Craftsman 24737117 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRH

21" LAWN MOWER

Model No. 247.37117

o SAFETY

ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this

manual and follow all

MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST

o ESPArqOL, 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.769-05430

1/19/2010

WarrantyStatement..................................Page2

Safetyinstructions....................................Pages3-6

SlopeGuide..............................................Page7

SafetyLabels............................................Page9

Assembly..................................................Pages10-13

Operation..................................................Pages14-15

ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages16-19

Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20

Troubleshooting........................................Page21

PartsList...................................................Page22-29

Espa_ol.....................................................Page33

ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover

Craftsman Full Warranty

IfthisCraftsmanproductfailsduetoadefectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,returnittoanySearsstore,
SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStatesforfreerepair(orreplacementifrepairprovesimpossible).

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90daysifthisproductiseverusedforcommercialorrentalpurposes.

Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in materialandworkmanship. Searswill NOTpayfor:

• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas mowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or

sparkplugs.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accident,suchas bentcrankshafts,or failuretooperateor maintainthe productaccordingtoall supplied

instructions.

• Preventativemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydueto improperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

Sears, Roebuck andCo.,NoffmanEstates,IL 60179

EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

Engine: Briggs& Stratton

ModelNumber.................................................................

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

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber

anddateof purchaseabove

©SearsBrands,LLC 2

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto theStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthemachineandinthe manualsbefore

operation.Keepthismanualina safeplacefor futureandregular
referenceandfor orderingreplacementparts

, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseof this

machinebeforeoperatingit.

, Thismachineis a precisionpieceof powerequipment,not a

plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donotuseitforanyother purpose.

, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis

machine.Children14andover shouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon

themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

, Only responsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof

safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.

, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretheequipmentistobe used.

Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

, Planyour mowingpatternto avoiddischargeofmaterialtoward

roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawall orobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor athrownobjectinjury,stayin

operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrommowerwhileitis inopera-
tion.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon themachine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.

Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand

steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyorlight-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

Donot put handsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting

deck.Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.

A missingor damageddischargecovercan causebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.

Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedbyslippingortripping.Donot holdon to
themowerifyouarefalling;releasethehandleimmediately.

Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst

lookdownandbehindto avoidtrippingandthenfollowthese

steps:

1. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms.

2. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward

you.

4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.

Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor
drugs.

Donot engagethe self-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.

3

• Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.

• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

• Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.

• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.

• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthe body inthe
bladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.

• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.

• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.

• Onlyuse partsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin thePartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodoso can resultinpersonalinjury.

• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,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,donotmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon aslopedorhillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreater
than15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

o

Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts, rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyoutosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

• Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slipandfall can causeserious
personalinjury.Ifyoufeelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.

DoNot:

• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,youcould

loseyourfootingor balance.

Donot mowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the

slopegauge.

• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot alerttothe presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof

a responsibleadultotherthan theoperator.

Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor

smallchildren.

Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a
childwhomayrunintothemower.

Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofageto operatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineand betrainedandsupervisedby anadult.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:

• Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledon yourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron atruck ortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway

fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand

refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimof the fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingis complete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.

4

• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthe area.

• Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfill fuel tank.Toallowforexpansionof thefuel,do not
fillabovethebottomofthefueltankneck.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• If gasolineisspilled,wipeitoffthe engineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilot lightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergasappliances.

• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageandremoveany

fuelsoakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

• Neverrunanengineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.

Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonot meetthe originalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!

• Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut. Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhen servicingthem.

Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.

Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.

Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.

Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.

• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjectto wearand damagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!

Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.

Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor

leaks.Replaceifnecessary.

Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.

• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• 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

toensurethatall mechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking

properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodoso can resultin

accidents,injuriesordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidtheproductwarranty.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateon regularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifso equipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystem
isequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor state
laws(ifany).

Ifa sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe Stateof Californiatheaboveisrequired

bylaw(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarresterfor the mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson 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 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.

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8

9

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertainto serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.

NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideof theLawnMoweris
observedfromthe operatingposition.

OPENING CARTON

1. Cuteachcornerof the cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.

2. Removeall looseparts.

3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

1. Liftunitfromthe reartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunit out ofcarton.

2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.

f

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON

• GrassCatcher

• SideDischargeCover

• EngineOil

ASSEMBLY

Attaching The Handle

1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.

A. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleas shown

in Figure1.Donotloosenorremoveadjacenthexhead
screws.

B. Whilestabilizingmowersoitdoesn'tmove,pivotupper

handleupas showninFigure2.Donotcrimpcablewhile
liftingthehandleup.

2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.

E

J

Figure2

Figure3

Figure1

.

Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthe handleuntilholesin lowerhandle(shown

in Figure3 deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.

NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandle
allthewayout.

B. InserttheT-boltsremovedin stepearlierthroughthehandle

bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.

C. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto

lowerholesofhandleasshownin Figure5.

4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideof theupperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.

A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslip starter

ropeintotheropeguide.SeeFigure6.

C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurecableto lowerhandle.

Attaching the Grass Catcher

1. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertain
bagisturnedrightside outbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill
beon theoutside).

A. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticside is at the

bottom.

B. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe frame.

SeeFigure7.

2. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:
A. Lift reardischargedoor.

Figure4

Figure7

Figure5

f

,J

Figure6

11

B. Placegrasscatcherintothe slotsinthe handlebracketsas

showninFigure8. Letgoofdischargedoorsothatit rests
onthegrasscatcher.

Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooron themower.Lift
grasscatcherupandoff theslotsinthe handlebrackets.Releaserear
dischargedoorto allowitto close rearopeningofmower.

Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,

makesuregrasscatcherisoff of theunitand reardischargedooris
closed.

1. Onthesideof themower,liftthemulchingcover.SeeFigure9.

2. Slidetwo hooksof side dischargecoverunderhingepinon
mulchingcoverassembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremove
sidemulchingcoverat anytime,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.

f

ADJUSTMENTS

Cutting Height
Thereisa cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontand

rearrightwheel.

1. Pulltheheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel(unitwill tendto
fallwhen leverismovedoutward).

2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure10.

3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswill preventyoufromcuttingthegrasstoocloseto the
ground.

Handle Pitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchof the handle

asfollows:

1. Removewing nutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle.SeeFigure11.

2. Positionthehandlein oneofthethreepositionsthatis most
comfortable.SeeFigure11inset.

3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremoved
earlier.

J

Figure8

SideMulching

Cover

\

Cover

Figure9

f

\

Figure11

_J

Figure10

12

J

Recoil Starter

Grass Catcher

Side Discharge Cutting Heig

Cover Adjustment

Lever

GasCap

Mulch Cover

Figure12

BLADE CONTROL

Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleof the mower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandleto operatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.

Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedonthe rightrearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesame
positiontoensureauniformcut.To adjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.

DECK WASH

Yourmower'sdeckis equippedwitha waterportonitssurfaceas part
ofits deckwashsystem.Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippings

fromthedeck'sunderside.

MULCH COVER

Themulchcoverisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollecting
thegrassclippingsin agrasscatcheror usingthesidedischarge

Deck Wash

Cutting Height
Adjustment

Lever

chute,somemowermodelshavetheoptionofrecirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothelawn.Thisiscalledmulching.

SIDE DISCHARGE COVER

Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthe sidedischargecover.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaon cuttingdeck.Refer

towarninglabelonthe unit.

RECOIL STARTER

Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.Standbehind
theunitandpulltherecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.

OIL CAP/DIPSTICK

Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.

TRAIL SHIELD

Thetrailshieldis attachedtothe rearofthemowerand isthere to

protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethe mowerunless

theshieldis fullyfunctionalandin place.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

13

GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertainto serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.

Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use

1. Removeoil filldipstick(G).SeeFigure13.

2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).

3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.

Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsforAPI

servicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJor later.AlwayschecktheAPIservice
labelonthe oilcontainertobe sureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,

SJor later.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfor the engine.

Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.

f

40
30

16so4s6 o** " 2

¸

32

14
o4

20
10

°30

• A minimumof87 octane/87AKI (91RON).

• Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanol(gasohol)or upto 15%MTBE

(methyltertiarybutylether)isacceptable.

Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththe enginestopped.Ifthe engine
hasbeenrunning,allowitto cool first.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.

Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills

immediately.

Ifyourequipmentwill be usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertotheOff SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-

tion regardingfueldeterioration.

Figure13

e

* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil

consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.

1. Checktheoil withthe enginestoppedand level.

2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeit clean.

3. Insertandtightentheoilfilldipstick.Removeitto checkthe oil
level.SeeFigure13.

4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoilto the
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.

5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.

Gasoline

Donotuse unapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donotmixoil in

Igasolineormodifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswill damage
_theenginecomponentsandvoid the enginewarranty.

Fuelmustmeet theserequirements:

• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.

NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintand sometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spill fuelwhenfillingyourfueltank.

Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.

Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.

1. Removethe fuel tankcap.

2. Fillthefuel tankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthe fuel,do
notfill abovethebottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.

Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.

3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilitclicks.

4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthe fuel container/
sourceandsitebeforestartingthe engine.

Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine

andlawnmower.

14

TO START ENGINE

1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethe bladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure14.

2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full arm stroke.SeeFigure14.Keepingafirm
griponthe starterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntil
enginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtimeslowly.

Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.

NOTE:Ifenginefloods,waita fewminutesto restart.

TO STOP ENGINE

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.

Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themoweror toremovethegrasscatcher.

USING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.

Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.

USING AS MULCHER

Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherandsidedischarge
chutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.If
thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrow inexcessoffourinches,mulching
isnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Figure14

USING GRASS CATCHER

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas you
runmower.Operatemoweruntilgrassbagis full.

2. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunithascometo a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthe

mowerto removethe bag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsand
reinstallthebagwhencomplete.

Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationof damage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.

15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.

=

EachUse

1st5 hours

Annuallyor25hours

Annuallyor50hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis

.

Engineoillevel

2.

Looseormissinghardware

3.

Unitandengine.

1.

Engineoil

1.

Aircleanert

2.

Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels

3.

Undersided mowerdeck

1.

Engineoil

1.

Sparkplug

2.

AirCleaner

1.

Fuelsystem

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearestSearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

1. Check

2. Tightenor replace

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Clean

2. Lubewithlightoil

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Replace

2. Replace

1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof

freshfuelpriortostorage.

_resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.

16

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceonyourmachine.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.

• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnot coveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.To receivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas

instructedhere.

• Changingof engine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.

• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand

freeof deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.

1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirt from
thesparkplugarea.

2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethe sparkplug.

f

Electrode

Figure15

NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.

3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure15.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.030in (0.76ram).If necessary,resetthegap.

4. installandtightenthe sparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).

5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.

Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwillrestrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor

engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedtocleanthefiltermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydusty areas.

Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.

Neverstartor runtheenginewiththe aircleanerassemblyortheair
filterremoved.

NOTE:Do notusepressurizedairor solventstocleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.

1. Loosenscrewandtilt plastichousingcoveron sideofengine
down.SeeFigure16.

2. Removeairfilterfromplastichousingcoverandreplacewith
cleanor newfilter.

3. insertcover'stabsintoslotsin bottomofbase.

4. Tiltcoverupintoplaceandtightenscrew.

Figure16

17