Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRH
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.37030
,, 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 769-07573
12/1/2011
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafetyInstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
Assembly..................................................Pages8-11
Operation..................................................Pages12-13
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page18
Troubleshooting........................................Page19
PartsList...................................................Page20-29
Espa_ol.....................................................Page33
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-17
Craftsman TwoYearFull Warranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor workmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorfree replacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarranty coveragedetails 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 repairorcausedby productaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoall suppliedinstructions.
Preventativemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydueto improperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidif thisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorif rentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,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. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartof theoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
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 instructionsonthemachineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplacefor futureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththe controlsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donot useitforanyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof ageto operatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Only responsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethismachine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyour mowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsat least75feetfrommowerwhileitis inopera-
tion.Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.
Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseof thispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandonthemachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsandlegsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethismachine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingordamageddischargecovercan causebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultof the mowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Donotholdon to
themowerif youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallorobstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthen followthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowerto fullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donot operatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagetheself-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleis a safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewill stop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor thecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe
bladeareauntilyou aresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do not
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineis running.
• Onlyuse partsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin thePartspagesof thisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
• If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon a slopedorhillyarea. Iftheslopeis 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 feelyouarelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownonthe
slopeguide.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurif theoperatorisnotalertto thepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthe mowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmoweroffif achild entersthearea.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor
smallchildren.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a
childwhomayrunintothe mower.
• Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedby an adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckortrailer bed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingis complete.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,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergas appliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageandremoveany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
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'sgovernorsettingor over-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),this product
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.Atthe endoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocan resultin
accidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do not modifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowill voidtheproductwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM) and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlessthe engine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(if any).
Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworking
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"_
(TOO STEEP)
Figure1 Figure2
Slopes area majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-over accidentswhich can resultin severe injury or death. Do not operate machineon slopes
in excess of 15degrees. Allslopes requireextra caution.Always mow acrossthe face of slopes, never mowup and down slopes.
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideof theLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthe reartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitout ofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
f
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
* GrassCatcher
* EngineOil
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Removewing nutsandcarriageboltshandleasshown
in Figure1.Donotloosenorremoveadjacenthexhead
screws.
B. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupper
handleupas showninFigure2. Do notcrimpcablewhile
liftingthehandleup.
2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
f
J
Figure2
Figure3
Figure1
J
8
.
Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthe handleuntilholesin lowerhandle(shown
in Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesureto notpullhandle
allthewayout.
B. Insertthe T-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.
C. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto
lowerholesofhandleas shownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideis attachedtotherightsideofthe upperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslip starter
ropeintothe ropeguide.SeeFigure6.
C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
1. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertain
bagisturnedrightside outbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill
beon theoutside).
A. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticsideisatthe
bottom.
.... J
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
J
9
B. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.
SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
A. Lift reardischargedoor.
B. Placegrasscatcherintothe slotsinthehandlebracketsas
shownin Figure8. Letgoofdischargedoorsothatit rests
onthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,lift reardischargedooron themower.Lift
grasscatcherupandoff theslotsinthe handlebrackets.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowitto close rearopeningofmower.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereis a cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontand
rearrightwheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill
tendto fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure9.
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure9.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswill preventyoufromcuttingthegrasstooclosetothe
ground.
Handle Pitch
Figure7
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchof thehandle
asfollows:
1. Removewing nutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle.SeeFigure10.
2. Positionthehandlein oneofthe threepositionsthatis most
comfortable.SeeFigure10inset.
3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremoved
earlier.
J
Figure8
f
Higher
Figure10
Figure9
10
RecoilStarter
GrassCatcher
Figure11
BLADE CONTROL TRAIL SHIELD
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleof themower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.
Releaseitto stopengineandblade.
Thetrail shieldis attachedtotherearof themowerand isthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Do notusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
RECOIL STARTER
Gas Cap
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedon theright rearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesame
positiontoensurea uniformcut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.
GRASS CATCHER
Thegrasscatcher,locatedattherearof themower,is usedtobag
thegrassclippingsfordisposalatanothersite.Oncethebagis full,
removeitupthroughthe handlesusingthestrapprovidedandemptyit
beforeanyfurthermowing.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.Standbehind
theunit andpulltherecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
GAS CAP
Removethe gascaptoaddfueltothe fueltank.Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasoline.
OiL FiLL CAP/DiPSTiCK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
SPARK PLUG
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
11
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 15ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil filldipstick(G).SeeFigure12.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill(H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor
APIservicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPI
servicelabelon theoilcontainerto besureitincludesthelettersSF,
SG,SH,SJ or higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityforthe engine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityforthe outdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
"h
40
30
20
10
°30
• A minimumof87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewithupto 10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Ifthe engine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocool first.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucan be
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineandkeep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonaninfrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
Figure12
* Below40°F(4°C)the useofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removethe oil fill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightenthe oilfilldipstick.Removeitto checktheoil
level.SeeFigure12.
4. Iftheoil levelis nearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfill withthe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Donotmixoil in
gasolineormodifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
theenginecomponentsandvoid the enginewarranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spillfuelwhenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.
1. Removethe fueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do
notfill abovethebottomofthefueltankneck.Do notoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenit untilitclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthe fuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatoris standingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
12
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethe bladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure13.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full armstroke.SeeFigure13.Keepinga firm
griponthestartercordhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucan letgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
Waitforthe bladetostopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethegrasscatcher.
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.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandallowthe rear
dischargedoor toclosetherearopeningof mower.Foreffective
mulching,donot cutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrow
in excessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe grass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
Figure13
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanuse thegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe "Assembly"
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas you
runmower.Operatemoweruntilgrassbagis full.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthe bladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunit hascometoa completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthe
mowerto removethebag.Disposeofthe grassclippingsand
reinstallthebagwhencomplete.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthe spark
plugwire,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,andrepair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunit shouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearestSearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1stMonthor 5 hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
.
Engineoillevel
2.
Looseormissinghardware
3.
Aircleaner
4.
Unitandengine.
1.
Engineoil
1.
Aircleaner1
2.
Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3.
Undersideofmowerdeck
1.
Engineoilff
1.
Sparkplug
2.
AirCleaner
1.
Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriorto storage.
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
_resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
11 Changeoilevery25 hourswhenoperatingtheengineunderheavyloador in hightemperatures.
14
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.To receivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthe equipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,the sparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthe capfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethesparkplug.
f
Electrode
Figure14
NOTE:Replacewitha ChampionRC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure14.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugto therecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwillrestrictairflowto thecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedto cleanthefiltermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoronce a season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runtheenginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notusepressurizedairorsolventstocleanthe filter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
Theair cleanersystemusesa pleatedfilter.
1. Openthecover(B). SeeFigure15.
2. Removethefilter(D).
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filterona hardsurface,if the filter
isexcessivelydirty, replacewithanewfilter.
4. Installthefilter (D).
5. CIosethecover(B).
Figure15
15
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removethe oil fill dipstickandwipeitclean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththerecommendedoil
tothe upperlimitmark.Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoronce a seasonthereafter.
AirFilter
Oil Fill/Dipstick
J
Figure16
you top
emptyor fuelcanleak outandresultinafireor explosion.Toempty
lWhen drainthe oil fromthe oil fill thefuel tankmustbe
thefuel tank,runtheengineuntilitstopsfromlackof fuel.
tube,
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theenginetocatchtheusedoil.
3. Removethe oil fill dipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure16.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoilproperly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,fillto the upperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoillevelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofany combustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Figure17
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
17.
Donot usewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushordrycloth.
16
CLEANING DECK
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckonceaseasonto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof fuel.Disconnectsparkplug
wire.
2. Tipmowersothat it restson thehousing,keepingthemufflerside
down.Referbackto Figure16.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertip themowermorethan900inanydirectionanddo notleave
the mowertippedforanylengthoftime.Oilcandrainintothe upper
partof theenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideof thedeckwitha suitabletool.
Donot spraywithwater.
f
/ /
IMPORTANT:Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetoclean
yourunit.Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,ortheengine.The
useof waterwill resultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4. Putthemowerbackon itswheelsonthe ground.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthecuttingbladefor sharpeningorreplacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesoruse a heavyragto
holdtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthe bladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowfor bladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweron its
sidemakingsurethattheair filterandthecarburetorarefacing
up.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure18.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaft screwdriverto check.Removemetalfrom
theheavyside untilitbalancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followthe originalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthebladebalanced.
Bell\...... Blade *
Support @_ ....... Bolt
Figure18
An unbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds.Itmaycausedamageto mowerandcouldbreakcausin(
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethe bladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthatthe sideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpart number)facestheground
whenthe mowerisintheoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedon thebladeadapterflanges.See
Figure18inset.
6. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Alignnotchesonthe blade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,
600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltfor correcttorque.
17