Craftsman 247.388240 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

CRAFTSMAN

19" Mulching/Rear Discharge

PUSH LAWN MOWER

Model No.

247.388240

CAUTION: Before using this product, read this manual and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions.

Sears, Roebuck & Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Printed in U.S.A.	770-10185A
	(1/99)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Content	Page	Content	Page
			Service & Adjustment	15
	Warranty Information.............................	2
	Safe Operation Practices......... ...............	3	Storage....................................................	17
	Siope Gauge..........................................	6	T rouble-Shooting...................................	19
	Assembly...............................................	7	Parts List..............................................................	20
	Operation...............................................	9	Espandl...................................................	26
	Maintenance.............................................	12

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Two-Year Warranty on Craftsman Lawn Mower

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman lawn mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner’s manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defects in material or workmanship. If this lawn mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.

This warranty does not cover:

1.Expendable items which become worn during norma! use. such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

2.Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner’s manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Sears, Roebuck And Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when the lawn mower was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your lawn mower.

Spark Plug

Engine Oii Stabilizer Gas Can

Biade

Grass Catcher

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Horsepower:	4.0
Engine Oil	21 oz. SAE 30 oil
Fuel Capacity:	1.5 quarts
Spark Plug	J19LM
	Gap .030 inches

Please record model number, serial number, and date of purchase here for future reference. You will find this information on the model plate located on the cutting deck of your mower.

Model Number.

Serial Number...

Date of Purchase.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This symbol points out Important safety Instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the per­I

A sonal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual befor attempting to operate your lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in persona injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.

	Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
DANPER-	power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
ák	' can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
	yourself or others.

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimp A forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped

spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any), if a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center (See the REPAIR PARTS sec of this manual.)

A WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California t cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

GENERAL OPERATION

Read this owner’s guide carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference, and for ordering replacement parts.

Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a power mower. Children 14 years old and over should only operate mower under close parental supervision. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of sate operation should be allowed to use your mower.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help prevent blade contact or thrown object injury. Although the area of operation should be completely cleared of foreign objects, an object may have been overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator or any others allowed in the area.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator or any others allowed in the area. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid a thrown object's injury, keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in operation.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close­ fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times as the rotating blade can cause injury.

Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately.

Never pull the mower toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower away from a

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a slope or hilly area, if the slope is greater than 15 degrees

			as shown on the slope gauge (page 6), do not operate this
		wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and
		then follow these steps:	unit on that area or serious injury could result.
		a. Step back from the mower to fully extend yourDO:
		arms.	•	Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
		b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
				down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
		footing.
				direction on slopes.
		c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half•
				Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
		way toward you.		Tail grass can hide obstacles.	'
		d. Repeat these steps as needed.
			•	Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
	•	Do not operate the mower while under the
				cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
		influence of alcohol or drugs.
				losing your balance release the blade control
	•	Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
				handle immediately and the blade will stop in less
		units so equipped while starting engine.
	•			than 3 seconds.
		The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
		attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes	•	ON MODELS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Lock
		the safety device inoperative and may result in		both front wheels so they do not pivot while
				mowing on the face of slopes. To turn the mower,
		personal injury through contact with the rotating
				depress the handle and raise the front wheels
		blade. The blade control handle must operate
				slightly.
		easily in both directions and automatically return
			DO NOT:
		to the disengaged position when released.
	•	Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be•		Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
		sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause		embankments. The operator could lose footing or
		serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the		balance.
		handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are	•	Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
		losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE		shown on the slope gauge.
		CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATLEY and the	•	Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
	•	blade will stop rotating within three seconds.		cause slipping.
		Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.	•	ON MOWERS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Do Not
	•	Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks		mow on slopes with casters unlocked since the
		or roads.		mower has a tendency to drift down hill.

•If the equipment should start to vibrate

	abnormally, stop the engine and check	Children
	immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally aTragic accidents can occur if tiie operator is not alert to the
•	warning of trouble.	presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
	Shut the engi ne off and wait until the blade comes
	to a complete stop before removing the grass	mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that
		children will remain where you last saw them.
	catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting	•	Keep children out of the mowing area and under
	blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after		the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
	the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the		the operator.
	body in the blade area until you are sure the blade•		Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
•	has stopped rotating.		area.
	Never operate mower without proper guards,	•	Before and while moving backwards, look behind
■ grass catcher, plates or other safety protective			and down for small children or other objects.
•	devices in place.	•	Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
	Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a		mower. Children 14 years of age and above
•	bum. Do not touch.		should read and understand the operation
	Do not adjust the throttle control with the engine		instmctions and safety rules in this manual.
•	running.	•	Use extreme care when approaching blind
	Only use accessories approved for this machine		corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
	by the manufacturer. Read, understand, and		obscure your vision of a child or hazard.
	follow all instructions provided with the approved
	accessory.	Service
•	If situations occur which are not covered in this	< Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
	manual, use care and good judgment. Contact		fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
	your dealer for assistance.		vapors are explosive.
Slope Operation		•	Use only an approved gasoline container.
		•	Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before starting №e engine as It may cause a fire or explosion.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Never refuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open fiame or spark such as a gas water heater, space heater, or furnace.

Never run an engine inside a closed area.

To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spi llage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent inten/als for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked or worn). Replace with blade which meets original equipment specifications listed in this manual.

Keep ail nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

•After striking a foreign oblect, stop the engine, remove №e wire from the spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower.

•N ever attempt to make a wheel or cutti ng height adjustment while the engine is running.

•Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.

•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

•Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, u nderstand and follow the

Awarnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

Following are representations of the safety labels on your lawn mower. Maintain safety while operating the mower. Please have the part number ready when re-ordering safety labels.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS REAR TRAILING SHIELD AND THIS GUARD OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.

A DANGER

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM
ROTATING PARTS.
■ REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWNI
BY THE BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES,
■ DO HOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR
OTHERS ARE AROUND.			SLOPES. DO NOT
■ USE	EXTRA	CAUTION ON
MOW	SLOPES	GREATER	THAN 15“. MOW

ACROSS, NEVER UP AND DOWN. NEVER
PULL MOWER CLOSE TO YOUR FEET. LOOK
DOVJN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE	MAX 15
MOVING BACKWARDS.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL KEEP SA^TY DEVICES (BLADE CONITTOL, I TRAILING SHIELD, DISCHARGE COVER, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING. |

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

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A WARNING

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a waik-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

ASSEMBLY

Removing Unit From Carton

•Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to

open carton.

‘

•Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., owner’s manual, etc.).

•Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

•Remove packing material. Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

Note: Make sure not to crimp the cable while

removing loose parts or the unit from the carton.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil before operating your mower.

NOTE: Reference to right or teft hand side of the mower and/or front or behind the mower is observed from the operating position.

Upper Handle

Lowerl

Figure 2

For shipping purposes, the hairpin clip is placed in the outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.

• Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of the weld pin. See Figure 3.

Loose Parts

a.Owner’s Manual

b.A Bottle of Engine Oil

c.Parts for Grass Bag: Frame, Bag

d.Discharge Chute

Tools Required

a.Pair of Pliers

b.Funnel

Disconnecting Spark Piug

•Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark piug wire from the spark plug, and ground it against the engine. See Figure 1.

•Attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to ground as shown below.

'Spark Plug

Figure 3

Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole in the weld pin. See Figure 3. Repeat on other side.

Raise the upper handle in the direction B shown in Figure 2. Tighten the wing nuts which are already on the handle.

Attach control cable to the lower handle with the cable tie already on the lower handle. Pull tight the cable tie and cut off extra. See Figure 4.

Cable Tie

Assembiing Handle

• Raise lower handle in direction A shown in Figure 2. It should snap into place.

Note: Make sure to route the cable inside the iower handle. Also do not crimp the cable while lifting the handle up

Attaching Starter Rope

The rope guide is aiready attached to the right side of the upper handle of your mower. See Rgure 5.

•With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded, hold the blade control handle against the upper handle, and pull starter rope out of the engine.

•Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown in Figure 5. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide to the upper handle.

Place bag over frame (black plastic side is frie bottom of bag). Siip the openings in the side of the plastic channel on bag over the hooks on the grass catcher frame.

Secure bag to frame by working the plastic channels on bag over frame as shown in Figure 7. All of the plastic channels except center top of bag attach from the outside of bag. Center top of bag attaches from the inside of bag.

Plastic

Channels

Attaching Discharge Chute

•There is a groove 2" from the left end of the rod. Bend and Snap off approximately 2" of the rod with a pair of vise grips. See Figure 6.

•Insert push cap, provided with №ie chute rod, onto the end of the rod which you just snapped off. Tap on with a hammer. See Figure 6.

•To attach discharge chute: Lift the discharge door and place the ends of the chute rod into the slot on each handle bracket assembly.

Release the rear discharge door.

•To remove discharge chute: Lift the rear discharge door of the mower. Lift the discharge chute up and outwards and pull it out of the slots on the handle bracket assemblies. Release the rear discharge door.

Assembling Grass Catcher

NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside).

Figure 7

Attaching Grass Catcher to Mower

•Lift the chute door on the mower. Remove the mulching plug or the discharge chute. See

Figure 8.

Mulching

Plug

Holding the grass bag firmly, place the bag on the mower as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9

Place hooks, located on two sides of the grass catcher frame, in the slots on the handle brackets. See Figure 9. Release the -chute door.

Warning: Never operate the mower unless A the grass catcher frame is firmly seated on

the chute door pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests firmiy on top of the grass catcher.