Craftsman 24737010 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRH
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.37010
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 33
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-07572
11/28/2011
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafetyInstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
Assembly..................................................Pages8-11
Operation..................................................Pages12-13
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page18
Troubleshooting........................................Page19
PartsList...................................................Page20-28
Espa_ol.....................................................Page33
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-17
Craftsman TwoYearFullWarranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor workmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorfree replacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarranty coverage details to obtain repair or replacement,visit the website: www.craftsman.com.
This warranty covers ONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthe warrantyperiod,suchas mowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationor repairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accidentorfailureto operateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Preventativemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydueto improperfuel mixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidif thisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears Brands ManagementCorporation, Noffman Estates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 15ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase .............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron the partoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntothe Stateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthe machineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfutureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththe controlsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.
Donot useit foranyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Only responsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyour mowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsat least75feetfrommowerwhileit is inopera-
tion.Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.
Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Do notholdonto
themowerif youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthen followthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowerto fullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceofalcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagetheself-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleis a safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothe disengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureof your
footing.A slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewill stop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor thecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe
bladeareauntilyou aresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineis running.
• Onlyuse partsand accessoriesmadeforthismachinebythe
manufactureraslistedin the PartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscould result.
• If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour safety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineona slopedorhillyarea.Ifthe slopeis greater
than15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurif theoperatorisnot alerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthe area.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor
smallchildren.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a
childwhomayrunintothe mower.
• Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hot muffler.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedby an adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron atruckortrailer bed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
• Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthe fueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• If gasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergas appliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe spark
plugwireandgroundagainstthe enginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe originalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut. Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjectto wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
ofthe engine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.Atthe endoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowill voidthe productwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM) and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlessthe engine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(if any).
Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestor(PartNo.398067)forthemufflerisavailablethrough
yournearestSearsPartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthemachine
beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
i
i
®
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
DANGER -- BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
J
DANGER-- HAND/FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER -- THROWN DEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.
DANGER -- SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 150.
WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
6
15° Slope
15° Slope
X
(OK)
_- _. Figure1
_O._daShed._fine
USETHiS SLOPEGAUGETO DETERMINE
iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneitherside oftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or downuntil theleft cornertouchestheslope (SeeFigure1andFigure2).
5.
If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslopeis too steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).
(TOO STEEP)
Figure2
Slopes area majorfactor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can result in severeinjury or death. Do notoperate machineon slopes
in excess of 15degrees. Allslopes requireextra caution.Always mowacrossthe face of slopes, never mow up and down slopes.
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideoftheLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthe reartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitout ofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
f
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• SideDischargeCover
• EngineOil
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Removewing nutsandcarriageboltshandleas shown
in Figure1.Donot loosenorremoveadjacenthexhead
screws.
B. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupper
handleupas showninFigure2.Do notcrimpcablewhile
liftingthehandleup.
2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
E
J
Figure2
Figure3
Figure1
.
Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthe handleuntilholesin lowerhandle(shown
in Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesureto notpullhandle
allthewayout.
B. Insertthe T-boltsremovedin stepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.
C. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto
lowerholesofhandleas shownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideis attachedtotheright sideoftheupperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslip starter
ropeintothe ropeguide.SeeFigure6.
C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
f
Figure5
',_. J
Figure4
Figure6
9
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconverttoside discharge,
makesuregrasscatcherisoff of theunitand reardischargedooris
closed.
1. Onthesideof themower,liftthe mulchingcover.SeeFigure7.
2. Slidetwo hooksofside dischargecoverunderhingepinon
mulchingcoverassembly.Lowermulchingcover.Do notremove
sidemulchingcoveratanytime, evenwhenyouarenot mulching.
ADJUSTMENTS
f
Side Mulching
Cover
\ ............................0
\\
\
Gi
j ii
Cutting Height
Thereisa cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontand
rearrightwheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill
tendto fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure8.
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure8.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswill preventyoufromcuttingthegrasstooclosetothe
ground.
Handle Pitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchof thehandle
asfollows:
1. Removewing nutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle.SeeFigure9.
2. Positionthehandlein oneof thethreepositionsthatis most
comfortable.SeeFigure9 inset.
3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremoved
earlier.
Cover
Figure7
f
Higher
Figure9
Figure8
J
10
Recoil Starter ................
Side Discharge
Cover
Cutting Height
Adj
Lever
Mulch Plug
Figure10
BLADE CONTROL
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleof themower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandleto operatetheunit.
Releaseitto stopengineandblade.
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedon therightrearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beat thesame
positiontoensurea uniformcut.To adjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.
MULCH PLUG
Themulchplugis usedfor mulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollecting
thegrassclippingsin agrasscatcheror usingthesidedischarge
chute,somemowermodelshavetheoptionof recirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothe lawn.Thisiscalledmulching.
SIDE DISCHARGE COVER
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothe sideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthe sidedischargecover.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe chuteareaon cuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelonthe unit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarteris attachedtotheright upperhandle.Standbehind
theunit andpulltherecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
OIL FILL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto the Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrail shieldis attachedtotherearofthemowerand isthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Do notusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto the safetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 15 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil fill dipstick(G).SeeFigure11.
2. Withthe moweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor
APIservicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPI
servicelabelon the oilcontainerto besureit includesthelettersSF,
SG,SH,SJ or higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityforthe engine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
"h
40
30
20
10
°30
• A minimumof87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewithupto 10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocool first.Neverrefuelthe engineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucan be
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipe upspills
immediately.
ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfuel deterioration.
Figure11
* Below40°F(4°C)theuse ofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightenthe oilfilldipstick.Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure11.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthe dipstick,
removetheoil fill dipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Do notmixoilin
gasolineormodifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spillfuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin the fueltank.
1. Removethe fueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.To allowforexpansionofthe fuel,do
notfill abovethe bottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntil itclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthefuel container/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatoris standingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
12
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethe bladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure12.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full armstroke.SeeFigure12.Keepingafirm
griponthestartercordhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucan letgo. Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themower.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
tothe operatorandothers.
Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.
Figure12
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethe sidedischargechutefromthemower.
Foreffectivemulching,donot cutwetgrass.If thegrasshas beenal-
lowedtogrowin excessof fourinches,mulchingis notrecommended.
Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthespark
plugwire,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,andrepair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
=
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
.
Engineoillevel
2.
Looseormissinghardware
3.
Unitandengine.
1.
Engineoil
1.
Aircleanert
2.
Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3.
Undersideofmowerdeck
1.
Engineoil
1.
Sparkplug
2.
AirCleaner
1.
Fuelsystem
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest SearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriorto storage.
_resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
14
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthe equipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeach season.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,the sparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthe capfromthe sparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethesparkplug.
f
Electrode
Figure13
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure13.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugto therecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedto cleanthe filtermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runthe enginewiththeaircleanerassemblyortheair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notuse pressurizedairorsolventstocleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswill dissolvethefilter.
Theair cleanersystemusesa pleatedfilter.
1. Openthecover(B). SeeFigure14.
2. Removethefilter(D).
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filterona hardsurface,ifthefilter
isexcessivelydirty, replacewitha newfilter.
4. Installthefilter (D).
5. CIosethecover(B).
Figure14
15
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthe dipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfill withtherecommendedoil
tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoronce a seasonthereafter.
J
Figure15
you top
emptyor fuel canleakoutandresultinafireor explosion.Toempty
lWhen drainthe oil fromthe oil fill thefueltankmustbe
thefuel tank,runthe engineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.
tube,
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theenginetocatchtheusedoil.
3. Removethe oil filldipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure15.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterfor safedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltothe upperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcan causeenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofany combustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Figure16
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
16.
Donot usewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
16
CLEANING DECK
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckonceaseasonto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackoffuel.Disconnectsparkplug
wire.
2. Tipmowersothat it restsonthe housing,keepingthemufflerside
down.Referbackto Figure15.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertip the mowermorethan900inanydirectionanddonotleave
the mowertippedforany lengthoftime.Oilcandrainintotheupper
partof theenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideof thedeckwitha suitabletool.
Donot spraywithwater.
IMPORTANT:Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetoclean
yourunit.Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,orthe engine.The
useof waterwillresultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4. Putthemowerbackon itswheelsontheground.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthe cuttingbladefor sharpeningorreplacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairof heavyglovesor useaheavyragto
holdtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthe steps
belowfor bladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweron its
sidemakingsurethattheair filterandthecarburetorarefacing
up.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure17.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavyside untilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followthe originalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthe bladebalanced.
Figure17
Anunbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausin(
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethe bladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthatthesideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpart number)facestheground
whenthe mowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedon thebladeadapterflanges.See
Figure17inset.
6. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Alignnotchesontheblade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in. Ibs.rain.,
600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltfor correcttorque.
17
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