Operator's Manual
CRRFr MRN
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.370370
,, SAFETY
o ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION" Before using this
product, read this manual and
follow all safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo 769-07601B
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
(October1,2012)
WarrantyStatement.............................. Page2
SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..................................... Page7
Assembly.................................... Pages8-10
Operation.................................. Pages11-13
Off-SeasonStorage.............................. Page18
Troubleshooting................................ Page19
PartsList.................................... Page20-28
Espa_ol........................................ Page33
ServiceNumbers............................ BackCover
ServiceandMaintenance.................... Pages14-17
CRAFTSMANTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY
Fortwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwillreceivefreerepair
orfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
, Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,orsparkplugs.
, Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
, Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
, Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedto anotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,IL60179
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Engine: Briggs & Stratton
© Sears Brands, LLC 2
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Record the model number, serial number,
and date of purchase above.
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafety instructionswhich, ifnot
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orproperty of
yourselfandothers.Readandfollow allinstructions inthis manual
beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethissymbol, HEED
ITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilt tobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeoperation
practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe part of the operatorcanresultinseriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and
throwingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowing safety instructionscould
resultinseriousinjury or death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someofits constituents,and certainvehiclecomponents
containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand
birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.
GENERAL OPERATION
Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybeforeattemptingto
assemblethis machine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthe
machineandinthemanualsbeforeoperation.Keepthismanualina safe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts
Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthismachine
beforeoperatingit.
Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,notaplaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.Thismachinehasbeen
designedto performonejob:tomowgrass.Donotuseitforanyother
purpose.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyanadult.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwith theserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Removeall
stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbe
trippedoverorpickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awall orobstruction,whichmaycausedischargedmaterialtoricochetback
towardtheoperator.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,stayinoperatorzone
behindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpersandpetsat least75
feetfrommowerwhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performinganadjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsand instructionsin
thismanualandonthe machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsandsteel-toedshoesare
recommended.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor
light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsorunderthecuttingdeck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesandfeet.
Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown
objectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringafall causedbyslippingortripping.Donotholdontothemowerif
youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.Ifyoumust
backthemowerawayfromawallorobstructionfirstlookdownandbehind
toavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrom mowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwith surefooting.
c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donotoperatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismonmachinessoequipped
whilestartingengine.
Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresultin
personalinjurythroughcontactwith therotatingblade.Thebladecontrol
handlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothe
disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A
slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
footing,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewill
stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand
checkimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoacompletestopbefore
removingthegrasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthebladecontrolisreleased.
Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthebladeareauntilyouaresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass
catcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceand
working.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
socanresultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachinebythemanufactureras
listedinthePartspagesofthisOperator'sManual.Failuretodosocanresult
inpersonalinjury.
Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull
rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareandgood
judgement.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcanresultinsevere
injury.Operationonslopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do
notmowit.Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonaslopedor hillyarea.Iftheslope
isgreaterthan 15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectiononslopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,orbumpswhichcancauseyou
tosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.Aslipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethebladecontrol
handleimmediatelyandthebladewill stoprotatingwithinthree(3)
seconds.
Do Not:
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,becauseyoucould
loseyourfootingorbalance.
Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopeguide.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowingactivity.Theydonot
understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmoweroffifa childentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees,
orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe
mower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom
ahotmuffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandbetrainedandsupervised
byanadult.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecareinhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.
Seriouspersonalinjury canoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your
clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwithaplastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on
theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
with aportablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulatein
thearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow
enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill above
thebottomof thefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkorpilot
lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
Toreducefire hazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.
4
General Service:
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeandall
movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsforproper
tightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn).
Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade
only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisin safe
workingcondition.
Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldaresubjectto
wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobe
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.EM.)partsonly,
listedinthePartspagesof thismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.The
governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor leaks.Replace
if necessary.
Donotcrankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposalof fluids
andmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andtheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverageUseful
Lifeofseven(7)years,or140hoursofoperation.AttheendoftheAverage
UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyaSearsorotherqualified
servicedealertoensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failureto dosocanresultinaccidents,
injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with thegovernorsetting canleadtoa runawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factory setting ofengine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhkh arecertified to complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA
emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)arecertified
to operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayincludethefollowing
emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification (EM),OxidizingCatalyst(OC),
SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould
not beusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brusbcoveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestor isused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworking order
bythe operator.Inthe Stateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough yournearestSearsParts
andRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispage depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
attempting toassembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
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.
• ®
imI
DANGER -- BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
DANGER -- HAND/FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER-- THROWNDEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wearsafety glasses.
DANGER -- SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.
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.
WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow
the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6
15° Slope
15° Slope
X
(OK)
_- _. Figure1
_O._daShed._fine
USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETO DETERMINE
iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole, building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneithersideof theslope gaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or down until theleft cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5.
If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslope istoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
(TOO STEEP)
Figure2
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can result in severeinjuryor death. Donot operate machine onslopes
in excess of 15 degrees.All slopes requireextracaution. Always mow acrosstheface of slopes, nevermow upand down slopes.
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedintheOperationsectionbefore
startingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referencetorightandlefthandsideof the LawnMowerisobservedfromthe
operatingposition.
OPENINGCARTON
1. Cuteachcornerof thecartonverticallyfromtoptobottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVINGUNITFROMCARTON
1. Liftunitfromtherearto detachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterialandroll
unitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LoosePartsin Carton
GrassCatcher
SideDischargeCover
EngineOil
Assembly
Figure2
Attaching TheHandle
I. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperandlower
handles.
a. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshownin FigureI.
Donotloosenorremoveadjacenthexheadscrews.
b. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupperhandleupas
shownin Figure2.Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
2.
RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
,,J
Figure3
Figure1
8
3. Followthestepsbelowto completehandleassembly:
a. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesinlowerhandle(shownin
Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandlebracket.See
Figure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandleallthe
wayout.
b. InserttheT-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethehandle
inplace.SeeFigure4.
c. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierintolower
holesof handleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideoftheupperhandle.Loosenthe
wingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto Figure6.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarterropeinto
theropeguide.SeeFigure6.
c. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
d. Usecabletiesto securebladecontrolcableto lowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
1. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertainbagisturned
rightsideout beforeassembling(warninglabelwillbeontheoutside).
a. Placebagoverframesothatitsblackplasticsideisatthebottom.
b. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
Figure7
9
b. Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsasshownin
Figure8.Letgoofdischargedoorsothatit restsonthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooronthemower.Liftgrasscatcherup
andofftheslotsin thehandlebrackets.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit to
closerearopeningofmower.
Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconvertto sidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoffof theunitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
1. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeFigure9.
2. Slidetwohooksof sidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulchingcoveratany
time,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
Adjustments
CuttingHeight
Thereisacutting heightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontandrearright
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill tendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure10.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
SideMulching
Cover
.................................
J
Figure9
f
\\
'\ \
Higher
IMPO2TAN_Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesameposition.Forroughoruneven
lawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoahigherposition.Thiswillpreventyou
fromcuttingthegrasstooclosetotheground.
HandlePitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchofthe handleasfollows:
I. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Positionthehandleinoneofthethreepositionsthatismostcomfortable.
SeeFigure11inset.
3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlier.
E
J
Figure10
Figure8
J
J
Figure11
10
f
Recoil Starter
Grass Catcher
Control
Deck Wash
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Cover
Gas Cap
Mulch Cover
Figure12
BladeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedto theupperhandleofthemower.Depressand
squeezeit againsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.Releaseittostopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrol isasafetydevice.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
CuttingHeightAdjustmentLever
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedontherightrearwheelandoneislocatedonthe
rightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesamepositiontoensureauniform
cut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto theAssemblySection.
DeckWash
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsdeck
washsystem.Usethedeckwashtorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside.
Mulch Cover
Themulchcoverisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionof redrculatingtheclippingsbacktothelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
MeetsANSISafety Standards
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
\
J
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingstotheside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectionto attachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeetawayfrom the chuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warning labelonthe unit.
TrailShield
Thetrailshieldisattachedto therearofthemowerandistheretoprotectthe
operatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethemowerunlesstheshieldisfully
functionalandinplace.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
Oil FillCap/Dipstick
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11
GASANDOILFILL-UP f
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedin thissectionbeforestartingor
runningyourmachine.
OU(one18ouncebottleshippedwithunit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoilfill dipstick(G).SeeFigure13.
2. Withthemoweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsof oil bottle
providedintotheengineoilfill (H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
SubsequentUses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsorexceedstherequirementsfor APIservice
categorySF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPIservicelabelontheoil
containertobesureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.
OutdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilvBcosityfor theengine.Usethe
charttoselectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperaturerangeexpected.
_ 40
2o
running,allowit tocoolfirst.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea buildingwhere
gasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
J
Figure13
Fuelmustmeettheserequirements:
Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
Aminimumof87octane/87AKI(91RON).
Gasolinewith upto10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Iftheenginehasbeen
Z>°30
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseof SAE30will resultinhardstarting.
** Above80°F(27°C)theuseof10W-30maycauseincreasedoilconsumption.
Checkoillevelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoilwiththeenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfill dipstick.Removeit to checktheoillevel.See
Figure13.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theoilfill dipstick,andfillwith therecommendedoiltotheupperlimit
mark(J).Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donot mixoil in gasoline
or modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswill damagethe engine
componentsandvoidthe enginewarranty.
Gasolineishighlyflammable andexplosive,andyoucanbeburnedor
seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling. Stopengineand keepheat,sparks,and
flameaway.Refuelonly outdoors.Wipeupspillsimmediately.
Ifyourequipmentwill beusedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,please
refertothe OffSeasonStoragesectionfor additionalinformationregardingfuel
deterioration.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesofplastic.Becarefulnottospillfuel
whenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.Avoidgetting
dirt orwaterinthefueltank.
1. Removethefueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwith fuel.Toallowforexpansionof thefuel,donotfill
abovethebottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.Wipeupspilledfuel
beforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilit clicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feetawayfromthefuelcontainer/sourceand
sitebeforestartingtheengine.
12
Besurenooneother than the operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
while starting engineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengineindoorsor
inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hairand loose
clothingawayfrom anymovingpartsonengineandlawn mower.
ToStart Engine
Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
2.
Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt, thenpull witharapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure14.Keepingafirm griponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)will pull handand armtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
Figure14
ToStep Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitfor thebladetostopcompletelybeforeperforming anywork onthe
moweror toremovethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytotheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationof anylawnmowercan resultinforeign objectsbeing
thrown intothe eyes,which candamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafety glasseswhile operatingthe mower,orwhile performingany
adjustmentsor repairsonit.
UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandsidedischargechutefromthe
mower.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowed
togrowinexcessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
UsingGrassCatcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouareoperatingthe
mower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"section.Grass
clippingswill automaticallycollectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemower
untilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthe bladecontrol.Makesurethatthe
unit hascometoacompletestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthemowerto
removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsandreinstallthebagwhen
complete.
Ifyoustrikea foreign object,stoptheengine. Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughly inspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepairdamage
beforerestarting andoperating.Extensivevibration ofmowerduring
operationisanindicationof damage.Theunit should bepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
13
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageall controls
andstopthe engine.Wait until all movingpartshavecometo a complete
stop.Disconnectsparkplug wireand groundit againsttheengineto
preventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice
guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompleted
maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,
simplycontactSearsat1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
IstMonthor5hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisispresent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
ff Changeoilevery25hourswhenoperatingtheengineunderheavyloadorinhightemperatures.
1. Engineoil level
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Aircleaner
4. Unitandengine
1. Engineoil
1. Aircleanerf
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck
1. Engineoil ff
1. Sparkplug
2. AirCleaner
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenorreplace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
I. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackoffuel,or
addstabilizertoafull tankof freshfuelprior
tostorage.
14
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire, andgroundagainstengine
beforeperforming anytype of maintenanceonyourmachine.
GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathavebeen
subjectedto operatorabuseornegligence.Toreceivefull valuefrom
warranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINEMAINTENANCE
SparkPlug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedandfreeof
deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirt fromthespark
plugarea.
2. Usethe propersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethesparkplug.
NOTE:ReplacewithaChampionRJ2YXLEsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure15.Sparkpluggapshouldbe
0.020in(0.51mm).Ifnecessary,resetthegap.
4. Installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180Ib-in [20
Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
f
Electrode
.J
Figure15
f
Adirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflow tothecarburetorandcausepoorengine
performance.Inspectthefilter eachtimetheengineisoperated.Youwill needto
cleanthefiltermorefrequentlyif youoperatetheengineinverydustyareas.
Cleantheaircleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.Replacetheair
cleanerannually.
Neverstart orrunthe enginewith the aircleanerassemblyor theair filter
removed.
NOTE:Donotusepressurizedairorsolventstocleanthefilter. Pressurizedaircan
damagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Loosenthefastenerthatholdsthecoverandtilt plastichousingcoveronside
ofenginedown.SeeFigure16.
2. Removeairfilterfromplastichousingcover.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilteronahardsurface.Ifthefilteris
excessivelydirty, replacewith a newfilter.
4. Insertcover'stabsintoslotsinbottomofbase.
5. Tiltcoverupintoplaceandsecurewith fastener.
Figure16
15
CheckEngineOil
Checkoil levelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoilwiththeenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeit tochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theoilfillercap/dipstick,andfill with therecommendedoiltothe upper
limit mark.Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
ChangeEngineOil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammable andexplosive.Fireor
explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfiftyhoursor
onceaseasonthereafter.
Whenyoudrainthe oil from thetop oilfill tube, the fuel tank must be
empty orfuel canleak out andresultin afire orexplosion.Toempty the
fuel tank, runthe engineuntil it stopsfrom lackoffuel.
1. Withengineoff butstill warm,disconnectthesparkplugwireandkeepit
awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placeasuitablecontainernexttotheengineto catchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoilfill dipstickanddraintheoilintothecontainerbytippingthe
enginetowardtheoil filler neck.SeeFigure17.
f
Oil Fill/Dipstick
Figure17
f
Usedoil isahazardouswasteproduct. Disposeofusedoil properly. Donot
discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthoritiesor Sears
ServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4.
Withtheenginein alevelposition,fill tothe upperlimit markonthedipstick
with therecommendedoil.
Runningthe enginewith alowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoiifill dipsticksecurely.
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeof anycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
J
Figure18
LUBRICATION
BladeControl
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolatleastonceaseasonwith light oil.This
controlmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure18.
16
DeckWash
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsdeck
washsystem.
Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sundersideandprevent
thebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.CompletethefollowingstepsAFTEREACH
MOWING:
Pushthemowertoalevel,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenoughforyour
gardenhosetoreach.Removethegrassbagif attached.
Makecertainthe mower'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfrom your
house,garage,parkedcars,etc.
2. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourmower'sOperator'sManual)
ontotheendofyourgardenhose.
3. Attachthehosecouplertothewaterportonyourdeck'ssurface.SeeFigure
19.
4.
Turnthewateron.
5.
Starttheengineasdescribedin theOperationsection.
6.
Runtheenginefor aminimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideof the
cuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.
7.
Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineandblade.
8.
Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewaterportonyour
deck'ssurface.
Figure19
/
/
J
Aftercleaningyourdeck,restartthemower.Keeptheengineandbladerunning
foraminimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideofthecuttingdeckto
thoroughlydry.
BladeCare
Whenremovingthe cutting bladefor sharpeningorreplacement,protect
yourhandswith apair ofheavyglovesorusea heavyragto holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyoustrikeaforeign
object.Replacewhennecessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitssidemaking
surethat theairfilter andthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdthebladeandthe
bladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure20.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethebladeona
roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntil
it balancesevenly.Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangleof
grind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
Anunbalancedbladewill causeexcessivevibrationwhenrotating at high
speeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausingpersonal
injury.
Blade
\
/
Figure20
.5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceofthebladeadapter
with lightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placethe
bladeontheadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked"Bottom"(or
with partnumber)facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedandseatedonthebladeadapter
flanges.SeeFigure20inset.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotcheson thebladebell
supportwith smallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.min.,600in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallycheckthebladeboltforcorrect
torque.
17