Operator's Manual
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247,374810
CX
IES
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION" Before using this
product, read this manual and
follow all safety rules and operating
instructions,
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-08573
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
(December19,2012)
WarrantyStatement.............................. Page2
SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..................................... Page7
Assembly.................................... Pages8-11
Operation.................................. Pages12-15
Off-SeasonStorage............................. Page20
Troubleshooting............................ Page22-23
PartsList.................................... Page24-32
Espa_ol........................................ Page35
ServiceNumbers............................ BackCover
ServiceandMaintenance.................... Pages16-19
CRAFTSMANCXTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY
Fortwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Adefectiveproductwillreceivefree
repairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Thiswarrantyappliesforonlyoneyearif thisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorif rentedto anotherperson.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,
andoilfilters.
• Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
• Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
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 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 tobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeoperation
practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytype of 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.Donotuseitforanyother
purpose.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyanadult.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwith theserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Removeall
stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbe
trippedoverorpickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awall orobstruction,whichmaycausedischargedmaterialtoricochetback
towardtheoperator.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,stayinoperatorzone
behindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75
feetfrommowerwhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseof this powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsandinstructionsin
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.Donotusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulatein
thearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow
enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill above
thebottomof thefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkorpilot
lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
Toreducefire hazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.
4
General Service:
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeandall
movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsforproper
tightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn).
Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade
only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeet
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 thegovernorsettingcanleadtoarunawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factory settingofengine
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 ineffectiveworkingorder
bythe operator.IntheStateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough yournearestSearsParts
andRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispage depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read,understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
attempting 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 ISFLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow
the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6
15° Slope
15° Slope
X
(OK)
_- _. Figure1
_O._daShed._fine
USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
iFA SLOPEiS TOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneitherside oftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeupordownuntil the left cornertouchestheslope (SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5.
If thereis agapbelowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).
(TOO STEEP)
Figure2
Slopesare a major factor relatedto tip-over androll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severe injury or death. Donotoperatemachine onslopes
in excessof 15 degrees.All slopes require extracaution.Alwaysmowacrossthe face of slopes, nevermow upand down slopes.
IMPORTAN_Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedin theOperationsectionbefore
startingorrunningyourmachine.
flOTE:Referencetorightandlefthandsideofthe LawnMowerisobservedfromthe
operatingposition.
OPENINGCARTON
1. Cuteachcornerof thecartonverticallyfromtoptobottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVINGUNITFROMCARTON
1. Liftunitfromtherearto detachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterialandroll
unitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LooseParts In Carton
SideDischargeCover
GrassCatcher
EngineOil
Assembly
Attaching TheHandle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperandlower
handles.
a. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshownin Figure1.
Donotloosenorremoveadjacenthexheadscrews.
b. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupperhandleupas
shownin Figure2. Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
2.
RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshowninFigure3.
Figure2
,,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.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
9
Attaching the GrassCatcher
I. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertainbagisturned
rightsideoutbeforeassembling(warninglabelwillbeontheoutside).
a. Placebagoverframesothatitsblackplasticsideisatthebottom.
b. Slipplasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksontheframe.SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsasshownin
Figure8.Letgoofdischargedoorsothatit restsonthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooronthemower.Liftgrasscatcherup
andoff theslotsinthehandlebrackets.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit to
closerearopeningofmower.
Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoff oftheunitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
I. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeAdjustments.
2. Slidetwohooksof sidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.SeeFigure9.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulching
coveratanytime,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
f
Figure8
SideMulchingCover
\
\
J
Figure7
J
Figure9
10
Adjustments f
CuttingHeight
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovetherearleftwheel.
I. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill tendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure10.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
HandlePitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchofthehandleasfollows:
I. Removestarknobsandcarriageboltsfrom handle.SeeFigure11.
2. Positionthehandleinoneofthethreepositionsthatismostcomfortable.
SeeFigure11inset.
3. Secureintopositionwithstarknobsandcarriageboltsremovedearlier.
DriveControl
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedinthespeedcontrolhousingandisusedtotighten
orloosenthedrivebelt.Youwill needto adjustthedrivecontrolifthemower
doesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrolengagedorifthemower'swheels
hesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotate
adjustmentwheelclockwisetotightencableorcounterclockwisetoloosenthe
cable.SeeFigure12.
NOTE:Foreaseofadjustment,thespeedcontrolshouldbeinthesecondorthird
speed.
Figure11
F 0
Figure12
11
RecoilStarter
Side Discharge
Cover
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Gasoline Cap
_ Deck Wash
/
/
Figure13
BladeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleofthemower.Depressand
squeezeit againsttheupperhandleto operatetheunit. Releaseitto stopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrolisasafety device.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
DriveControl
Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe undersideofthe upperhandleandisusedto
engagethedrive.Squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletoengagethedrive;releaseit
toslowdownorstopmowerfrompropelling.
SpeedControl
Thespeedcontrolislocatedontheleftsideoftheupperhandle.Thiscontrolisused
toselecttheforwardspeedofthe mower.SeeFigure13inset.
IMPORTANT:Movethespeedcontrolonlywhentheengineisrunning.Changing
thespeedcontrolsettingwiththeengineoffcandamagethemower.
Cutting HeightAdjustmentLever
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovetheleft rearwheel.Toadjust
thecuttingheight,refertotheAssemblySection.
MeetsANSISafety Standards
Nlulching Cover
J
,J
DeckWash
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwith awaterportonitssurfaceaspartof itsdeck
washsystem.Usethedeckwashtorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside.
MulchingCover
Themulchingcoverisusedfor mulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionofrecirculatingtheclippingsbacktothelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingstotheside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectiontoattachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the chuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warning labelonthe unit.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtothe rightupperhandle.Standbehindthe unitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
12
GASANDOILFILL-UP f
IMPORT,4flI_Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewith gasolineandoilasinstructedinthissectionbeforestartingor
runningyourmachine.
OU(one18ouncebottleshippedwithunit)
FirstTimeUse
1. Removeoilfill dipstick(G).SeeFigure14.
2. Withthemoweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsofoilbottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.
SubsequentUses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsorexceedstherequirementsfor APIservice
categorySF,SG,SH,SJor higher.AlwayschecktheAPIservice[abe[ontheoil
containertobesureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoil viscosityfortheengine.Usethe
chartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperaturerangeexpected.
f
i
40
30
20
............................o
Fuelmustmeettheserequirements:
Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.If theenginehasbeen
running,allowit to coolfirst. Neverrefueltheengineinsidea buildingwhere
gasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
J
Figure14
Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
Aminimumof87octane/87AKI(91RON).
Gasolinewith upto10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30will resultinhardstarting.
** Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoilconsumption.
Checkoil[eve[morefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand[eve[.
2. Removetheo1[fi[[dipstickandwipeit dean.
3. Insertandtightentheo11fill dipstick.Removeit to checktheoil[eve[.See
Figure14.
4. Iftheoil [eve[isnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theo11fill dipstick,andfill withtherecommendedo1[totheupperlimit
mark(J).Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donot mixoil ingasoline
ormodifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswill damagethe engine
componentsandvoidtheenginewarranty.
Gasolineishighlyflammable andexplosive,andyoucanbeburnedor
seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling. Stopengineandkeepheat,sparks,and
flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspillsimmediately.
Ifyourequipmentwillbeusedonaninfrequentorintermittentbasis,please
refertotheOffSeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinformationregardingfuel
deterioration.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesofplastic.Becarefulnottospillfuel
whenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.Avoidgetting
dirt orwaterinthefueltank.
1. Removethefueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwith fuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill
abovethe bottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.Wipeupspilledfuel
beforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenit untilit clicks.
4. Movelawnmowerat least10feetawayfromthefuelcontainer/sourceand
sitebeforestartingtheengine.
13
Besurenooneother thantheoperator isstandingnearthe lawnmower
while starting engineoroperating mower.Neverrunengineindoorsor
inendosed,poorlyventilated areas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hair andloose
clothingaway fromanymovingpartsonengineandlawnmower.
TOSTARTENGINE
Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
2. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha rapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure15.Keepingafirm griponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntil enginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
Keepafirm grip onthe startercordhandleto preventrapidretractionof
starter cord(kickback).Rapidretractioncanpullhandand armtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go,andresultinbroken bones,fractures,
bruisesorsprains.
TOSTOPENGINE
f
Figure15
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthe bladetostopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkonthe
moweror to removethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto theoperatorandothers.
1. Oncetheengineisrunningandwhilecontinuingtoholdthe bladecontrol
down,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe upperhandletopropelmower.
2. Tochangespeed,movespeedcontroltothedesiredspeed.SeeFigure16.
NOTE:Whenselectingadrivespeed,usethefirstspeeduntil youare
comfortableandfamiliarwith theoperationofthemower.
Figure16
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14
IMPORTANT:If youareshiftingspeedswhilethe mowerisstationaryit maybe
difficulttoshift intofirst speedundercertainconditions.Thisiseasilyremediedby
brieflyengagingthedrivelever.
Theoperationof anylawn mowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrown intothe eyes,which candamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafety glasseswhileoperating the mower,orwhile performingany
adjustmentsorrepairsonit.
NOTE:Yourmowerisequippedwithanadvancedinternaldrivesystemfor easeof
useandsmoothshifting.Whenturningorpullingtheunit rearward,youmaynotice
higherthan normalresistanceinthe rearwheelsundercertainconditions.Thisis
perfectlynormalandcanberemediedbyallowingtheunitto rollforwardslightly
withoutthedrivelever(s)engagedbeforepullingbackwards.
UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandsidedischargechutefromthe
mower.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwet grass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowed
togrowinexcessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrass
catchertobagclippingsinstead.
UsingGrassCatcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouareoperatingthe
mower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"section.Grass
clippingswill automaticallycollectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemower
untilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthe bladecontrol.Makesurethat the
unit hascometoacompletestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthemowerto
removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsandreinstallthebagwhen
complete.
NOTE:Makesuretocleananyexcessgrassfromaroundtherearopeningof
themower,especiallybetweenthetransmissioncoverandsidewallonthe
left handsideandalongthebottom,toensuretightfit ofbagontomower.
Ifyoustrikea foreignobject, stoptheengine.Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughly inspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepair damage
beforerestarting andoperating. Extensivevibration ofmowerduring
operationisanindicationof damage.Theunit should bepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageall controls
andstopthe engine.Wait until all movingpartshavecometo acomplete
stop.Disconnectsparkplug wireand groundit againstthe engineto
preventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice
guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompleted
maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,
simplycontactSearsat1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
Ist5hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annuallyor200hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisispresent.
A Checkandcleanmoreoftenif moweristypicallyusedin themulchingconfiguration.
1. Engineoil level
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Unitandengine
1. Engineoil
1. SparkPlug
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck^
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner(IfEquipped)f
2. Engine0il
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleanerf
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenorreplace
3. Clean
1. Change
I. Check
2. Lubewithlightoii
3. Clean
I. Clean
2. Change
I. Change
I. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel,or
addstabilizertoafull tankoffreshfuelprior
tostorage.
16
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:ReplacewithaChampion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure17.Sparkpluggapshouldbe
0.020in(0.51mm).Ifnecessary,resetthegap.
4. Installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180Ib-in [20
Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcaptothesparkplug.
Air (:leaner
E
Electrode
Fastener
Porcelain
J
Figure17
Cover
Air Filter
Adirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflow tothecarburetorandcausepoorengine
performance.Inspectthefilter eachtimetheengineisoperated.Youwill needto
cleanthefiltermorefrequentlyif youoperatetheengineinverydustyareas.
Cleantheaircleanerevery50hoursofoperationoroncea season.Replacetheair
cleanerannually.
Neverstart orrunthe enginewith the aircleanerassemblyor theair filter
removed.
flOTE:Donotusepressurizedairorsolventsto cleanthefilter. Pressurizedaircan
damagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Removethefastenerandaircleanercover.SeeFigure18.
2. Removethepre-deaner(ifequipped)andfilter.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilteronahardsurface.Iffilter isexcessively
dirty,replacewith anewfilter.
J
Figure18
4. Washthepre-cleanerinliquiddetergentandwaterandallowitto
thoroughlyairdry.Donotoilthepre-cleaner.
5. Assemblethedrypre-cleanerto thefilter.
6. Installthefilter andpre-cleanerintothebase.Makesurefilterfits securely
in thebase.
7. Installairfiltercoverandsecurewith fastener.Makesurethefasteneris
tight.
17
CheckEngineOil
Checkoil levelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checkthe oilwiththeenginestoppedandlevel.
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
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fireor
explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfiftyhoursor
onceaseasonthereafter.
Whenyoudrainthe oil from the top oilfill tube,the fuel tank mustbe
empty orfuel canleakout andresultin afire orexplosion.Toempty the
fuel tank, runtheengineuntil it stopsfrom lackof fuel.
1. Withengineoff butstill warm,disconnectthesparkplugwireandkeepit
awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placeasuitablecontainernexttotheengineto catchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoilfill dipstickanddraintheoilintothecontainerbytippingthe
enginetowardtheoil fillerneck.SeeFigure19.
Air Filter
Usedoil isahazardouswasteproduct. Disposeofusedoil properly. Donot
discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthoritiesor Sears
ServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4.
Withtheenginein alevelposition,fill tothe upperlimit markonthedipstick
with therecommendedoil. Figure20
Runningthe enginewith alowoil level cancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoiifill dipsticksecurely.
Donotusewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Useabrushordry cloth.
LUBRICATION
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducetheriskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
BladeControl
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladeanddrivecontrolatleastonceaseasonwith
lightoil.Thesecontrolsmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure20.
Belt Care
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedinordertochangethemower's
self-propulsiondrivebelt.SeeanauthorizedSearsServiceCentertohaveyourbelt
replaced.
18