	Every 25 hours
Change engine oil	Every 50 hours or season
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or season
Sharpen or replace blade	Every 25 hours or as needed
Lubricate wheels and height adjuster	Every 25 hours

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton 6.75 HP Engine Maintenance:

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via dipstick tube. Refill with 20 oz SAE 30.
Air Filter: Replace paper filter every 25 hours. Do not clean paper filter.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030". Replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage.
Carburetor: Adjust if engine runs rough or stalls.

CAUTION! Engine is hot after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain or stabilize fuel. Run engine until fuel system is empty.
Change engine oil.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in dry, covered area.
Cover mower to keep dust-free.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Store in approved container away from heat sources.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Limited Warranty: 2-year limited warranty on entire mower. Engine covered by Briggs & Stratton warranty. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Sears Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter, bad spark plug	Check fuel; use fresh gas; clean/replace filter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, carburetor issue	Replace air filter; drain old gas; clean carburetor.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, low cutting height	Sharpen blade; check tire pressure; adjust cutting height.
Vibration	Bent blade, loose blade, debris in deck	Inspect blade for damage; tighten blade bolt; clean deck.
Bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged chute, full bag	Mow when dry; clear chute; empty bag frequently.
Wheels not turning	Debris around axles, damaged wheels	Clean axle area; inspect wheels for damage.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.