
Operator's Manual
CRRFr MRN
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.374320
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.769-08474
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.................................... Page20-31
Espa_ol........................................ Page35
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,NoffmanEstates,IL60179
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Engine: Kohler Courage ®
© 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 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 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 isavailablethroughyour 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.
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
Figure7
9

b. Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsasshownin
Figure8.Letgoofdischargedoorsothatitrestsonthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooronthemower.Liftgrasscatcherup
andofftheslotsin thehandlebrackets.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit to
closerearopeningofmower.
SideMulching
Cover
.................................
Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconvertto sidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoffof theunitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
1. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeFigure9.
2. Slidetwohooksof sidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulchingcoverat any
time,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
Adjustments
CuttingHeight
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontandrearright
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwilltendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10.
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure10.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTAN_Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesameposition.Forroughoruneven
lawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoahigherposition.Thiswillpreventyou
fromcuttingthegrasstooclosetotheground.
HandlePitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchofthe handleasfollows:
I. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Positionthehandleinoneofthethreepositionsthatismostcomfortable.
SeeFigure11inset.
3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlier.
E
\,. j/
Higher
/
J / 9
/ / /
J
Figure10
Figure8
J
J
Figure11
10

Recoil Starter
Side Discharge
Cover
Deck Wash
J
Figure12
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.
DeckWash
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsdeck
washsystem.Usethedeckwashtorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside.
Mulch Cover
Themulchcoverisusedfor mulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionof redrculatingtheclippingsbackto thelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
MeetsANSISafety Standards
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingsto theside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectionto attachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the chuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warning labelonthe unit.
Trail Shield
Thetrailshieldisattachedtotherearofthemowerandistheretoprotectthe
operatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethemowerunlesstheshieldisfully
functionalandinplace.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
Oil FillCap/Dipstick
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11

GASANDOILFILL-UP f
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedin thissectionbeforestartingor
runningyourmachine.
OU(one2oouncebottleshippedwithunit)
FirstTimeUse
1. Removeoilfill dipstick(G).SeeFigure13.
2. Withthemoweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoilfill (H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
SubsequentUses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsorexceedstherequirementsfor APIservice
categorySJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPIservicelabelontheoilcontainerto be
sureitincludesthelettersSJorhigher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfor theengine.Usethe
charttoselectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperaturerangeexpected.
f
10W-30 mmmmm_==m_l
I
SAE30 m==_ =ram= _b,
I v
m_ 5W-30
"q ]
(°F) -200 0° 200 320 400 500 600 800 100°
(°0)-30°-20 °-10 ° 0° 10° 200 300 400
running,allowittocoolfirst.Neverrefueltheengineinsideabuildingwhere
gasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
\ J
Figure13
Fuelmustmeettheserequirements:
Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
Octaneratingof87(R+M)/2orhigher.
ResearchOctaneNumber(RON)90octaneminimum.
MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblend(max15%
MTBEbyvolume)areapproved.
Gasolinewith upto10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Donotusegasolineolderthan30days.
Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Iftheenginehasbeen
1.
Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2.
Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeitclean.
3.
Insertandtightentheoilfill dipstick.Removeit tochecktheoillevel.See
Figure13.
Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theoilfill dipstick,andfillwith therecommendedoiltotheupperlimit
mark(J).Donotoverfill.
Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE15,E20,orE85.Donot mix oilin
gasolineor modifyengineto runon alternatefuels.Thiswilldamagethe
enginecomponentsandvoidthe enginewarranty.
Gasolineishighlyflammable andexplosive,andyoucanbe burnedor
seriouslyinjuredwhen refueling. 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
Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
2.
Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull witha rapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure14.Keepingafirm griponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntil enginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
Rapidretraction of startercord(kickback)will pullhandandarmtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
Figure14
ToStep Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitfor theblade tostopcompletelybeforeperforming anywork onthe
moweror toremovethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytotheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationof anylawnmowercanresult inforeignobjects being
thrown intothe eyes,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 should bepromptly
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
Ist3-5hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annuallyor100hours
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisispresent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
1. Engineoil level
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Aircleaner
4. Unitandengine
I. Engineoil
I. Aircleanerf
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck
I. Engineoil ff
2. AirCleanerf
I. Sparkplugf
I. Fuelsystem
Check
1.
2.
Tightenorreplace
Check
3.
Clean
4.
1.
Change
Clean
1.
2.
Lubewithlightoil
Clean
3.
1.
Change
2.
Replace
1.
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.Replacethesparkplugannuallyorevery100hours.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirt fromthespark
plugarea.
2. Usethe propersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethesparkplug.
NOTE:ReplacewithaChampionQC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure15.Sparkpluggapshouldbe
0.030in(0.76mm).Ifnecessary,resetthegap.
4. Installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(20ft. lb. [27
am]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcaptothesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
f
f
Electrode
Porcelain
1
.J
Figure15
Adirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflow tothecarburetorandcausepoorengine
performance.Inspectthefilter eachtimetheengineisoperated.Youwill needto
cleanthefiltermorefrequentlyif youoperatetheengineinverydustyareas.
Cleantheaircleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.Replacetheair
cleanerannuallyorevery50hours.
Neverstart orrunthe enginewith the aircleanerassemblyor theair filter
removed.
flOTE:Donotusepressurizedairorsolventsto cleanthefilter. Pressurizedaircan
damagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Loosenknobandremoveaircleanercover.SeeFigure16.
2. Removefoamelementfrombaseandreplace.
3. Installelementwith foamsideoutandseatrubbersealontoedgesofbase.
4. Reinstallaircleanercoverandsecurewith knob.
AirFilter
Figure16
15

CheckEngineOil f
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. Air Filter
ChangeEngineOil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremely flammableandexplosive.Fireor
explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirst 3-5hoursofoperation,andeveryfifty hoursor
onceaseasonthereafter.
Whenyoudrainthe oil from the top oilfill tube,the fuel tank must be
empty orfuel canleakout 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 fillerneck.SeeFigure17.
Usedoil isahazardouswasteproduct. Disposeofusedoil properly. Donot
discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthoritiesor Sears
ServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4.
Withtheenginein alevelposition,fill tothe upperlimit markonthedipstick
with therecommendedoil.
Runningthe enginewith alowoil level cancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipsticksecurely.
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducetheriskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Oil Fill/Dil:
Figure17
f
J
Figure18
LUBRICATION
BladeControl
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolatleastonceaseasonwith lightoil.This
controlmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure18.
Donotusewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushordrycloth.
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 aminimumoftwo minutes,allowingtheundersideof the
cuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.
7.
Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineandblade.
8.
Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewaterport onyour
deck'ssurface.
Figure19
/
/
J
Aftercleaningyourdeck,restartthemower.Keeptheengineandbladerunning
foraminimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideofthecuttingdeckto
thoroughlydry.
BladeCare
Whenremovingthe cutting bladeforsharpeningorreplacement,protect
yourhandswith apair ofheavyglovesorusea heavyragto holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyoustrikeaforeign
object.Replacewhennecessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitssidemaking
surethat theairfilterandthecarburetorarefacingup.
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)facesthegroundwhenthe mowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedandseatedonthebladeadapter
flanges.SeeFigure20inset.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotcheson thebladebell
supportwith smallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in. Ibs.min.,600in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallycheckthebladeboltforcorrect
torque.
17

Neverstorelawnmowerwith fuel intank indoorsorin poorlyventilated
areaswherefuel fumesmayreachanopenflame, spark,orpilot light ason
afurnace,water heater,clothesdryer,orgasappliance.
PreparingTheEngine
Forenginesstoredover30days:
Topreventgumfromforminginfuelsystemoroncarburetorparts,run
engineuntilit stopsfromlackof fueloraddagasolineadditivetothegas
inthetank.If youuseagasadditive,runtheengineforseveralminutesto
circulatetheadditivethroughthecarburetor--afterwhichtheengineand
fuelcanbestoredupto24months.
Whileengineisstillwarm,changetheoil.
Removesparkplugandpourabout1oz.ofengineoilintocylinder.Replace
sparkplugandcrankengineslowlytodistributeoil.
Cleanengineofsurfacedebris.
PreparingThelawn mower
Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication
instructions.
Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Coatmower'scutting bladewithchassisgreaseto preventrusting.
Referto PreparingtheEngineforcorrectenginestorageinstructions.
Storemowerinadry,deanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials,
suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentinapoorlyventilatedormetalstorage
shed,careshouldbetakento rust-prooftheequipment.Usingalightoil orsilicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandallmovingpartsofyourlawnmower
beforestorage.
18