Craftsman 247.374880 User Manual

Operator's Manual

33" LAWN MOWER

Model No. 247.374880

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. 769-08683

PARTS LIST

o ESPANOL

(December10,2012)

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

SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6

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

Assembly.................................... Pages8-12

Operation.................................. Pages13-15

Off-SeasonStorage............................. Page26

Troubleshooting............................... Page27

PartsList.................................... Page28-47

Espa_ol......................................... Page51

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

ServiceandMaintenance................... Pages16-25

CRAFTSMANCXTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY

Fortwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Adefectiveproductwillreceivefree repairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.

Thiswarrantyappliesforonlyoneyearfromthedateofpurchaseifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedto anotherperson.

Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude: , Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,

andoilfilters.

, Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups. , Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass. , Tireorwheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.

, Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthatbendtheframeorcrankshaft,or

over-speedingtheengine,etc.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproperstorage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingtothe instructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobecontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeusedwithin30days ofitspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,NoffmanEstates,IL60179

Engine Oil: SAE 30 Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline

Engine: MTD

Model Number Serial Number Date of Purchase

Record the model number, serial number,

and date of purchase above.

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafety instructionswhich,ifnot followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orproperty of

yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructions inthismanual

beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEED

ITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilt to beoperatedaccordingtothesafeoperation practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment, carelessnessorerroronthepart ofthe operatorcanresultinseriousinjury. Thismachineiscapableof amputating fingers, hands,toesandfeet and

throwingdebris.Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscould resultinseriousinjury or death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someofits constituents,and certainvehiclecomponents containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiato causecancerand

birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.

GENERAL OPERATION

Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybeforeattemptingto assemblethis machine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthe machineandinthemanualsbeforeoperation.Keepthismanualina safe placeforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts

Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthismachine beforeoperatingit.

Thismachineisaprecisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota plaything. 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 repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsandinstructionsin

thismanualandon the machine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsandsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsorunderthecuttingdeck. Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesandfeet.

Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown objectinjuries.

Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthefoot duringafall causedbyslippingortripping.Donotholdontothemowerif youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.

Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.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 slipandfall accidents,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 handleimmediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithinthree(3)

seconds.

Do Not:

Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,becauseyoucould loseyourfootingorbalance.

Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopeguide. Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresenceof children. Childrenareoftenattractedtothemowerandthemowingactivity.Theydonot understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsaw

them.

Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

Bealertandturnmoweroff ifa 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 canoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyour clotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith a plastic

liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore

filling.

Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmenton atrailer with a portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources ofignition.

Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulatein thearea.

Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionof thefuel,donotfill above thebottomofthefueltankneck.

Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Movemachineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.

Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkorpilot

lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas appliances.

Toreducefire hazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris

build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris. Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.

General Service:

Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.

Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsforproper tightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn). Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeet theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance andcompromisesafety!

Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.

Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisin safe workingcondition.

Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug

wireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforany damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

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,or140hoursofoperation.AttheendoftheAverage UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyaSearsorotherqualified servicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failureto dosocanresultinaccidents, injuriesordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering with thegovernorsetting canleadto a runawayengineandcauseitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factory settingof engine

governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhkh arecertified to complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)arecertified to operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayincludethefollowing

emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification (EM),OxidizingCatalyst(OC), SecondaryAirInjection (SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)if soequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwith an internalcombustionengineandshould not beusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brusbcoveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor state laws(if any).

Ifasparkarrestorisused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworkingorder

bythe operator.IntheStateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredby law(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 toassembleandoperate.

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!

15° Slope

(OK)

_- _. Figure1

_O._daShed._fine

USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETO DETERMINE

iFASLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!

Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.

2. Locateaverticalobjectonor behindthe slope(e.g.apole, building,fence, tree, etc.)

3. Aligneithersideofthe slopegaugewith the object(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).

4. Adjust gaugeup or downuntil the left cornertouchestheslope (SeeFigure1 andFigure2).

If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslopeis too steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).

(TOO STEEP)

Figure2

Slopesare a major factor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severe injury or death. Do not operate machine onslopes in excess of 15 degrees.All slopesrequire extracaution. Always mowacrossthe face of slopes, nevermow up and down slopes.

iMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwith oil intheengine.Afterassembly,seepage13 forfuel andoildetails.

NOTE:ReferencetorightandlefthandsideoftheLawnMowerisobservedfromthe operatingposition.

Disconnectthe sparkplugwire andgrounditagainstthe engineto prevent unintendedstarting.

LoosePartsIn Carton

Oildrainhose Waterhosecoupler

Operator'sManual EngineManual

ToolsNeededfor Assembly

Asetofadjustablewrenchesandtiregauge

Assembly

ShippingBraceRemoval

Themowingdeck iscapableofthrowing objects.Failureto operatethe mowerwithout the dischargecoverin the properoperatingpositioncould resultinseriouspersonalinjury and/or propertydamage.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+). Thenegativebattery terminalismarkedaeg.(-).

Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothepositivebatteryterminal(+) with a hexboltandhexnutatthefactory.

Thenegativecable(heavyblackwire)maybesecuredto thenegativebattery terminalatthefactory.Ifit hasn'tbeenattached,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethecarriageboltandhexnutfromthepositivecable(heavyred wire).

Removetheredplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebatteryterminal

andattachthepositivecabletothepositivebatteryterminal(+)with the

boltandhexnut.SeeFigure2.

Makesurethe lawn mower'sengineisoff.Removethe ignition keybefore removingthe shippingbrace.

Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,foundonthe rightsideofthecutting deck.SeeFigure1.

Figure1

Whileholdingthe dischargechutewithyourleft hand,removetheshipping bracewithyourrighthandbygraspingit betweenyourthumbandindex fingerandrotatingit clockwise.

Figure2

Removethecarriageboltandhexnutfromthenegativecable(heavyblack

wire).

4. Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebattery terminalandattachthenegativecabletothe negativebatteryterminal(-) with theboltandhexnut.SeeFigure2.

5. Makecertainthehold-downrodis inpositionoverthebattery,securingitin

placeandmakecertainthat theredrubberbootcoversthepositivebattery

terminalto helpprotectitfromcorrosion.

NOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontop/sideofbattery, chargethebatteryasinstructedintheMaintenancesectionofthis manualpriorto operatingthemower.

Theshippingbraceisusedfor packagingpurposesonly.Removeand discardthe shippingbracebeforeoperatingyourlawnmower.

Unfoldingthe Handle

1. Removethestarknobsandcarriagescrewsfromthelowerhandle.See Figure3.

Figure3

2. Pivottheupperhandleintooperatingposition.Becarefulnottocrimp cables.SeeFigure4.

Figure5

2. Removetheremainingscrewandnutfromthelowershiftleverplate.See Figure5.

3. Positiontheuppershift leverintoaverticalpositionaligningtheholesin the

leverwiththeholesintheshiftplate.SeeFigure6.

Figure4

3. Reinstallthecarriagescrewsandknobsremovedearlier.

4. Tightentheupperandlowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewstosecurethe upperhandletothelowerhandle,SeeFigure4.

5. Thehandleheightcanbeadjustedtoanyofthreepositions.Forinstructions, refertoHandleHeightintheMaintenanceandAdjustmentssectionofthis

manual.

Attaching the Shift Lever

I. Removethescrewandthelocknutthatsecurestheshiftlevertotheshift

leverplate.SeeFigure5.

Figure6

4. Securethe levertotheplateusingthetwoscrewsandtwo nutsremoved earlier.SeeFigure6.

CheckingTirePressure

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis30psi.Equaltire pressureshouldbemaintainedat alltimes.

Thereartiresonyourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.Reducethe tire pressurebeforeoperatingthemower.Recommendedoperatingtire pressureis approximately20p.s.i.Checkthesidewallof tireformaximump.s.i.

FuelTankCa

Throttle/ChokeControl

BladeControl

_ DeckHeightLever

OilCap/

Ignition Switch

SystemsIndicator Monitor

DriveControl

GearShiftLever

Figure7

SparkPlug

Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplugreplacement.

Oil Cap/Dipstick

Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.

Figure8

EngineControLs

RefertoFigure8forlocationsoftheenginecontrols.

Oil DrainValve

Usetheoil drainvalvetodrainoilfromtheengine.RefertotheMaintenancesection forinstructions.

Air Cleaner

Theaircleanercartridgecanberemovedandreplaced.RefertotheMaintenance sectionfordetails.

Mower Controls

Referto Figure7 forlocationsofthemowercontrols.

Throttle/Choke Control

NOTE:Whenoperatingthemowerwith thecutting deckengaged,becertainthat thethrottle/choke controlisin thefastposition.

Thethrottle/chokecontrolisusedtoadjustengine speeds,toactivatetheenginechokeandtostopthe engine.Alwaysrunenginewiththethrottle/ choke controlleverinthefastpositionforbestmower performance.

Choke:Usewhenstartingacoldengine. Fast:Useduringmoweroperation. 5low: Usewhenidlingengine. 5top:Stopstheengine.

Referto StartingTheEngineintheOperationsection

ofthismanualfordetailedstartinginstructions.

Slow--_ d

Stop

DeckHeightLever

DriveControl

Usethislevertoadjustthemowingdeck'scuttingheight.Touse,movetheleverto theleft,thenplacetheleverinthenotchbestsuitedfor yourapplication.

/ -

Ignition Switch

Neverleavearunning machineunattended.Alwaysdisengageblades,stop engineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Thefour-positionswitchisusedto startandstoptheengineonelectric-start models.Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintotheignitionswitchandturn

clockwiseto theSTART(J_)_position.ReleasekeyintotheRUN (_)=position oncetheenginehasstarted.MovethekeyintotheRUN/UGHT i_C_)'L!position

torunthemowerwith theheadlighton.TurnthekeytoSTOP __ tostopthe engine.SeeFigure9.

Thedrivecontrolisusedto engageanddisengage drivetothewheels.Toengagethiscontrol,squeeze thedrivecontrolagainstthehandlebargrip.Tostop

thedrive,releasethedrivecontrol.

Alwaysreleasethedrive controlbeforechangingspeeds.Failuretodoso mayresultinseriousdamagetoyourtransmission.

BladeControl

Locatedontheright-handhandle,thebladecontrol

isusedtoengagethemowingdeck.Tooperate,press andholdtheleveragainstthehandlebargrip.To stoptheblades,releasethebladecontrol.

Run/Light

StopPosition _ Run

StartPosition

Figure9

Nevermovethe keyintotheStartposition while the engineisrunning; doingsomaycausedamagetothe engine'sstarter.

Neverattempt tostart the enginewith the bladecontrolengaged,

Alwaysreleasetheblade controlwhenstarting the engine.Failuretodoso mayresultinprematurewear toyourengine'selectricstarter.

GearShiftLever

Usethislevertoselectanyoffourforwardgroundspeeds,neutral,orreverse.

Forward

Fourforwardspeedsareavailable.Positionone(1)istheslowestandpositionfour (4)isthefastest.

Reverse

Toselectreverse,puttheleverinthe Reverse(R)position.

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduring reverseoperation.Stopthe mowerbladesbeforeoperating inreverse.

Neutral Placetheleverinneutral(N)beforestartingthemowerandwhenthemoweris

notinuse.Inaddition,themowercanbemanuallypushedorpulledbyplacingthe gearshiftleverintoN(neutral)positionandpressingthedrivecontrolagainstthe handlebargrip.

Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrol beforechangingspeeds.Failureto doso

mayresultin seriousdamagetoyour transmission.

SystemsindicatorMonitor/Bout Meter

BATTERY

©©

j Jr

.o.

42.0]

HOURS 1/10 \\\

Figure10

LCD

WhentheignitionkeyisrotatedoutoftheSTOPpositionbut notintotheSTART position,thesystemsindicatormonitordisplaysthebattery'soutput,involts,on itsLCDfor approximatelyfiveseconds,afterwhichitdisplaysanhourglassand thehoursof moweroperation.Oncetheengineisstarted,themonitorcontinually displaysanhourglassandthehoursofmoweroperationon itsLCD.SeeFigure10.

NOTE:Hoursofmoweroperationarerecordedanytimetheignitionkeyisrotated

out

oftheSTOP,_:,:_ ofwhetherthe isstarted.

TheIndicatorMonitorwillalsoremindtheoperatorofmaintenanceintervalsfor changingtheengineoil.TheLCDwill alternatelyflashthe recordedhours,"CBG" and"OIL"forfiveminutes,afterevery50hoursofrecordedoperationelapse.The

maintenanceintervallastsfor two hours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).The

LCDwill alsoflashasdescribedaboveforfiveminuteseverytimethemower's enginehasbeenstartedduringthis maintenanceinterval.Beforetheinterval expires,changetheengineoilasinstructedintheMaintenancesectionofthis Operator'sManual.

position,regardless engine

Battery

ItisnormalfortheBatterylighttoilluminatewhiletheengineiscrankingduring start-up,butif itilluminatesduringoperation,whiletheengineisrunning,the batteryisinneedofachargeortheengine'schargingsystemisnotgenerating sufficientamperage.Chargethebatteryasinstructedinthe Servicesectionof this manualor havethechargingsystemcheckedbySearsoranotherqualifiedservice

dealer.

GASANDOILFILL-UP

IMPORTANT:Theengineisshippedwithout gasolineandwith motoroilinthe engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Becarefulnotto overfill.Runningtheenginewithinsufficientoil cancauseseriousenginedamage andvoidtheenginewarranty.

Oil Recommendations

Beforestartingengine,checkoillevel,capacityis1700ml/57.5fl. oz.Referto viscositychartbelowforoil recommendations.Donotover-fill.Useasyntheticor non-synthetic4-stroke,oranequivalenthighdetergent,premiumqualitymotor oilcertifiedtomeetorexceedU.S.automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsfor serviceclassificationSG,SEMotoroilsclassifiedSG,SFwill showthisdesignation

onthecontainer. SAElOW-30isrecommendedforgeneral,alltemperatureuse.Ifsingleviscosityoil

isused,selecttheappropriateviscosityfortheaveragetemperatureinyourarea fromthechartbelow.

Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick=_

Figure11

GasolineRequirements

mm --

(oC)-300 200 300 400 (oF)-200 700 850 1050

CAUTION:Donotusenon-detergentoilor2-strokeengineoil. Itcouldshortenthe engine'sservicelife.

NOTE:ASw30syntheticoilmaybeusedto improvestart abilityforcoldweather (temperaturesbelow400F).

CheckingOilLevel

NOTE:Besuretocheckthe oilwhileonalevelsurfacewith theenginestopped. I. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthedipstickintotheoilfiller neck.Turnthedipsticka I/4 turn into the lockedpositiontofullyseat.SeeFigure11.

3. Removedipsticktochecktheoillevel.

4. Ifthelevelislow,slowlyaddoiltotheupperlimitonthedipstick.SeeFigure 11inset.

5. Reinsertthedipstickandturntolockedpositionbeforestartingtheengine. flOTE:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwith oilmaycausesmoking,hardstarting,

sparkplugfouling,oroilsaturationofaircleaner.

-200 -100 0o 100 0o 15o 300 500

Operatingthe enginewith EISor E85fuel, an oil/gasolinemixture, dirty gasoline,orgasolineover30daysoldwithout fuel stabilizingadditive may resultin damagetoyourengine'scarburetor.Subsequentdamagewould not becoveredunderthemanufacturer'swarranty.

Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedorlowleadedtominimizecombustionchamber deposits)with aminimumof87octane.Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanol(EIO) or 15%MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbeused.Neveruseanoil/gasoline

mixtureordirtygasoline.Avoidgettingdirt, dust,orwaterin thefueltank.DONOT

useE15orE85gasoline.

Gasolineisextremelyflammable andisexplosiveundercertainconditions.

Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Donotsmokeor allowflamesorsparksintheareawheretheengineisrefueledorwhere gasolineisstored.

Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetankcapisclosed properlyandsecurely.

Becarefulnottospillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapormay ignite.If anyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybeforestartingthe engine.

Avoidrepeatedor prolongedcontactwith skinorbreathingofvapor.

Adding Gasoline

Anadult shouldfuel this engine.NEVERallow childrento refuelthe engine. Gasoline(fuel)vaporsarehighly flammableandcanexplode.Fuelvapors canspreadandbeignited bya sparkorflame manyfeetawayfrom engine. Topreventinjuryordeathfrom fuel fires, follow these instructions:

DONOTuseleadedfuel.

Fuelmustbefreshandclean.NEVERusefuelleftoverfromlast seasonorstoredforlongperiods. NEVERmixoilwithfuel.

DONOTusefuelcontainingMethanol(WoodAlcohol) NOTE:Beforerefueling,allowengineto cooltwo minutes. I. Cleanaroundfuelfill beforeremovingcapto fuel.

2. FilltankuntilfuelreachesI/2inchbelowthebottomofthefiller neckto

allowspaceforfuelexpansion.Becarefulnottooverfill.

3. Replacethegasolinecapandtightensecurely.Wipeupspilledfuelbefore

startingengine.If fuelisspilledDONOTstartengine.Movemachineaway fromareaofspillage.Avoidcreatinganysourceofignitionuntilfuelvapors aregone.

Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn mower

while starting engineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengineindoorsor

inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hair andloose

clothing awayfrom anymoving parts onengineandlawn mower.

Starting the Engine

4. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtopreventunintendedstarting.

Engagingthe Drive

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

Starttheengineasinstructedearlierinthissectionandmovethethrottle/choke controlintotheFAST_ position. TotravelFORWARD:

1. Placethegearshift leverinanyofthefourforwardgroundspeeds.Selecta speedappropriatefortheconditionsanda paceyou'recomfortablewith.

2. SlowlysqueezetheDriveControlagainsttheleft handlegripandthemower will move.Releaseit anddrivemotionwillstop.

Totravelin REVERSE:

1. Checkthattheareabehindisclear.

2. Placethegearshift leverinReverse(R).

3. SlowlysqueezetheDriveControlagainsttheleft handlegripandthemower will move.Releaseit anddrivemotionwillstop.

1. Disengageallcontrolsonthemower.

2. Movethegearshift leverintotheneutral(N)position.

3. Insertthekeyintotheignitionswitch.

4. Ifstartingacoldengine,placethethrottle/chokecontrolalltheway forward,intotheCHOKE|_1 position.Ifrestartingawarmengine,placethe

throtNe/chokecontrolintotheFast_ position.

5. Turntheignitionkeyclockwisetothe START___osition. Aftertheengine starts,releasethekey.Itwill returntothe RUN0 position.

DoNOTholdthe keyinthe STARTpositionfor longerthanfive secondsata

time. Doingsomaycausedamageto yourengine'selectricstarter.

6. MovethekeytotheRUN/LIGI-IT_-iii_positiontooperatethemowerusing theheadlight.

7. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheFAST_11 position.

NOTE:Neverleavethethrottle/chokecontrolintheCHOKE_.l positionwhile operatingthemower.Doingsowill resultina"rich"fuelmixtureandcausethe

enginetorunpoorly.

Stopping the Engine

Ifyoustrike aforeign object,stopthe engineandremovethe ignition key.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor anydamage.Repairthe damage beforerestartingandoperating.

1. Ifthebladesareengaged,releasetheBladeControl.

2. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheSTOP[_ position.

3. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP/O position.

DoNOTattempt to changethedirectionof travelwhenthe moweris inmotion.Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolandbring the mowertoa completestopbeforerepositioning the gearshift leverfromaforward gearinto Reverse.Failuretodosomayresult in seriousdamageto your

transmission.

Donotleavethe operator'spositionwithout first releasingthe Blade Control.If leavingthe mowerunattended,alsoturn the engineoff and removethe ignition key.

Engagingthe Blades

Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrown objectinjury,keepbystanders, helpers,childrenand petsatleast75feet from the machinewhile it isin operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

1. Movethethrottle/chokecontroltothe FAST_t position.

2. SlowlysqueezetheBladeControlagainstthe righthandlegripandthe bladeswill engage.Releaseit andthebladeswill stop.

Operating OnSlopes

Referto theSLOPEGUIDEonpage7to helpdetermineslopeswhereyoumay

operatethemowersafely.

Donotmowon inclineswith aslopeinexcessof 15degrees(ariseof approximately2-I12feet every10feet).Themowercouldoverturnand causeseriousinjury.

Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,Nddenobjects,orbumpswhichcancauseyou tosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.Aslipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal injury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethebladecontrol handleimmediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithinthree(3)

seconds.

Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,youcouldloseyour footingorbalance.

Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopegauge. Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

Usingthe DeckHeightLever

Toraiseorlowerthecuttingdeck,movethedeckheightleverto theleft,thenplace it inthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.

Mowing

Thefollowinginformationwill behelpfulwhenoperatingyourmower.

Planyourmowing patternto avoiddischargeofmaterialstoward roads, sidewalks,bystanders.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial againstawall or obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial toricochetbacktoward the operator.

Donotmowatfastgroundspeeds,especiallyifa mulchkitorgrasscollector isinstalled.

Neverattempttomulchifthe lawnisdamp.Wetgrasstendstosticktothe undersideofthecuttingdeckpreventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.

DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotalheightofthegrass.Doing sowill causetheclippingsto clumpupbeneaththedeckandnotbemulched effectively.

Maintainaslowgroundspeedto allowthegrassclippingsmoretimeto effectivelybemulched.

Alwayskeepthethrottlecontrolleverinthe FAST_ positionwhile mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle placesstrainonthe mower'sengineanddoesnotallowthebladestoproperlymulchthegrass

clippings.

Installing/Removing MulchBaffle

Beforeinstallingorremovingthe mulch baffle,disengageblades,stopthe engineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Installing the MulchBaffle

1. Stoptheengineandwaitforall partstostopmoving.

2. Inserttheright-sidetabCA)ofthebaffleintothebracketonthedeck.See Figure12.

Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassispronetoweedgrowthand yellowsquicklyin dryweather.

Alwaysoperatethemowerwith thethrottle/chokecontrolinthe FAST positionwhile mowing.

Forbestresultsitisrecommendedthatthefirsttwolapsbecutwith the dischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethe directionto throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceofcutting. Thiswill giveabetterappearancetothelawn.

DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsorextremelytall grass.Your mowerisdesignedto mowlawns,NOTclearbrush.

Keepthebladessharpandreplacethe bladeswhenworn.

After striking aforeign object,stop theengine,disconnectthesparkplug wireandgroundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.AlwaysInspectthebladetiming belt asinstructedinthe Maintenancesectionofthis manual.Repairthe damagebeforestarting andoperatingthe mower.

Mulching

TheCraftsmanCXWideCutmowerisequippedwith amulchkit (suppliedwiththe mower),whichusesspecialbladesto redrculategrassclippingsrepeatedlybeneath thecuttingdeck.Theultra-fineclippingsarethenforcedbackintothelawnwhere theyactasanaturalfertilizer.Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresults whenmulching.

Figure12

3. Insertthemulchbaffleintothedischargeopening(B).

4. Onceit'spositionedinthedeckopening,pushthebaffletowardstherearof themower(C)tosecureit inplace.

Removingthe MulchBaffle

Slidethebaffletotheright(towardthefrontofthemower)todisengagetheslot

fromthemowerdeckandthenprytheleft-sideofthe baffleoutward.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageallcontrols andstopthe engine.Wait until allmovingpartshavecometo a complete stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireand grounditagainstthe engineto

preventunintendedstarting.

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice

guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompleted maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,

simplycontactSearsat1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

EachUseorEvery5-10 hours

1. Engineoillevel

2. Looseormissinghardware

3. AirFilter

4. Unitandengine

5. Belts

6. Controls Z MulchPlug

Annuallyor25hours

1. SparkPlug

2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels

3. MowerBlades

Annuallyor50hours

1. Engineoil/OilFilterf

2. FrontWheelBearings

Annuallyor100hours

1. AirFilter/Pre-Filterff

2. Sparkplug

3. FuelFilter

4. RearWheels

BeforeStorage

1. Fuelsystem

Everyseasonor25hoursifoperatingunderheavyloadorhighambienttemperature.

ff Servicemorefrequentlywhenusedindustyareas.

1. Check

2. Tightenorreplace

3. Check

4. Clean

5. Check

6. Checkfor properoperation

7. Checkfor properpluginstallation I. Check

2. Lubewithlight oil

3. Sharpenandbalance I. Change

2. Grease I. Clean/Replace

2. Replace

3. Replace

4. Grease

1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel,or addstabilizertoafull tankoffreshfuelprior tostorage.

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceorrepairs,disengageblades,stop

engineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

GeneralRecommendations

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance. Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthat havebeen

subjectedto operatorabuseornegligence.Toreceivefull valuefrom warranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas

instructedhere. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.

AlladjustmentsshouNbecheckedat leastonceeachseason. Periodkallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.

EngineMaintenance

Checkingthe EngineOil

Checkoillevelregularly. Besurecorrectoillevelismaintained.Checkeveryfivetotenhoursbefore

startingengine.

NOTE:Besuretochecktheoilwhileonalevelsurfacewiththeenginestopped. I. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstkkandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthedipstickintotheoilfiller neck.Turnthedipsticka I/4 turn into the lockedpositiontofullyseat.

3. Removedipsticktochecktheoillevel.

4. Ifthelevelislow,slowlyaddoilto theupperlimitonthedipstick.

5. Reinsertthedipstickandturntolockedpositionbeforestartingtheengine.

OilFil

Drain

Plug

Figure13

Donotoverfill. Overfillingwith oii maymaketheenginehardto start,or not to start. Ifovertheupper limit onthe dipstick,drainoil levelto upper limit ondipstick.

Draining the EngineOil

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,muffler andsurrounding metal surfaceswill behotand cancauseburnstothe skin. Exercisecaution

to avoidburns.

IMPORTAN#Besuremowerisonalevelsurfacewiththeenginestopped.Drainthe oilwhiletheengineisstill warmtoassurerapidandcompletedraining.

1. Removeallfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilit stopsfromlackoffuel.

2. Removedrainplugandallowoiltodrainintoasuitablecontainer.SeeFigure

13.

3. Reinstallthedrainplugandtightenitsecurely,12-14Nm(106.2-123.9in-lb).

ReplaceOilFilter

Thisengineisequippedwithaspin-onoil filterthatshouldbereplacedeachtime anoilchangeisperformed,everyseasonor50hours.RefertoFigure14.

OilFilter

Figure14

1. Drainoil. Seeoildrainsection.

2. Removeoilfilter. Disposeof oldoilfilter properly.

3. Lubegasketofnewoilfilterwith cleanoil.

4. Installandturnoilfilterbyhanduntilthegasketcomesincontactwiththe sealingsurfaceofthecrankcasecover,thentightentheoilfilter,10-12Nm

(88.5-106.2in-lb),1/2-3/4turn.

5. Addoil. Seeaddoilsectiononnextpage.

6. Makesuredipstickisinstalled.

7. Startandrunengine.Checkfor leaks.

8. Stopengine.Waitafewminutesandchecktheoillevel.Seecheckingoil levelsection.

9. Installandtightendipstick.

AddOil

IMPORTANT:Besureunitisona{eve{surfacewith theenginestopped.

1. Wipearounddipstickcapandtubewithadeanclothto removeanydebris. RefertoFigure13onpreviouspage.

2. Removedipstkkandwipedeanwith acloth.

3. Pouro1[intothedJpstkktube. Donotoverfill Withan o1[filter changethe highlevelamountofoi[ for thisengineis1700ml(5Z48N-oz.).

4. Instal[dipstickandturnto [goRedpositionbeforestartingengine.

5. Startengine.Allowtorunforafewsecondsandthenshutdowntheengine.

6. Checkthe o11level.SeeChecking01{Levelsection.

Checkingthe SparkPlug

DONOTcheckfor sparkwith sparkplugremoved.DONOTcrankenginewith

sparkplug removed.

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand freeofdeposits.

1. Removethesparkplugbootanduseasparkplugwrenchtoremovethe plug.

Electrode

--_ _ 0.024-0.031in.

Figure15

ThumbSere

Ifthe enginehasbeenrunning,themuffler willbeveryhot.Becarefulnot

to touchthemuffler.

Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugif thereisapparent wear,orif theinsulatoriscrackedorchipped.Cleanthesparkplugwith a

wirebrushif it isto bereused.

3. Measurethepluggapwith afeelergauge.Correctasnecessarybybending sideelectrode.SeeFigure15.Thegapshouldbesetto0.024-0.031in.

4. Checkthatthesparkplugwasherisingoodcondit{onandthreadthespark pluginbyhandtopreventcross-threading.

5. Afterthesparkplugisseated,tightenwith asparkplugwrenchtocompress thewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinganewsparkplug,tighten1/2turnafterthespark plugseatsto compressthewasher.Whenreinstallingausedsparkplug, tighten1/8-1/4turnafterthesparkplugseatsto compressthewasher.

IMPORTANT:Thesparkplugmustbesecurelytightened.Animproperly tightenedsparkplugcanbecomeveryhotandmaydamagetheengine.

AirFilter Cover

Figure16

Servicing the Air F}Iter

Iffilters, orcoversarenot installedcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath couldresultfrom backfire.Donot attempt to start the enginewith them

removed.

Donotusepressurizedair orsolventsto cleanthe airfilter cartridge.

Paperfilterscannotbecleanedandshouldbereplacedevery100operatinghours;

moreoftenifusedinextremelydustyconditions.

I. Unscrewthethumbscrewsandremovetheairfiltercover.SeeFigure16.

2. Removetheairfilter.SeeFigure17.

3. Removethefoampre-filterfromaroundthepaperairfilter. SeeFigure

18.Replacepaperelementwhendirty ordamaged.Cleanfoamelementor replacewhendamaged.

4. Tocleanfoamelement,washinamildliquiddetergentandwater.Squeeze orpressthefoamelementtorinseoutdirtandwater.Donottwist;this coulddamageortearthefoamelement.Allowtodrythoroughlybefore using.DONOToilthefoamelement.

5. Attachthenewairfilter with foamelement,aligningtheholeintheairfilter with theintakemanifold.SeeFigure19.

6. Attachtheairfilter cover,makingsuretoalignplasticribfeaturesonthe shroudtotheplasticfeaturesontheairfiltercover.SeeFigure20.Turn thumbscrewsclockwiseuntilsnug.Checkforanymisalignment.

............/'_ !i

f ",,

Figure17

/'/ i

...... Intake

Manifold

Figure19

AirFilter

Cover

Plastic

Feature

Shroud

Figure20

AirFilter

Figure18

[:uel [:liter

Thefuelfilter cannotbecleanedandshouldbereplacedevery100operatinghours; moreoftenif runwith oldgasoline.

1. Removeallfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilit stopsfromlackoffuel.

2. Useplierstosqueezetabson theclamps,thenslidetheclampsawayfrom thefuelfilter.SeeFigure21.

3. Twistandpullthefuellinesoffof thefuelfilter.

4. Replacewith a newfuelfilter.

5. Securethefuellineswith theclamps.

Battery

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontain leadandlead

compounds,chemicalsknowntothe StateofCaliforniato causecancerand

reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.

Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbecheckedand fluidcannotbeadded.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeofcorrosive build-up.

Aftercleaningthe batteryandterminals,applyalightcoatofpetroleumjelly orgreasetobothterminals.

Ifremovingthe batteryfor cleaning,disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire

from it's terminalfirst, followed bythe POSITIVE(Bed)wire. Whenre-

installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Bed)wire its terminal first, followed bythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire. Becertainthat the wires are connectedto the correctterminals;reversingthem couldresultinserious damagetoyourengine'salternating system.

JumpStarting

Neverjumpstart adamagedor frozenbattery. Becertainthevehiclesdo

nottouch,andignitions areoff. Donotallowcableclampstotouch.

1. Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+)ofyourmower'sdischarged battery.

2. Connecttheotherendofthecabletothe(positive+) postofthejumper battery.

3. Connectthesecondcable(negative-) to theotherpostof thejumper battery.

4. Makethefinalconnectionontheengineblockofthemower,awayfromthe battery.Attachtoanunpaintedparttoassurea goodconnection.

Ifthejumperbattery isinstalledonavehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOTstart

the vehicle'senginewhenjump starting yourmower.

FuelFilter /

Tab

FuelLine

........................................ Clamp

Figure21

Charging

Batteriesgive off anexplosivegaswhile charging.Chargethe battery in a wellventilated areaandkeepawayfromanopenflame or pilot light ason awater heater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

Whenchargingyourmower'sbattery, useonlyachargerdesignedfor 12V lead-acidbatteries.Beadyourbattery charger'sOwner'sManualpriorto chargingyourmower'sbattery. Alwaysfollow itsinstructionsandheedits warnings.

Ifyourmowerhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodoftime,chargethe

batteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodeliveramaxof 10amperes.

2. Ifyourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthecharger indicatesthatchargingiscomplete.Ifthechargerisnotautomatic,charge

forat leasteighthours.

TirePressure

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis]0 psi.Equaltire pressureshouldbemaintainedat alltimes.

Periodicallycheckthepressureonbothyourmower'sreartires.Uneventire pressure will causethecuttingdecktomowunevenlyandmayresultinmowertoveeringto eithertheleft orrightduringoperation.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis approximately20p.sJ.Checkthesidewallof tireformaximump.sJ.

5. Startthe mower(asinstructedintheOperationsectionofthismanual).

6. Removethejumpercablesinreverseorderofconnection.

Cleaningthe Mower

Anyfueloroilspilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoffpromptly.DoNOTallow debristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsof theengine,thetransmission's coolingfanoronanyotherpartofthemachine,especiallythebeltsandpulleys.

SmartJet

Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsdeck washsystem.

UsetheSmartJettorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sundersideandpreventthe buildupofcorrosivechemicals.CompletethefollowingstepsAFTEREACHMOWING:

Beforeusingthe deckwashsystem,alwaysdisengagetheBladeControl,

stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintended starting,

1. Positionthemowerona level,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenoughforyour gardenhosetoreach.

2. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourmower'sOperator'sManual) ontotheendofyourgardenhose.

3. Attachthehosecouplertothewaterportonthedecksurface.SeeFigure22.

4. Turnthewateron.

5. StarttheengineandplacethethrottleleverintheFAST'_ position.

6. Whileintheoperator'spositionbehindthemower,movethe BladeControl intotheONposition.

7. Remainintheoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengagedfora minimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideof thecuttingdeckto thoroughlyrinse.

8. Movethe BladeControlinto theOFFposition.

9. TurntheignitionkeytotheSTOP(_ positionto turn themower'sengine off.

10. Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewaterportonyour deck'ssurface.

Aftercleaningyourdeckwith theSmartJetsystem,startthe mower'sengine, returntotheoperator'spositionandengagetheblades.Keepthecuttingdeck runningforaminimumoftwominutes,allowingthe undersideofthecuttingdeck tothoroughlydry.

Lubrication

Beforelubricating, repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO,set

parking brake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting,

Figure22

-,. J Figure23

RearWheels

Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesonceaseason.Lubricatethe axlesandrimhubswellwithanall-purposegreasebeforereinstallingthem.

Pivot Points& Linkage

Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystemandlift linkageatleastoncea seasonwith lightoil.

Front Wheels

Eachofthefrontwheelaxlesandcastersisequippedwith agreasefitting. See Figure23.Lubricatewitha No.2multi-purposegreaseappliedwithagreasegun afterevery50hoursofmoweroperation.

Adjustments

Shutthe engineoff and removetheignitionkeybeforemaking adjustments.

Handle Height Theupperhandleissecuredtotwosupportbarsthatcanbeadjustedto raiseor

lowerthehandleheight.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Removetheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewontherightsideofthe handleandtheleft sideofthehandle.SeeFigure24.

2. Pivotthehandleforwardorrearwardtoalignoneofthethreeholesoneach supportbarwiththeholeson thehandle.

3. Reinstalltheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewontherightsideof thehandleandthe[eftsideofthehandlewhenacomfortableheightis

achieved.

BladeTimingBelt

Thecuttingdeckspindlesaredrivenbyatiming (cogged)belt,assuringthatthe deckbladesarealwaysperpendiculartoeachother.Atleastonceaseason,orafter strikinganyforeignobject,checkthetimingbeltasfollows:

I. Removethebeltcoverbyremovingthethreescrewsandwasherswhich

secureit totheframe.SeeFigure25.

Figure24

Donotoperatemowerwithout the belt coverinstalled.Failureto follow

thisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryorproperty damage.

2. Thetopofeachspindlepulleyismarkedwithanarrow.SeeFigure26.The arrowsshouldbeperpendicular(ata90°angle)toeachother.

3. Ifthearrowsonthesurfaceofeachspindlepulleyarenotperpendicular(at a90°angle)toeachother,seeyourSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealerto havethetimingbeltreset.

Donotoperatethemachinewithout the deck'stimingbelt properlyset. Failuretofollow thisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor property

damage.

Cutting DeckRemoval

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengageblades,stop

engineandremovekeyto prevent unintendedstarting. Toremovethecuttingdeck,proceedasfollows: I. Removethebeltcoverbyremovingthethreescrewsandwasherswhich

secureit totheframe.SeeFigure25.

Figure25

Donotoperatemowerwithout the belt coverinstalled.Failuretofollow

thisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor property damage.

2. Placethedeckheightleverin itshighestposition.

Figure26

3. Positionwoodblocksat variousplacesunderthedeck'sedge.Thesewill temporarilysupportthedeckintheprocessof removingit.

4. Usethedeckheightlevertolowerthedeck,sothatit restson thewood blocks.

5. Removethescrewandflangenutwhichsecuresthebeltkeeperrodto the leftsideofthemower'sframe.SeeFigure27.

6. Removethebeltkeeperrodandremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthe mower'senginepulley.

7. Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromthe leftside,locateandcarefullyremove thehairpinclipsthatsecurethedecksupportsontherearleftsideandfront leftsideofthedeck.SeeFigure28.

8. Repeattheprevioussteponthemower'srightside.

9. Carefullyremovethefront decksupportsfromthedecklift arms.

10. Carefullyunhookthemower'slift assemblyfromthe reardecksupports.

11. Usethedeckheightlevertoraisethelift assemblytoitshighestposition.

12. Removethewoodenblocksfromunderthedeckandgentlyslidethecutting decktowardtherearofthemachine.

13. Pulltheclickpinoutandunhookthedrivespringcablefromtheidlerarm assembly.SeeFigure29.

14. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeckto theright,outfrombeneaththemower.

Toinstallthecuttingdeck,followtheabovestepsintheoppositeorderandmanner ofremoval.

LiftArm

Figure28

Figure29

Cutting Blades

Figure27

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthecutting blade(s)for sharpeningorreplacement.Protectyourhandsbyusingheavy gloveswhen graspingtheblade.

Periodicallyinspectthe bladeand/or spindlefor cracksordamage, especiallyafter you'vestruckaforeign object. Donot operatethemachine until damagedcomponentsarereplaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththemower,(refertoCuttingDeckRemoval earlierinthissection)thengentlyflipthedeckovertoexposeitsunderside.

2. Placeablockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffleandthe cuttingbladetoactasastabilizer.SeeFigure30.

3. Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthe bladetothespindleassembly.

4. Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamountsofmetal frombothendsofthe bladesalongthecuttingedges,paralleltothetrailing edge,ata 25°-to 30° angle.Alwaysgrindeachcuttingbladeedgeequallyto maintainproperbladebalance.SeeFigure31.

Ifthe cutting edge of the bladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,orifany metalseparationispresent,replacethe bladeswith newones.

Apoorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maydamageto the

mowerand/orresultin personalinjury.

Testtheblade'sbalanceusingabladebalancer.Grindmetalfromtheheavy enduntilthebladebalancesevenly.

flOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besuretoinstallthebladewiththesideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwith apart numberstampedinit) facingthe groundwhenthemowerisintheoperatingposition.

Figure30

Useatorquewrenchtotighten the bladespindlehexflangenut to between70Ibs-ft and90Ibs-ft.

Thecutting bladesmustbeinstalledperpendicularto eachother.If the

bladescannotbeinstalledperpendiculartoeachother,the bladetiming beltmustbereset.SeeyourSearsorother qualified servicedealerto have

the decktiming belt reset.

TrailShield

Neveroperatethe mowerwithout the trail shieldinplaceandworking. Failuretodosocanresultinpersonalinjury.

Toreplacethetrailshield,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethescrewwhichsecuresthetrailshieldtothe rightsideofthe mower.SeeFigure32.

2. Bowthetrailshieldinwardoneachsidetoreleaseitfromthemowerframe.

3. Installthe replacementtrailshieldbyfollowingthestepsaboveinthe oppositeorderandmannerofremoval.

Figure31

Figure32

ChangingTheDeckEngagementBelt f

Shutthe engineoffand removeignitionkey beforeremovingthe cutting blade(s)for sharpeningorreplacement.Protectyourhandsby usingheavy

gloveswhengraspingbladesandpulleys.

TheV-beltsfoundonyourmowerarespeciallydesignedto engageand

disengagesafely.Asubstitute(non-OEM)V-beltcanbedangerousbynot disengagingcompletely.Fora properworking machine,useidentical replacementbeltsaslistedin parts list of this operator'smanual.

Allbeltsonyourmoweraresubjecttowearandshouldbereplacedifanysignsof weararepresent.Tochangeor replacethedeckengagementbelt onyourmower, proceedasfollows:

I. Removethecuttingdeckfromthemowerasinstructedearlierinthis

section.

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingersontheidler springor between the beltand apulleywhile removingthe belt.

2. Removethebeltcoverasinstructedearlierinthissection.Referto Figure25 onpage22.

3. Removethebeltkeeperasinstructedearlierin thissection.RefertoFigure 27onpage23.

4. Loosen,but notremove,thenutandboltwhichsecureseachdeckidler pulley.SeeFigure33.

5. Removethebeltfromaroundallpulleys.

6. Routethenewbeltasillustratedin Figure33.

7. Retightenthenutsandboltswhichsecureeachidlerpulley.

8. Reattachthebeltkeeperandbeltcover.

DeckIdler

Figure33

Fuse

Beforeservicing,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengageblades,stop engineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

A20Ampfuseisinstalledinyourmower'swiring harnesstoprotectthemower's electricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessiveamperage.

Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,oryourmower'senginewill notcrank,

firstcheckto becertainthatthefusehasnotblown.It islocatednearthebattery.

Alwaysuseareplacementfusewith the sameamperagecapacityasthe blownfuse.

ChangingTheDeckTiming Belt

Severalcomponentsmustberemovedandspecialtoolsusedinordertochangethe mowerdeck'stimingbelt.SeeyourSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealerto have thedecktimingbeltreplaced.

Changingthe TransmissionDriveBelt

Severalcomponentsmustberemovedandspecialtoolsusedinordertochangethe mower'stransmissiondrivebelt.SeeyourSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealerto havethetransmissiondrivebeltreplaced.

Neverstorelawnmowerwith fuelin tank indoorsorin poorlyventilated areaswherefuel fumesmayreachanopenflame, spark,orpilot light ason afurnace,water heater,clothesdryer, orgasappliance.

PreparingTheEngine

Forenginesstoredover30days:

Topreventgumfromforminginfuelsystemoroncarburetorparts,run engineuntilit stopsfromlackof fueloraddagasolineadditivetothegas inthetank.Ifyouuseagasadditive,runtheenginefor severalminutesto circulatetheadditivethroughthecarburetor--afterwhichtheengineand fuelcanbestoredupto24months.

Whileengineisstillwarm,changetheoil. Removesparkplugandpourabout1/2anounceofengineoilintocylinder.

Replacesparkplugandcrankslowlytodistributeoil. Cleanengineofsurfacedebris.

Thefollowingattachmentsandaccessoriesareavailableforthelawnmower.ContactaSearsServiceCenter1-800-4-MY-HOME®for moreinformation.

PreparingThelawn mower

Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication instructions.

Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto cleanyourunit. Coatmower'scutting bladewith chassisgreaseto preventrusting. Referto PreparingtheEngineforcorrectenginestorageinstructions. Storemowerinadry,deanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials,

suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentinapoorlyventilatedormetalstorage shed,careshouldbetakento rust-prooftheequipment.Usingalightoil orsilicone, coattheequipment,especiallycablesandallmovingpartsof yourlawnmower beforestorage.

PARTNO. DESCRIPTION

33731 BaggerGrassCollector

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