Craftsman 247.37037 User Manual
Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRH
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.37037
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
CAUTION: Before using
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
this product, read this
manual and follow all
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.769-07601A
12/6/2011
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,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RJ2YXLE
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsinthismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron the partof theoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthe machineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfutureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donot useit foranyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsat least75feetfrommowerwhileit is inopera-
tion.Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.
Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandon the machine.
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 resultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Do notholdon to
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 andwaituntilthe bladecomesto a 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 accessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin the Partspagesof thisOperator'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. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineona slopedor hillyarea. Iftheslopeisgreater
than15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcan causeserious
personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot alertto thepresence
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.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofageto operatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedby an adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes,whichcan ignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruck ortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthe fueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• If gasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,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,listedinthe Partspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
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.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocan resultin
accidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do not modifyengineinany way.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidthe productwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearany unimprovedforest-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,andfollowallinstructionson the machine
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. All slopes requireextra caution.Always mow acrossthe face of slopes, never mow up and down slopes.
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideof theLawnMoweris
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
• GrassCatcher
• SideDischargeCover
• EngineOil
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleas shown
in Figure1.Donot loosenorremoveadjacenthexhead
screws.
B. Whilestabilizingmowersoitdoesn'tmove,pivotupper
handleupas showninFigure2.Do notcrimpcablewhile
liftingthehandleup.
2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
E
J
Figure2
Figure3
\\
Figure1
.
Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesin lowerhandle(shown
in Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesureto notpullhandle
allthewayout.
B. InserttheT-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.
C. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto
lowerholesofhandleas shownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideis attachedtotheright sideof theupperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarter
ropeintothe ropeguide.SeeFigure6.
C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
1. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertain
bagisturnedrightside outbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill
beon theoutside).
A. Placebagoverframesothatitsblackplasticsideisatthe
bottom.
B. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.
SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:
A. Lift reardischargedoor.SeeFigure8.
Figure4
Figure7
Figure5
f
,J
Figure6
9
B, Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsas
shownin Figure8. Letgoof dischargedoorsothatit rests
onthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooron themower.Lift
grasscatcherupandoff the slotsinthe handlebrackets.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowitto close rearopeningofmower,
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconverttoside discharge,
makesuregrasscatcherisoff of theunitand reardischargedooris
closed.
1. Onthesideof themower,liftthe mulchingcover.SeeFigure9.
2, Slidetwo hooksofside dischargecoverunderhingepinon
mulchingcoverassembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donot remove
sidemulchingcoveratanytime, evenwhenyouarenot mulching.
f
// "\ • •-.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereis a cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontand
rearrightwheel,
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill
tendto fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10,
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure10.
3, Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswill preventyoufromcuttingthegrasstooclosetothe
ground,
Handle Pitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchofthehandle
asfollows:
1, Removewing nutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle,SeeFigure11,
2. Positionthehandlein oneofthethreepositionsthatis most
comfortable,SeeFigure11inset,
3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremoved
earlier,
E
J
Figure8
Side Mulching
Cover
Figure9
f
Higher
Figure11
_J
Figure10
10
J
Recoil Starter
Grass Catcher
Deck Wash
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Cover
Gas Cap
Figure12
BLADE CONTROL
Thebladecontrolis attachedtotheupperhandleof themower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.
Releaseitto stopengineandblade.
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedontherightrearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beat thesame
positiontoensurea uniformcut.To adjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.
DECK WASH
Yourmower'sdeckis equippedwitha waterport onitssurfaceas part
ofits deckwashsystem.Usethe deckwashto rinsegrassclippings
fromthedeck'sunderside.
MULCH COVER
Themulchcoveris usedfor mulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollecting
thegrassclippingsin agrasscatcheror usingthe sidedischarge
CuttingHeight
Adjustment
Lever
/
MulchCover
chute,somemowermodelshavetheoptionofrecirculatingthe
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 CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto the Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrail shieldis attachedtotherearof themowerandisthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Do notusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto the safetystandardofthe AmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil fill dipstick(G).SeeFigure13.
2. Withthe moweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor
APIservicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPI
servicelabelon the oilcontainerto besure itincludesthelettersSF,
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,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,andflameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfuel deterioration.
Figure13
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 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.SeeFigure13.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fill dipstick,andfill withthe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Do notmixoil in
Igasolineor modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswill damage
_theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spillfuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.
1. Removethe fueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do
notfill abovethe bottomofthefuel tankneck.Do notoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilitclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feetawayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatoris standingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
12
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure14.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt, thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full armstroke.SeeFigure14.Keepingafirm
griponthestartercordhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethegrasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
tothe operatorandothers.
Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,orwhileperforming
anyadjustmentsorrepairsonit.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandsidedischarge
chutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,donot cutwetgrass.If
thegrasshas beenallowedtogrowinexcessof fourinches,mulching
isnot recommended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Figure14
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanuse thegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyou are
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe "Assembly"
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagasyou
runmower.Operatemoweruntilgrassbagis full.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunit hascometo a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthe
mowerto removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsand
reinstallthebagwhencomplete.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthe spark
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
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisis
.
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 Sears Service
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSears at
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. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriorto storage.
_resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
14
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeach season.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,the sparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthe sparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethesparkplug.
f
Electrode
Figure15
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RJ2YXLEsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure15.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugto therecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothe carburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedto cleanthe filtermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runthe enginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notuse pressurizedairor solventstocleanthe filter.Pres-
surizedaircandamagethefilterandsolventswill dissolvethefilter.
1. Loosenthefastenerthatholdsthecoverandtiltplastichousing
coveron sideof enginedown.SeeFigure16.
2. Removeairfilterfromplastichousingcover.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filterona hardsurface,ifthe filter
isexcessivelydirty, replacewitha newfilter.
4. insertcover'stabsintoslotsinbottomofbase.
5. Tiltcoverupintoplaceand securewithfastener.
Figure 16
15
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeitclean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfill withtherecommendedoil
tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoronce a seasonthereafter.
Oil Fill/Dipstick
J
Figure17
you top
emptyor fuel canleak outand resultinafire or explosion.Toempty
lWhen drainthe oil fromthe oil fill the fueltankmustbe
thefuel tank,runthe engineuntilitstopsfromlackof fuel.
tube,
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theengineto catchthe usedoil.
3. Removethe oil filldipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure17.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterfor safedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltothe upperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofany combustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Figure18
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
18.
Donot usewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor dry cloth.
16
DECK WASH
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwitha waterportonitssurfaceaspart
ofits deckwashsystem.
Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippingsfromthe deck'sunderside
andpreventthe buildupofcorrosivechemicals.Completethefollowing
stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:
1. Pushthemowertoa level,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenough
foryourgardenhoseto reach.Removethegrassbagifattached.
house,garage,parkedcars,etc.
2. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourmower'sOperator's
Manual)onto theendof yourgardenhose.
3. Attachthe hosecouplertothe waterporton yourdeck'ssurface.
SeeFigure19.
4. Turnthewateron.
5. Starttheengineas describedintheOperationsection.
6. Runtheenginefora minimumoftwominutes,allowingthe
undersideofthecuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.
7. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineandblade.
8. Turnthewateroff anddetachthehosecouplerfromthe water
portonyourdeck'ssurface.
Aftercleaningyourdeck,restartthemower.Keeptheengineand
bladerunningfora minimumoftwominutes,allowingthe undersideof
thecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthe cuttingbladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairof heavyglovesor usea heavyragto
holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthe steps
belowfor bladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronits
sidemakingsurethattheair filterandthecarburetorarefacing
up.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure20.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto check.Removemetalfrom
theheavyside untilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followthe originalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthe bladebalanced.
Anunbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausing
personalinjury.
i,
,i
i
!
Figure19
r
L....................................!! tde ft_11 i
Support @_F........ Bolt
Figure20
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethe bladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthatthesideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpart number)facestheground
whenthe mowerisin the operatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedon thebladeadapterflanges.See
Figure19inset.
6. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Alignnotchesontheblade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,
600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltfor correcttorque.
17
J
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