Craftsman 247.374300 Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
CRRFr MRN
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.374300
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.769-08513
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
(November15,2012)
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.Defectiveproductwill receivefreerepair
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 PowerBuilt TM
© 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,if not
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orproperty of
yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructions inthis manual
beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEED
ITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilt tobeoperatedaccordingto thesafeoperation
practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe part ofthe operatorcanresultinseriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and
throwingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowing safety instructionscould
resultinseriousinjuryor 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.Donotuseit foranyother
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,helpersandpetsatleast75
feetfrommowerwhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes.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.Donotholdonto themowerif
youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.Ifyoumust
backthemowerawayfromawallorobstructionfirstlookdownandbehind
toavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrom mowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwith surefooting.
c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donotoperatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismonmachinessoequipped
whilestartingengine.
Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits
operation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresultin
personalinjurythroughcontactwith therotatingblade.Thebladecontrol
handlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothe
disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A
slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
footing,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewill
stoprotatingwithin threeseconds.
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 vaporsare explosive.
Seriouspersonalinjury canoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your
clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith a plastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on
theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
with aportablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-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
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproperperformance
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
wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectsto be
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.EM.)partsonly,
listedinthePartspagesof thismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.The
governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedof theengine.
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,or140hoursof operation.AttheendoftheAverage
UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyaSearsorotherqualified
servicedealertoensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,
injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with thegovernorsetting canleadto arunawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factory setting ofengine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhkh arecertifiedto 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 beusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brusbcoveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestor isused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworking order
bythe operator.IntheStateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough your nearestSearsParts
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 to assembleand operate.
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
Use extra 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. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateavertical objecton orbehindthe slope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneither side oftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or down until the leftcornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1andFigure2).
5.
_O._daShed._fine
If there is agap belowthegauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).
Figure2
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidents which can resultin severeinjury ordeath. Do notoperate machine onslopes
in excessof 15degrees.All slopes requireextra caution.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. Donotcrimpcablewhilelifting thehandleup.
2.
RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshowninFigure3.
\\
,,J
Figure3
Figure1
8
3. Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
a. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesinlowerhandle(shownin
Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandlebracket.See
Figure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandleallthe
wayout.
b. InserttheT-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelytosecurethehandle
inplace.SeeFigure4.
c. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierintolower
holesof handleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideoftheupperhandle.Loosenthe
wingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto Figure6.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarterropeinto
theropeguide.SeeFigure6.
c. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
d. Usecabletiesto securebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
Attaching the GrassCatcher
1. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertainbagisturned
rightsideout beforeassembling(warninglabelwill beontheoutside).
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticsideisatthebottom.
b. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.SeeFigure7.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
Figure7
9
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsasshownin
Figure8.Letgoofdischargedoorsothatit restsonthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooronthemower.Liftgrasscatcherup
andoff theslotsin thehandlebrackets.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit to
closerearopeningofmower.
Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconvertto sidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoffof theunitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
I. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeFigure9.
2. Slidetwohooksof sidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulchingcoverat any
time,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
Adjustments
Cutting Height
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontandrearright
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwilltendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure10.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesameposition.Forroughoruneven
lawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoahigherposition.Thiswillpreventyou
fromcuttingthegrasstooclosetotheground.
J
Figure8
f
r, '
SideMulching
Cover
!:
//
/
J
Figure9
f
Higher
J
Figure10
10
Recoil Starter
Primer
GasCap
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Cover
BladeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedto theupperhandleofthemower.Depressand
squeezeit againsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.Releaseit tostopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrol isasafetydevice.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
Cutting HeightAdjustmentLever
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedontherightrearwheelandoneislocatedonthe
rightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesamepositionto ensurea uniform
cut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto theAssemblySection.
MulchCover
Themulchcoverisusedfor mulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionof redrculatingtheclippingsbackto thelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
Primer
Theprimerislocatedinthecenteroftheairfilter. SeeFigure11inset.Theprimeris
usedtopumpgasintothecarburetorandaidinstartingtheengine.
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
J
Figure11
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingsto theside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectionto attachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the chuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warninglabelonthe unit.
TrailShield
Thetrailshieldisattachedtotherearofthemowerandistheretoprotectthe
operatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethemowerunlesstheshieldisfully
functionalandinplace.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
GasCap
Removethegascaptoaddfueltothefueltank.Useclean,fresh,regularunleaded
gasoline.
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
MeetsANSISafety Standards
11
GASANDOILFILL-UP f
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedin thissectionbeforestartingor
runningyourmachine.
OU(one15ouncebottleshippedwithunit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoilfill dipstick(G).SeeFigure12.
2. Withthemoweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil 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.Neverrefueltheengineinsideabuildingwhere
gasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
J
Figure12
Fuelmustmeettheserequirements:
Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
Aminimumof87octane/87AKI(91RON).
Gasolinewith upto10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.If theenginehasbeen
Z>°30
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30will resultinhardstarting.
** Above80°F(27°C)theuseof10W-30maycauseincreasedoilconsumption.
Checkoillevelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfill dipstick.Removeit tochecktheoillevel.See
Figure12.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theoilfill dipstick,andfillwith therecommendedoiltotheupperlimit
mark(J).Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donot mixoil in gasoline
or modifyengineto run onalternatefuels.Thiswill damagethe engine
componentsandvoidthe enginewarranty.
Gasolineishighlyflammable andexplosive,andyoucanbeburnedor
seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling. Stopengineandkeepheat,sparks,and
flameaway.Refuelonly outdoors.Wipeupspillsimmediately.
Ifyourequipmentwill beusedonaninfrequentorintermittentbasis,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 theoperator isstanding nearthe lawnmower
while starting engineoroperating mower.Neverrunengineindoorsor
inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hairand loose
clothingawayfrom anymovingpartsonengineandlawnmower.
ToStart Engine
Pushtheprimerthreetimes.SeeFigure13.Donotprimetorestartawarm
engine.
NOTE:Ifyoupushtheprimertoomanytimes,excessivefuelwill floodthe
carburetorandtheenginewill bedifficult tostart.
2.
Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
3.
Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull witha rapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure13.Keepingafirm griponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntil enginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
f
Figure13
Rapidretraction of startercord(kickback)will pullhandandarmtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
ToStep Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitfor theblade tostopcompletelybeforeperforminganywork onthe
moweror toremovethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytotheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationof anylawn mowercanresultinforeignobjects being
thrown intotheeyes,which candamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafety glasseswhileoperating the mower,orwhile performingany
adjustmentsor repairson it.
UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandsidedischargechutefromthe
mower.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowed
togrowinexcessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
UsingGrassCatcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouareoperatingthe
mower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"section.Grass
clippingswill automaticallycollectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemower
untilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthe bladecontrol.Makesurethat the
unit hascometoacompletestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthemowerto
removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsandreinstallthebagwhen
complete.
Ifyoustrikea foreignobject, stoptheengine.Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughly inspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepair damage
beforerestarting andoperating. Extensivevibration ofmowerduring
operationisanindicationof damage.Theunit shouldbepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
13
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageall controls
andstopthe engine.Wait until all moving partshavecometo a complete
stop.Disconnectsparkplug wireand groundit againstthe engineto
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. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel,or
addstabilizertoafulltankoffreshfuelprior
tostorage.
14
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire, andgroundagainstengine
beforeperforming anytype of maintenanceonyour machine.
GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthat havebeen
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:ReplacewithaChampionRC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure14.Sparkpluggapshouldbe
0.020in(0.51mm).Ifnecessary,resetthegap.
4. Installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180Ib-in [20
Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcaptothesparkplug.
Air (:leaner
f
Electrode
> < 0.020 in. (.51ram)
.J
Figure14
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.
Theaircleanersystemusesafoamelementthat canbewashedandreused.
1. Openthecover(B)andremovethefoamelement(C).SeeFigure15.
2. Washthefoamelementinliquiddetergentandwater.Squeezedrythefoam
elementinacleancloth.
3. Saturatethefoamelementwith cleanengineoil.Toremovetheexcess
engineoil,squeezethefoamelementinacleancloth.
4. Installthefoamelementandclosethecover.
Figure15
15
CheckEngineOil
Checkoil levelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoilwiththeenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeit tochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theoilfillercap/dipstick,andfill with therecommendedoilto theupper
limit mark.Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
ChangeEngineOil
f
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fireor
explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfiftyhoursor
onceaseasonthereafter.
Whenyoudrainthe oil from the top oilfill tube,the fuel tank must be
empty orfuel canleakout andresultin afire orexplosion.Toempty the
fuel tank, runtheengineuntil it stopsfrom lackoffuel.
1. Withengineoff butstill warm,disconnectthesparkplugwireandkeepit
awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placeasuitablecontainernexttotheengineto catchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoilfill dipstickanddraintheoilintothecontainerbytippingthe
enginetowardtheoil fillerneck.SeeFigure16.
Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct. Disposeofusedoil properly. Donot
discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthoritiesor Sears
ServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4.
Withtheenginein alevelposition,fill tothe upperlimit markonthedipstick
with therecommendedoil.
Runningthe enginewith alowoil level cancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoiifill dipsticksecurely.
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducetheriskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Oil Fill/Di
Figure16
f
J
Figure17
LUBRICATION
BladeControl
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolatleastonceaseasonwith lightoil.This
controlmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure17.
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
16
CleaningDeck
Cleanundersideofthemowerdeckonceaseasonto preventbuild-upofgrass
clippingsorotherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackoffuel. Disconnectsparkplugwire.
2. Tipmowersothatitrestsonthehousing,keepingthemufflersidedown.
ReferbacktoFigure16.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertip the mowermorethan90oinanydirectionanddonot leavethe
mowertippedfor anylengthof time. Oilcandrainintothe upperpart of
the enginecausinga startingproblem.
3.
Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwithasuitabletool. Donotspray
with water.
IMPORTANT:Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhoseto cleanyourunit.
Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,ortheengine.Theuseofwaterwill
resultinshortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4.
Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.
BladeCare
Whenremovingthe cutting bladeforsharpeningorreplacement,protect
yourhandswith apairofheavyglovesoruseaheavyragto holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyoustrikeaforeign
object.Replacewhennecessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitssidemaking
surethat theairfilterandthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdthebladeandthe
bladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure18.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethebladeona
roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntil
it balancesevenly.Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangleof
grind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
Figure18
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceofthebladeadapter
with lightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placethe
bladeontheadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked"Bottom"(or
with partnumber)facesthegroundwhenthe mowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedandseatedonthebladeadapter
flanges.SeeFigure18inset.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotcheson thebladebell
supportwith smallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in. Ibs.min.,600in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallycheckthebladeboltforcorrect
torque.
Anunbalancedbladewill causeexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat high
speeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausingpersonal
injury.
17
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