
Operator's Manual
CRRFT$1VlFIN
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.372180
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.769-10427
• SAFETY
• ASSEMBLY
• OPERATION
• MAINTENANCE
• ESPAIRIOL
(November20,2014)

WarrantyStatement.............................. Page2
SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..................................... Page7
Assembly.................................... Pages8-10
Operation.................................. Pages11-12
CRAFTSMANLIMITEDWARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateof sale,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.
WITHPROOFOFSALE,adefectiveproductwillreceivefreerepairorreplacementatoptionofseller.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com/warranty
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,
andoilfilters.
ServiceandMaintenance.................... Pages13-14
Off-SeasonStorage.............................. Page15
Troubleshooting................................ Page16
Espa_ol......................................... Page19
ServiceNumber............................. BackCover
• Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
• Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,IL60179
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Engine: Briggs & Stratton
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Record the model number, serial number,
and date of purchase above.
© Sears Brands, LLC 2

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnot
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orproperty of
yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructions inthismanual
beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethis symbol,HEED
ITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilt to beoperatedaccordingtothesafeoperation
practicesinthis manual.Aswith anytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe part oftheoperatorcanresultinseriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableof amputating fingers,hands,toesand feetand
throwingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowing safetyinstructionscould
resultinseriousinjuryordeath.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,and certainvehiclecomponents
containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiato causecancerand
birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.
GENERAL OPERATION
Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybeforeattemptingto
assemblethis machine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthe
machineandinthemanualsbeforeoperation.Keepthismanualinasafe
placefor futureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts
Becompletelyfamiliarwith thecontrolsandtheproperuseofthismachine
beforeoperatingit.
Thismachineisaprecisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota plaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.Thismachinehasbeen
designedto performonejob:tomowgrass.Donotuseit foranyother
purpose.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis machine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyanadult.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwith theserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethismachine.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Removeall
stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbe
trippedoverorpickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awall orobstruction,whichmaycausedischargedmaterialto ricochetback
towardtheoperator.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,stayinoperatorzone
behindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75
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.If youmust
backthemowerawayfroma wallorobstructionfirstlookdownandbehind
toavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
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,Nddenobjects,orbumpswhichcancauseyou
tosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.Aslipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethebladecontrol
handleimmediatelyandthebladewill stoprotatingwithinthree(3)
seconds.
Do Not:
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,becauseyoucould
loseyourfootingorbalance.
Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopeguide.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
TragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresenceofcNIdren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothemowerandthemowingactivity.Theydonot
understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmoweroff ifachildentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees,
orotherobjectsthat mayobscureyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe
mower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom
ahotmuffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandbetrainedandsupervised
byanadult.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecareinhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.
Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your
clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith aplastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on
theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
with aportablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulatein
thearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow
engineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill above
thebottomof thefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoffthe engineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
NeverstorethemacNneorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkorpilot
lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
Toreducefire hazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
4

General Service:
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeandall
movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsforproper
tightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn).
Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade
only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproperperformance
andcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisinsafe
workingcondition.
Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldaresubjectto
wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectsto be
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(0.EM.)partsonly,
listedinthePartspagesof thismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.The
governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedof theengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replace
if necessary.
Donotcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposalof fluids
andmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andtheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverageUseful
Lifeofseven(7)years,or140hoursof operation.AttheendoftheAverage
UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualified
servicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodo socanresultinaccidents,
injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with the governorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factorysetting of engine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhich 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,brushcoveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestor isused,it shouldbemaintained 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 instructionson the machine before
attempting to assembleandoperate.
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. Wear safety glasses.
DANGER-- SLOPES
Useextra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.
WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
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

(OK)
15° Slope
X
(TOO STEEP)
15° Slope
_- _. Figure1
USETHiS SLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
iFASLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobjectonor behindthe slope(e.g.apole,building,fence, tree,etc.)
3. Aligneithersideofthe slope gaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
4. Adjustgaugeupor downuntil theleftcornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1andFigure2).
5.
_O._daShed._fine
If there isagap belowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).
Figure2
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severeinjury ordeath. Do not operate machineon slopes
in excessof 15degrees.All slopes requireextracaution. Always mowacrossthe face of slopes,nevermow up anddown slopes.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertain
toserviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedinthe Operationsectionof the
EngineManualbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referencetoright andlefthandsideofthe LawnMowerisobservedfromthe
operatingposition.
OPENINGCARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtoptobottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVINGUNITFROMCARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterialandroll
unitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LoosePartsIn Carton
SideDischargeCover
EngineOil
Assembly
Attaching TheHandle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperandlower
handles.
a. RemovewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshowninFigure1.
Donotloosenor removeadjacenthexheadscrews.
b. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupperhandleupas
shownin Figure2.Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
2.
RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
Rgure2
Figure1
,,J
Figure3
8

3. Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
a. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesinlowerhandle(shownin
Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandlebracket.See
Figure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardon handle,makesuretonotpullhandleallthe
wayout.
b. InserttheT-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelytosecurethehandle
inplace.SeeFigure4.
c. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierintolower
holesof handleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedto therightsideoftheupperhandle.Loosenthe
wingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto Figure6.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarterropeinto
theropeguide.SeeFigure6.
c. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
d. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
9

Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoffof theunit andreardischargedoorisclosed.
I. Onthesideof themower,liftthemulchingcover.SeeFigure7.
2. Slidetwo hooksofsidedischargecoverunderhingepinon mulchingcover
assembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulchingcoveratany
time,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
Adjustments
SideMulching
Cover
//
CuttingHeight
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontandrearright
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwilltendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure8.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure8.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTAfl_Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesameposition.Forroughoruneven
lawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoahigherposition.Thiswillpreventyou
fromcuttingthegrasstooclosetotheground.
SideDischarge
Figure7
f
J
Figure8
10

f
Recoil Starter
Control
Primer
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Cover
BladeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedto theupperhandleof themower.Depressand
squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.Releaseit to stopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrolisasafetydevice.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
CuttingHeightAdjustmentLever
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedontherightrearwheelandoneislocatedonthe
rightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesamepositionto ensurea uniform
cut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,refertotheAssemblySection.
Mulch Plug
Themulchplugisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadof collectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionofrecirculatingtheclippingsbackto thelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
J
Figure9
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingsto theside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectiontoattachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeetawayfrom thechuteareaoncuttingdeck.Referto
warninglabelonthe unit.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
Primer
Theprimerislocatedinthecenteroftheairfilter.SeeFigure9 inset.Theprimeris
usedtopumpgasintothecarburetorandaidinstartingtheengine.
Oilfill Cap/Dipstick
Referto theEngineOperator'sManualpackedwithyourmowerfor detailedoil
filling,checkingandchanginginstructions.
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
MeetsANSISafetyStandards
11

Besurenooneother thanthe operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
while starting engineoroperating mower.Neverrunengineindoorsor
inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hair andloose
clothingaway fromany movingpartsonengineandlawnmower.
TOSTARTENGINE
1. Pushtheprimerthreetimes.SeeFigure10.Donotprimetorestartawarm
engine.
NOTE:Ifyoupushtheprimertoomanytimes,excessivefuelwill floodthe
carburetorandtheenginewill bedifficultto start.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt,thenpull witha rapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure10.Keepingafirmgriponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
f
Figure10
Rapidretractionofstarter cord(kickback)will pullhandandarmtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
TOSTOPENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganywork onthe
moweror toremovethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeacddentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytotheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationof any lawnmowercanresultinforeign objectsbeing
thrown intotheeyes,whichcandamageyour eyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhile operating themower,orwhile performingany
adjustmentsor repairson it.
UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorsidedischargechutefromthe
mower.Whenyouremovethegrasscatcherfromthemower,thereardischarge
doorwill close.Whenyouremovethesidedischargechute,themulchingcoverwill
close.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto
growinexcessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatcher
tobagclippingsinstead.
Ifyoustrikea foreignobject, stopthe engine.Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughly inspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepairdamage
beforerestartingandoperating. Extensivevibrationof mowerduring
operationis anindicationof damage.Theunit shouldbepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
12