Bolens No. 247.770550 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

6.0 Horse Power

YARD VACUUM

Model No. 247.770550

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

• Safety

ES

• Assembly

•Operation

• Maintenance

•Parts

•Español

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

Visit our Sears website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Printed in U.S.A.

FORM NO.

769-00407A.fm
(10/02)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Warranty 2
Safety 3
Assembly 5
Operation 8
Maintenance 12

Content Page

Service and Adjustments 14
Storage 16
Troubleshooting 17
Parts List 18

WARRANTY

Limited Warranty on Craftsman Yard Vacuum

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the instructions to the operator’s manual, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts found
to be defective in material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning Craftsman
equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will
apply. This Warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil
filters.

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by objects, such
as stones or metal debris, oversized stock, impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over­speeding the engine.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical
damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, or failure to
maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator’s manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determine to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In
general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

• Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT
SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Horsepower: 6.0 Horse Power
Engine Oil Type SAE 30
Engine Oil Capacity 20 Ounces
Fuel Capacity: 1 1/2 Quarts
Spark Plug Champion RJ-19LM
Spark Plug Gap .030"

Model Number.........................................................

Serial Number...........................................................

Date of Purchase......................................................

Record both serial number and date of purchase and
keep in a safe place for future reference.

2

247.770550

SAFETY

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could

endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all
instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

TRAINING

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on

the machine and in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper

operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 16 years old to

operate this machine. Children 16 years old and
over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine

without proper instruction.

5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at

least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.

6. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly

ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

7. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in

the feeding chambers and discharge opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.

8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or

discharge opening, remove or empty vacuum
bag, or inspect and repair the machine while the
engine is running. Shut the engine off and wait
until all moving parts have come to a complete
stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
it against the engine.

PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the

equipment is to be used. Remove all rocks,
bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which could
be picked up or thrown and cause personal injury
or damage to the machine.

2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an
adjustment or repair, to protect eyes. Thrown
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.

3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close­fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
Wear leather work gloves when feeding material
in the chipper chute.

4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws for
proper tightness to be sure the machine is in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage at frequent intervals.

5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels,
as necessary.

6. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are
explosive. Serious personal injury can occur
when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your
clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and
change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and

other sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add while the

engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes

before refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to

provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move machine to another

area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the

engine.

3

i. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark,
or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.)

j. To reduce a fire hazard, keep machine free

of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean up oil fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris.

k. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

OPERATION

1. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in
the feeding chambers and discharge opening.
Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.

2. Before starting the machine, make sure the chipper
chute, feed intake, and cutting chamber are empty
and free of all debris.

3. Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and
remove any metal, rocks, bottles, cans, or other
foreign objects which could cause personal injury
or damage to the machine.

4. If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your
machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, immediately shut the engine off. Allow the
impeller to come to a complete stop. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine
and perform the following steps:

a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to

assure continued safe operation.

5. Do not allow an accumulation of processed
material to build up in the discharge area. This can
prevent proper discharge and result in kickback of
material through the feed opening.

6. Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than
specified on the machine or in this manual.
Personal injury or machine damage could result.

7. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening while the engine is running.
Shut the engine off, wait until all moving parts have
stopped, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine before clearing debris.

8. Never operate without vacuum bag and discharge
chute properly attached to the machine. Never
empty or change vacuum bag while the engine is
running. Rear end of vacuum bag must be kept
closed at all times during operation.

9. Never operate without either the inlet nozzle or
optional hose attachment properly attached to the
machine. Never attempt to attach or change either
attachment while the engine is running.

10. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in
place and operating properly.

11. Keep your face and body back and to the side of
the chipper chute while feeding material into the
machine to avoid accidental kickback injuries.

12. Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles.

13. Do not operate this machine on a gravel surface.

14. Do not operate this machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.

15. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.

16. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is
running.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.

2. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage and repair, if needed.

3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the
engine and make certain the impeller and all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

4. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

6. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.

7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.

8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

4

20-oz. Bottle

of Engine Oil

Hose Assembly

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the

Yard Vacuum is observed from the operating
position. See Figure 1.

This Yard Vacuum has been completely assembled
at the factory, except for the handle, bag, and blower
chute. These parts are shipped loose in the carton.
A pair of safety glasses and a 20-oz. bottle of engine
oil are also included in the carton. See Figure 1.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

• Cut the corners of the carton.

• Remove all loose parts.

• Remove packing material.

• Lift unit from the rear to discard packing material
from under unit and roll unit out of carton.

• Check carton thoroughly for any other loose
parts.

Wing
Nuts

Blower
Chute

Rope
Guide

Lower
Handle

Wing
Nuts

Wing
Nut

Upper
Handle

Bag

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON (See Figure 1)

• Handle Assembly

• Hose Assembly

•Bag

• Blower Chute

• Safety Glasses (Not Shown)

• A 20-oz. Bottle of Engine Oil (may be located in
bag)

• Operator’s Manual

DISCONNECTING SPARK PLUG

Before proceeding with assembly of your new Yard
Vacuum, disconnect the spark plug wire from the
spark plug and ground onto the retaining post on the
engine. This will prevent accidental starting of the
engine. See Figure 2.

Retaining Post

Spark
Plug Wire

Carriage
Screw

Figure 1

IMPORTANT:

oil in the engine. After assembly, see OPERATION

section of this manual for proper fuel and engine oil
fill-up.

This unit is shipped without gasoline or

Figure 2

ATTACHING THE HANDLE

• Unfold the upper handle until it aligns with lower
handle. Make sure the rope guide is on the right
side of upper handle. See Figure 1.

5

• Secure the two handles by tightening the upper
wing nuts (carriage bolts must be seated properly
into the handle).

• Remove the hairpin clips from the handle
brackets and remove the carriage bolts and wing
nuts from the lower handle. See Figure 3.

• Place the bottom holes in lower handle over the
pins on handle brackets and secure with hairpin
clips.

• Insert carriage bolts through upper hole in lower
handle from the outside and secure with wing
nuts.

• Snap hose handle to the lower handle bracket to
secure in place and lay hose tubing on side
bracket hanger next to chipper chute. Refer to
Figure 7.

ATTACHING THE BAG

Bag Handle

Stud

Wing Nuts

Carriage Bolt

Hairpin Clip

Figure 3

• Loosen the wing nut that secures the rope guide
to the right side of upper handle.

• Pull the starter rope out of the engine slowly and
slip the starter rope into the rope guide. Tighten
the wing nut.

Attaching The Hose Assembly

• Slide hose adapter of hose assembly into the
base adapter located on the left front of the Yard
Vacuum. See Figure 4.

• Pull spring loaded pin out on the base and align
pin with the first hole in the hose adapter.

• Release the pin to lock the hose in place.

• Connect the hose handle near nozzle end of
hose to the side bracket on the upper handle.
Refer to Figure 7.

Straps

Front Tab

Locking Rod

Stud

Figure 5

• Grasp bag handle with one hand and slide
locking rod on mounting bracket with other hand
toward engine. Use the end of mounting bracket
as leverage when sliding the locking rod.
See Figure 5.

• Slip bag over the rim of the discharge opening
and release locking rod to secure bag in place.

• Snap bag clip to the top of the lower handle.

• Place the lower straps on the bag over the top of
lower handle, hooking them on the studs.

NOTE: The bag/chute switch button attached to the
mounting bracket must be fully depressed by the tip
of front tab on bag handle when securing the bag or
engine will not start.

Figure 4

Hose
Adapter

Spring
Loaded Pin

ATTACHING THE BLOWER CHUTE

NOTE: The bag must be removed before installing
the blower chute.

• Grasp blower chute with one hand and slide

locking rod on mounting bracket with other hand
toward engine. Use the end of mounting bracket
as leverage when sliding the locking rod.
See Figure 6.

• Slip blower chute over rim of discharge opening

and release locking rod to secure chute in
place.

6

• Raise the nozzle height to the highest setting
when using the blower chute. Refer to nozzle
height adjustment in the ADJUSTMENT section.

NOTE: The bag/chute switch button attached to the
mounting bracket must be fully depressed by the tip of
front tab on the blower chute or engine will not start.

Blower
Chute

Front

Locking
Rod

Front
Tab

Tab

Locking
Rod

Figure 6

7