Background
The Craftsman Walk Behind Mower, model 917.378461, is a 21-inch rear-discharge gas push mower. It was constructed by the Roper Corporation for Sears under the Craftsman brand. The mower features a 6.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine, model 123K07-0184-E1. It has a cutting width of 21 inches and the capacity to adjust the cutting height between 1-3/4 inches to 3-3/4 inches with eight different settings. The mower incorporates 7-inch front wheels and 8-inch rear wheels, and it also has a 21-inch steel blade. The grass is discharged at the rear and it comes with an optional 2.4 bushel cloth bag catcher. The mower is designed with an electric start, along with a starter rope backup, and it has a variable speed of up to 6 mph forward and 2.5 mph in reverse.
The mower operates by pushing the primer bulb three times, then turning the key to start the electric motor. Once activated, the user can squeeze the operator presence bar and push the drive control bar forward to engage the self-propelled rear-wheel drive. The speed can be controlled through the variable speed control. To stop the mower, the operator simply releases the operator presence bar. The cutting height can be adjusted, and there is the option to install a mulch plug for mulching grass back into the lawn or a 2.4 bushel catcher bag for collecting clippings. Regular maintenance of the mower includes checking the engine oil before each use, sharpening or replacing the mower blade annually or as needed for heavy use, and cleaning the air filter every 25 hours.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: 6.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine, model 123K07-0184-E1
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Cutting Height: 1-3/4" to 3-3/4" with 8 adjustments
- Wheels: 7 inch front wheels, 8 inch rear wheels
- Blade: 21 inch steel blade
- Grass Discharge: Rear discharge
- Grass Catcher: 2.4 bushel cloth bag catcher (optional accessory)
- Start: Electric start with starter rope backup
- Speeds: Variable 6 mph forward, 2.5 mph reverse
Warranty
The Craftsman Walk Behind Mower model 917.378461 comes with a 2 year limited warranty. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase. However, it's important to note that the warranty requires routine maintenance as described in the owner's manual. The warranty does not cover misuse, including failure to add oil or gas, improper storage, and normal wear items. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the maintenance schedule and details provided in the owner's manual to keep the warranty valid.