Craftsman 247.37638 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual /

CRAFTSMAN°

6 HORSEPOWER 21" POWER PROPELLED

6-SPEED

MULCHING ROTARY MOWER

Model No.

247,37638 t

CAUTION: Before using this product, read this manual

and follow all Safety Rules

and Operating Instructions.

Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA

Printed in U.S.A. 770-0222M

[i_ IAIA Dlklllklt'__. The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State

wvPInaleel_,;_, of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

IMPORTANT s,e OPERATIONPRACTICES

_) HIS SYMBOLPOINTSOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOTFOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHEPERSONALA

SAFETYAND/ORPROPERTYOFYOURSELFAND OTHERS.READAND FOLLOWALLINSTRUCTIONSIN THIS MANUALBEFORE ATTEMPTINGTOOPERATE"(OURLAWNMOWER.FAILURETOCOMPLYWITH THESEINSTRUCTIONSMAYRESULTiN PERSONAL

INJURY.WHENYOUSEETHIS SYMBOL-- _'E HEEDITSWARNING.

_lb Yourlawnmowerwasbuiltto be operatedaccordingto the rulesforsafe operationinthis manual. Aswith I

anytype ofpowerequipment,carelessnessorerror onthe partof the operatorcanresult in seriousin ury.

DANGER: Ths awn mower s capabe ef amputaf nghandsandfeet andthrowng objects.Fa ureto observethefo -

lowingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinserious injuryordeath.

_il. GENERALOPEP,__TION • Do not operatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor

• Readthisownersguide carefullyinitsentirstybeforeattempting drugs.

to assemblethis machine.Read,understand,and follow all • Disengagetheself-propelledmechanismor driveclutchon units instructionsonthe machineandin themanual(s)beforeopera-

tion. Becompletelyfamiliarwith the controlsandthe properuse

of this machinebeforeoperating it. Keepthis manualin a safe placefor future andregular referenceandfor ordering replace- mentparts.

• Yourrctary mowerisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,nct a plaything.Therefore,exemiseextremecautionat alltimes. Your

unit hasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mow grass.Donot useit for anyother purpose.

• Never allow childrenunder 14 years old to operate a power mower. Children 14 years old and over should only operate mower under closeparentalsupervision.Only responsibleindi-

vidualswhoare familiarwith theserulesofsafeoperationshould

beallowedto useyourmower.

• Keepthe areaof operation clearofall persons,particuladysmall childrenand pets.Stop engine whenthey arein the vicinity of yourmowerto helppreventbladecontactor thrown objectinjury.

Althoughthe areaof operationshouldbe completelyclearedof

foreign objects,an object mayhavebeenoverlookedandcould

beaccidentallythrown by the mowerin any directionand cause seriouspersonalinjuryto the operatoror anyothers allowedin

the area.

• Thoroughly inspectthe areawherethe equipmentis to be used.

Removeall stones, sticks, wire, bones,toys and otherforeign objectswhichcould be pickedup andthrown by the mower in

anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto theoperatoror anyothersallowedin the area.Planyour mowingpatternto avoid

dischargeof material toward roads, sidewalks,bystandersand

the like.Tohelpavoidathrown ob ectsinjury,keepchildren,ani-

mals,bystandersand helpersat east75 feet from the mower

soequipped beforestartingthe engine.

• The blade controlhandle is a safetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinopera-

tive andmay result in personal injury through contactwith the

rotating blade.The blade control handlemust operateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomaticaliyreturnto the disengagedposi-

tion whenreleased.

• Neveroperatethe mower in wet grass.Alwaysbesure of your

fooling. A slip andfall cancauseserious personalinjury.Keepa firm holdonthe handleandwalk,neverrun.Mowonlyindaylight

or in goodartificiallight.

: Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives, walksor roads.

If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stopthe engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis gener-

allya warningof trouble.

• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntil the bladecomesto acomplete stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthe chute.

Thecutting bladecontinuesto rotatefor a few secondsafterthe

engineis shut off. Neverplaceany partof thebody inthe blade areauntil youare surethe bladehasstoppedrotating.

• Never operate mower without proper guards, grass catcher, platesor othersafetyprotective devicesin place.

• Muffler and enginebecomehot and cancausea bum. 0o not

touch.

• Only useaccessoriesapprovedfor this rnacbinebythe manufac- turer.Read,understand,andfollow allinstructions providedwith

the approvedaccessory.

• If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin this manual,usecare

andgoodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor assistance,

whileit is in operation. _ II. SLOPEOPERATION

• Alwayswearsafetyglasseswithside shieldsor safety goggles RI Foryoursafety,usethe slopegaugeincludedaspart of this manual duringoperation orwhileperforminganadjustmentorrepair,to

protect eyesfrom foreign objectsthat may bethrown from the machineinanydirection.

• Wear sturdy, rough-soledwork shoes and close-fittingslacks and shirts.Shirts and pantsthat cover the arms andlegs and

steel-toed shoes are recommended.Do not wearloose fitting clothesor jewelry. Theycan be caught in moving parts. Never operatea unit in barefeet,sandals,or sneakers.

• Do not put handsorfeet nearor underrotating parts.Keepclear of dischargeopeningat all times asthe rotating bladecancause

injury.

• Many Lnjuriesoccur as aresult of the mower beingpulledover thefoot duringa fall.Do not hangonto the mowerif you arefall-

ing;releasethe handleimmediately.

• Neverpull the mowertoward you whileyou are walking.If you

mustbackthe moweraway from a wallor obstructionfirst look

downand behind,andthen follow thesesteps:

• Step backfrom the mowerto fufly extendyour arms.

• Besure youare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

• Pullthe mower backslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward you.

• Repeatthesestepsasneeded.

to measureslopes beforeoperatingthis uniton a sloped or hilly area.If theslopeisgreaterthan15°, asshownonthe slopegauge,

donotoperatethisunitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult. O0:

• Mow across the face of slopes; neverup and down. Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watch for holes,ruts, hiddenobjects, or bumps. Tallgrasscan

hideobstacles.

• Always besure ot yourfocting. A slip andfall cancauseserious

personalinjury.

DONOT:

• Doflot mow neardrop-ofts,ditchesor embankments.Theopera- tor couldloosefooting orbalance.

• Do not mow slopes greaterthan 15° as shown on the slope

gauge.

• Do notmow onwetgrass. Reducedfooting couldcauseslipping.

Ill. CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccur iftheoperatoris notalerttothepresence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemow-

, ingactivity.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyou last

sawthem.

• Keepchildrenout of the mowing areaand underthe watchful careof aresponsibleadultother than the operator.

• Bealertandturn moweroff ifachildentersthe area.

• Beforeand whilemoving backwards,look behind and down for smallchildren.

• Neverallowchildrenunderage14 to operatethemower. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcomers,shrubs,trees,

or other objectsthat mayobscureyour vision nf a childor haz- ard.

_1, _V.SERVICE

Useextremecarein handlinggasolineand other fuels. Theyare extremelyflammableandthevaporsareexplosive.

• Useonlyanapprovedcontainer.

• Neverremovegascap or addfuel whilethe engineis running. Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbefore refueling.

• Replacegasolinecapsecurelyand wipeoff any spilledgasoline

beforestartingthe engineasit maycauseafire orexplosion.

• xtinguish allcigarettes,cigars,pipes and other sourcesof igni- tion.

• Never refuel machine indoors becauseflammablevapors will

accumulateinthe area.

• Neverstore the machineor fu_l containerinside wherethereis

an openflameor sparksuchas a gaswater heater,spaceheater, orfurnace.

• Neverrunanengineinsidea closedarea.

• To reducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,orother debris build-up.Cleanupoi]orfuel spillage.Nlow mowerto cool

at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspectinO,makecertaintheblade and all movingparts havestopped.Disconnectthe spark plug

wire,andkeepthewireawayfromthesparkplugtopreventacci- dentalstarting.

• Checkthebladeandenginemounting bolts atfrequent intervals for propertightness. Also visuallyinspect bladefor damage

(e.g., bent, cracked. Replacewithblade which meetsoriginal equipmentspecifications.

• Keepallnuts, bolts, andscrewstight to besuretheequipmentis insafeworkingcondition.

• Nevertamperwith satetydevices.Checktheir proper operation

regularly.

• Afterstrikinga foreign object,stoptheengine,removethe wire from the sparkplug,andthoroughly inspectthe mower for any

damage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingand operating the mower.

• Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment

whiletheengine=srunning.

• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttowear,damageanddete-

rioration,whichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow objectstobe thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand replacewith manufacturer'srecommendedparts,when neces-

sary.

• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wraptheblade(s)or wear gloves,and useextracautionwhenservicing them.

• Do not changethe enginegovernorsettingor overspendthe

engine.Excessiveenginespeedsaredangerous.

,_ WARNING-- YOURRESPONSIBILITY

Restrictthe use of this power machine to personswho read, understandand follow the warningsand instructionsin this

manualandon the machine.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears

Craftsman Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possibledependabil- ity and performance+

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- edy, please returnthe lawn mower to the nearest Sears Ser-

vice Center/Department in the United States. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repairthis unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower prop- erly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES."

MODEL

NUMBER 247.376380 SERIAL

NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON A LABEL ATIACH ED TO THE TOP REAR

OF THE DECK. YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER

AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and usingyour lawnmower.

• Follow the instructions under =Customer Responsibilities" and =Storage"sections of this Owner's Manual.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Horsepower: 6.0

Fuel Capacity: 1-1/2 Quarts

(Unleaded)

Oil: 27 Ounces API Classification SF, SG or SH SAE 30

Spark Plug (Gap .030 in.): Champion J19LM

(or Equivalent)

Blade Bolt Torque: 450-600 in. Ibs.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod- uct.Contact your nearest Sears storefor details.

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combus- tion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-

provedforest-cevered, brush-coveredor grass-coveredland unless the engine'sexhaust system is equippedwitha spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a

spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective workingorder by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Sec-

tion 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.Federal laws apply on federal

lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center. (See the

REPAIR PARTS sectionof this manual.)

FULLTWOYEARWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANLAWNMOWER

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman lawn mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the operator's manual, Sears will repair,

free of charge, any defect in material or workmanship. This warranty excludes the blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plugs, which are expendable

parts and become worn during normal use. If this lawn mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days from the

date of purchase. WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN

THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS ROEBUCK AND CO., DEPT. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

SAFETY RULES .......................... 2, 3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ................. 4

WARRANTY ............................... 4

INDEX .................................... 5

MOWER ACCESSORIES ..................... 5

ASSEMBLY .............................. 6, 7

OPERATION ............................ 7-10

MAINTENANCE ......................... 10-12

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT .............. 13-15

STORAGE ................................ 15

TROUBLE SHOOTING ...................... 16

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ 17

REPAIR PARTS--MOWER ................. 18-20

REPAIR PARTS--ENGINE ................. 21-24

SLOPE GAUGE ........................... 25

A G

Accessories ..................... 5 Gasoline:

Adjustments: Storage ....................... 13

Carburetor .................... 15 Tank Capacity ................... 9

Cutting Height .................. 8 Type .......................... 9

Engine Speed ................. 15 H

Handle Height .............. 13, 14 Handle:

Air Filter ....................... 12 HeightAdjustment............ 13, 14

Assembly..................... 6, 7 Storage....................... 13

Belt Removal and Replacement..... 15

Blade:

Replacement .................. 1!

Sharpening ................... 11

Controls:

Blade Control Handle ............. 7

Lubrication:

Brake Spring Bracket ............ 11

Engine........................ 12

Wheel Adjusters ................ 11

Wheels ....................... 11

Engine Speed Control ..........

Cleaning ......................

Customer Responsibilities ......... 10

Cutting Height ................... 8

Deflector, Side Discharge .......... 7

Drive Clutch Adjustment .......... 14

Engine:

Lubrication ...................

Speed Control ................

Starting .....................

Storage .....................

Filter, Air ......................

.. 7 Maintenance:

• 12 Agreement ..................... 4

Air Filter....................... 12

BladeCare/Replacement ......... 11

Engine ........................ 12

Lubrication ................... t2

Spark Plug ................... 12

Schedule ...................... 10

Mulching and Mowing Tips ......... 10

• 12 Mulching Plug .................... 7

..8 O .. 9 Oil:

• 13 Change ....................... 12

Storage ....................... 13

• 12 Type ....................... 8,!1

Operating Mower ............... 7-10

Primer .......................... 9

RepairlReplacement Parts ...... 18-24

Responsibilities, Customer ...... 10-12

Rope Guide ..................... 6

Safety Rules................... 2, 3

Service and Adjustments:

Blade ........................ 11

Carburetor .................... 14

Cutting Height ................... 8

Engine ....................... 12

Handle Height ............... 13, 14

RearTrailShield ................ t 4

Service Recommendations ........ t 0

Side Chute Deflector .............. 7

Spark Plug ..................... 12

Specifications .................... 4

Starting the Engine ................ 9

Stopping the Mower ............... 8

Storage ........................ 15

Table of Contents ................. 5

Trouble Shooting Guide ........... 16

Warranty ........................ 4

Wheels:

Adjusting Height ................. 8

Lubrication .................... 11

These accessorieswere available when the mower was purchased.They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you, when you provide the model

number of your mower•

ENGINE

Spark Air Muffler

Plug Filter

I GasCsniStab,,,ze

I_ i L--,

i I--_I I

MOWER

Grass Catch*

MOWER MAINTENANCE

Wheels

Blade

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GAS- OLINE or OIL in the engine. Be certain to service

engine with gasoline and oil before operating your mower.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.

Retaining

Post

Plug

TOREMOVEMOWERFROMCARTON

Remove staples,break glueon top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peelalongtop flap to open carton.

• Remove loose parts included with unit (owner's manual, side discharge chute, grass catcher

bracket and bottle of oil).

• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

• Remove packing material.

• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton thor- oughly for loose parts.

NOTE: Keep the grass catcher bracket in a safe place.

ff you purchase the optional grass catcher, mount the bracket on the rightside of the upper handle as shown on page 18 of this manual, key 10.

HOWTOSETUPYOURLAWNMOWER

• Disconnectthe spark plugwire fromthe sparkplug.

Ground the spark plug wire by attaching it to the retaining post until ready to operate your mower. See figures 1 and 2. (Spark plug wire is shown in figure 1 without the rubber boot for clarity.)

• Remove any packing material which may be

between the upper and lower handles for shipping purposes.

• Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the

handle into the operating position. Make certainthe lower handle is seated securely into the handle

mounting brackets. Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle (carriage bolts must be

seated properly into the handle).

NOTE: Yourmower is shipped with the handle in the

higher height position, ff you wish to lower the height of the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.

• Using a pair of pliers, remove hairpin clips from the outer hole inweld pins on handle mounting brackets. Place hairpin clipsin the innerhole. See figure 3.

• The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the

ropeguide. See figure 4.

• With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded, hold the blade control handle against the upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the

starter rope into the rope guide. Tighten the wing nut.

Spark Plug

Wire

FIGURE 1.

Handle

Rope Starter

Guide Rope

Handle

Mounting

Bracket

Mulchinc

Plug

FIGURE 2.

\\ M"o"u".; eg

ewer\\ Srackst

I,_ Rll _ Inner

Hairpin \ _ | _ \k/Hole

_Waid Pin

FIGURE 3.

Wing Nut

Guide

Starter

Rope

FIGURE 4.

Spark Plug

Boot

• Makecertainall nuts and bolts are tightened

securely. Also, be certain to reconnect the spark

plug wire before starting the mower.

Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher. To dis- charge grass to the side, proceed as follows.

• To convert your mower from a mulcher to a side

discharge mower, lift the mulching plug. See fig-

ure 5. Slide the two hooks on the side discharge

deflector under the hinge pin on the mulchingplug assembly.Lowerthe mulchingplug.

Mulching

Plug

Hooks

FIGURE 5.

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare

the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Drivq Handle

Lever

Guide

Rope

Oil Fill and

Rear Wheel

uster

line

Primer

Muffler

LEFT SIDE OF MOWER

Adjuster

Mulchin_

Plug

Spark Plug

FIGURE 6. Wire and Boot

MEETSCPSCBLADESAFETYREQUIREMENTS

Sears Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers conformto the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute, and the U.S. ConsumerProduct SafetyCommission,The blade turns when the engineis running.

BLADE CONTROL HANDLE--must be held down to the handle to start and run the engine. Release to

stopthe engine. STARTER ROPE--used for startingthe engine.

PRIMER-pumps additionalfuel from the carburetor tothe cylinder for usewhen starting a cold engine.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER--permits selec- tionof fast or slowengine speed,

DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL--must be held against

the handle to engage the wheel drive. Release the

driveclutchcontrolto stop the wheels from driving. SHIFT LEVER--is usedto select one ofsix operating

speeds for the mower.

BEFORE USING YOUR LAWN MOWER, AGAIN REFER TOTHE "SAFETY RULES" AS SHOWN ON PAGE 2 OF

THIS MANUAL. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objectsbeing throwninto the eyes,

whichcan result in severe eye damage. Alwayswear safety glasses or eyeshields before starting power tool operation or while performingany adjustmentsor repairs.We recom- mend Wide Vision Safety Mask for overspectacles orstandard glasses availableat Sears Retailor Catalog Stores.

HOWTOUSEYOURMOWER

TO STOP ENGINE

Release blade control handle to stop engine. Discon- nect the spark plug wire and move it away from the

spark plug to prevent accidental startingwhile equip- ment isunattended.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed is controlledby a lever (red knob) located on the leftside of the engine.The "HI" position is for starting engine, normal cuttingand best perfor- mance. The "LOW" position is for light cutting,trim-

mingand fuel economy. BLADE CONTROL HANDLE

Your mower has a control handle which requires the operator to be behindthe handle to start and run the

mower.When the operator releases the control han- dle, the engine will stop and an internal brake helps

the blade to stop quickly. When the operator leaves the operating position to

change the cutting height, pick up sticks or other objects in the way, the engine will stopautomatically

when the controlhandle isreleased.

DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL LEVER

To engage the wheel drive, squeeze the drive clutch

control lever against the handle. Releasing the drive

clutch control lever stops the wheels from driving.

Release the drive clutch control lever to slow down

when negotiatingan obstacle, making a turn or stop- ping.

SHIFT LEVER The six speed shift lever is located below the drive

clutch control lever. Position1 is the slowest speed; position6 is the fastest. Release the drive clutchcon-

trolleverwhen changingspeeds.

IMPORTANT: Move the shift lever ONLY when the

engine is running. Shifting the speeds with the engine off can cause damage to the unit.

ADJUST cu'n'ING HEIGHT The height adjuster leversfor the wheels are located

on the left side of the deck. See figure 6. The levers may be placed in one of nine cuttingheightpositions.

Bothleversshouldalways be set to the same position.

• Raise wheels for low Cut and lower wheels for high

cut.

• To change cutting height, move adjuster levers towardwheels. Movewheels upor downto suityour

requirements. Be sure both levers are in the same

setting.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements.

Refer tothe =Mulching orMowingTips"on page 10.

(The heightadjustersmay seem hardto move when new.They will operateeasier aftersomeuse.)

BEFORESTARTINGENGINE

OIL A 27 ounce bottle of SAE 30 oil is includedwith your

newlawn mower.

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API ser- vice classification SF, SG or SH. Select the oil's vis-

cosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

Colder 32° Warmer

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oil (5W30, 10W30,

etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-

viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your oil level more fre-

quently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

• Place unit so engine is in a level position.

• Remove oil fill cap and dipstick assembly. Pour oii

slowlyuntil oillevel is to the FULL markon dipstick. Crankcase capacity is approximately 27 ounces.

DO NOT OVERFILL.

NOTE: Crankcase oilshould be changedafter first two (2) hours of operation and everytwenty-five (25) hours thereafter.Refer to ENGINE LUBRICATION section.

• Replace oil fill cap and dipstick. Tighten cap securely.

GAS

• Fill gas tank with about1-1/2 quarts of clean, fresh,

lead-free grade automotive gasoline. Low-lead or regular gasoline is an acceptable substitute. DO

NOT use Ethylor highoctane gasoline. Be certain containeris clean andfree from rustor foreign parti- cles. Never use gasoline that may be stale from

long periodsof storage inthe container.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or

methanol) can attract moisture which leads to sep- aration and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while In storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage

for 30 days or longer. Use fresh fuel next season.

See "STORAGE" Section for additional informa-

tion.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products

in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

NOTE: The drive cable has been adjusted at the fac-

tory withthe unit in sixthspeed. If the driveslipswhen

mower is operated in first speed, tighten the cable by moving the adjustment wheel away from the operator

slightly. ALWAYS MAKE CERTAIN THE MOWER

DOES NOT DRIVE WITH THE DRIVE CLUTCH CON- TROL LEVER RELEASED. Refer to "Drive Clutch Adjustment" for further information.

Connect spark plug wire to spark plug. Make cer-

tain the metal cap on the end of the sparkplugwire

(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over

the metal tipon the spark plug.

Pressprimer button as follows (cold starts only).

For each initial start, push primer button three t_mes prior to starter operation. See figure 7. Use sharp pushes, wait between each push. Repeat the above

for each starter operation as necessary. Do not use

primer for warm engine restarts.

• Set enginespeed controlto"HI"speed.

Engine Speed

Lever

/ \

LOW HI

FIGURE 7.

TOSTARTENGINE

WARNING: WHEN STARTING THE UNIT

FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLACE MOWER IN FIRST SPEED (SLOW) POSITION. FACE

THE MOWER AGAINST A SOLID OBJECT SUCH AS A WALL, FENCE, ETC. START THE UNIT, AND IF IT SHOWS ANY SIGNS

OF MOTION WITH THE DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL DISENGAGED, SHUT THE

ENGINE OFF IMMEDIATELY. ADJUST THE DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL AS INSTRUCTED IN THE ADJUSTMENT SEC-

TION.

Hold blade control handle against upper handle. See figure 8. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.

Pull rope with a rapid, continuous,full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on start handle. Let rope rewind slowly.Do not let starter handle snap back against

starter.

If after three pulis the engine fails to start, push primerfive times, then pull starter rope again.

Blade Control

Handle

Starter

- Handle

FIGURE 8.

MULCHINGORMOWINGTIPS

• For best results in normal and heavy mowing,

always run engine in "HI" speed position. "LOW" speed is only for light cutting, trimming and fuel

economy.

• The grass condition at the time of mowing deter- mines the proper mower cutting height setting for best lawn appearance. For a healthy lawn, always cut one-third or less of the total length of the grass

at any one cutting.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to

reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings.

• For extremely heavy cutting, use a slow ground speed, and reduce the width of cut.

• Under heavy conditions cross cut for additional

mulching of surface debris.

GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS

• In order to maintain the warranty on your mower, the customer is expected to perform the mainte-

nance as outlinedbelow.

• Once a year you shouldreplace the spark plug,air filter, and check blade for wear. A new spark plug

and air filter assures proper air-fuel mixture and helpsyour engine runbetter and lastlonger.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

SERVICERECORD

Fill in dates as you completeregular service

Check Engine Oil

Lubricate Mower Blade Care

Change Engine Oil

Spark PlugReplaced Air FilterReplaced Cleaning

SCHEDULE

After

First

Every Two

Use Hours

Every

Hours

q q qq

Every

100

Hours

SERVICEDATES

CHECK

LUBRICATION

ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS A 27 ounce bottle of SAE 30 oil is includedwith your new lawnmower.

Only use high quality detergent oil rated withAPI ser- vice classificationSF, SG or SH. Select the oil's vis-

cosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

Colder _ 32° _ Warmer

5W30 SAE 30

• Remove the bolt and blade bell supportwhich hold the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft. Remove the bladeand adapter from the crankshaft.

Blade Adapter-----.-_

FIGURE 9.

_pport

-*----..-- Hex Bolt

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oil (5E30, 10W30,

etc.) improvesstartingin coldweather, these multi-vis- cosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32° F.Check youroil level morefre- quently to avoid possibleengine damage from running

lowon oil. WHEELS

DO NOT oil or grease the wheel bearings. Viscous lubricantswill attractdust and dirt that willshorten the

life of the self-lubricatingwheel bearings. If you feel the wheelsmust be lubricated, useonly a dry,silicone type lubricantsparingly,

WHEEL ADJUSTERS

For easy operation, lubricatethe wheel adjusters at

least oncea season withlightoil.

BRAKE SPRING BRACKET Spray a lightoil lubricanton the brake springbracket, locatedon the right rearcorner of the engine, at least

once a season.

TRANSMISSION The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the

factory.It does not require checking.If disassembled

for any reason, fill with 2 ounces of Alvania grease,

part number 737-0168.

MOWER

BLADE CARE Yourmower willworkbetter with a sharp blade.

CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT COME IN CON- TACT WITH THE SPARK PLUG.

TO REMOVE BLADE (See Figure 9):

• Turn mower on its side.Make sure air filter and car-

buretorare up.

• Use a block of wood between blade and mower

deck to prevent blade from turning when bolt is removed. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

To reinstall blade:

• Be sureto installthe blade withthe sideof theblade

marked "Bottom"(or with part number) facing the

groundwhen the mower is inthe operatingposition.

• Be certain the blade is aligned withand seated onto

the blade adapter flanges.

• Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notcheson the blade bell support are aligned with

thesmall hole inthe blade.

• Replace hex bolt.

Spacer-_

PULLEY

Spacer----_-l_

Wave _)

Washer

• Make sure to follow the correct order of hardware and pultey set-up. When reassembling, place the spacer on the crankshaft first, then the wave

washer.

• Tighten boltto torque: 450 in. Ibs.min., 600 in. Ibs.

max.

IMPORTANT: THE BOLT USED TO SECURE THE BLADE TO ENGINE IS SPECIALLY HEAT-TREATED.

DO NOT SUBSTITUTE (SEE REPAIR PARTS).

_11 CAUTION: A LOOSE BLADE CAN BE

DANGEROUS AND MAY MAKE THE ENGINE HARDTO START.

Use onlya Sears authorized replacament blade to get thebest cuttingresults.

NOTE: We do not recommendsharpeningthe blade-- but ifyou do, be sureblade isbalanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a

grindingwheel. Do not attemptto sharpenwhile on the mower,

• Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration

when running and eventual damage to mower and engine.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail

exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a

horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves

downward, blade is not balanced. Sharpen the

heavy end until the blade is balanced.

ENGINE

ENGINE LUBRICATION

You must change the oilin the crankcase after the first two (2) hoursof operation and after each 25 hoursof

use thereafter. CHANGE THE OIL MORE FRE- QUENTLY IF USED IN SANDY OR DUSTY CONDI-

TIONS. TO DRAIN OIL

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and

place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

• Drain the gastank.

• Remove the oil fill cap and dipstick.Turn and tipthe uniton itsside with the carburetorup, and drain oil

intoa suitablecontainer. Refill crankcase with oil. Refer to "ENGINE OIL

RECOMMENDATIONS" on previouspage.

• Replace oil fill cap and dipstick. Tighten cap

securely.

SPARK PLUG Change your spark plug each year to make your

engine start easier and run better.Set spark plug gap at .030 inch.

AIR FILTER (See Figure 10)

IMPORTANT: NEVER RUN ENGINE WITHOUT

COMPLETE AIR CLEANER INSTALLED ON

ENGINE.

A. TO SERVICE FILTER: PAPER FILTER:

Do not attemptto cleanor oiltilter.

• Replace once a year orevery 100 operatinghours, more often if used in extremelydustyconditions.

• Replacement filters are available at any Authorized

Sears Service Outlet.

FOAM FILTER (if so equipped): Clean and re-oil every throe (3) months or every 25 operating hours, Clean and re-oil daily if used in

extremely dustyconditions,

• Wash in water and detergentsolutionand squeeze (don'ttwist) untilall dirt is removed.

• Rinse thoroughlyinclear water.

• Wrap in a clean cloth and squeeze (don'ttwist) until

completelydry.

• Saturatewith engine oil and squeeze (don'ttwist) to

distributeoil and removeexcess oil.

B. TO REMOVE AND INSTALL FILTER:

• Remove coverfrom body bylooseningcoverscrew. Do not removescrew from cover.

• Swing cover downto removefrom hinge.

• Inspect filter for discolorationor dirtaccumulation.If

either is present, service per preceding"TO SER- VICE FILTER"instructions.

• Clean insideof bodyand coverthoroughly.

• Installfilter in body.

• Install cover on body by aligning hinge between body and cover. Swing cover upwardagainst body.

Tighten coverscrewsecurely.

Screw

Filter

Cover

FIGURE 10.

Hinge

CLEANING

,_ WARNING: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG

WIRE FROM SPARK PLUG AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT COME IN CON- TACT WITH THE SPARK PLUG.

• Turn mower on its side withcarburetorand air filter

up.

• Clean the underside of your mower after each use by scraping to remove build-up of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter, if this debrisis allowed to accumulate, it will inviterust and corrosion,and

may preventpropermulching.

• Clean your mower and engine often to keep build-

up of grass or debris from accumulating around engine. A clogged engine runs hotterand shortens engine life.

NOTE: We DO NOT recommend usinga garden hose to clean mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetorare coveredto keep waterout.

Water in engine can result inshorteningengine life.

CuI-rlNG HEIGHTADJUSTMENT

Refer to "ADJUST CUFFING HEIGHT" in operation

section of manual.

HANDLEHEIGHTADJUSTMENT

Your mower is shipped w_ththe handle in the higher height position. To lower the handle height, proceed as foltows.

• Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.

• Remove the upper handle by removing the hand knobs and carriage bolts. Lay the upper handle out of the way, being careful not to bend or kink the cable.

• Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the handle brackets. Press outward on the sides of the

lower handle, and remove itfrom the mower.

• Turn the lower handle around so the notch on the bottom of the lower handle is facing forward as

shown in figure 11. Reassemble, placing the bottom

holes in the handle over the weld pins in the handle mounting bracket.

• Reassemble the upper handle.

• Place the hairpin clipsin the inner holes in the weld pins and attach the starter rope as instructed in the Assembly Section.

Lower _

Handle --_.

teh

FIGURE 1I.

DRIVECLUTCHADJUSTMENT

The correct drive clutch adjustment varies with the

speed of the mower. The drive clutch adjustment may

be checked as follows. Without starting the engine, engage the ddve clutch control(squeeze control lever against the handle) and pull the mower backward. The

wheels should lock. Then release the drive clutch con- trol and pull the mower backward. It should move

freely (or with only a small amount of resistance). If the wheels lock up when pulled backward with the

drive clutch control released (engine off), or if mower moves forward with the drive clutch control released

(engine running), turn the adjustment wheel, located beneath the drive clutch control housing, toward the operator to loosen the cable. See figure 12. Recheck the adjustment as instructed above.

If the mower does not drive in low speed, tighten the cable by turning the adjustment wheel away from the operator. Recheck the adjustment.

Periodic adjustment may also be necessary due to

normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustmentmay

be needed if the wheels seem to hesitate, but the

engine maintains the same speed. To tighten the

cable, move the adjustment wheel toward the right.

Alwaysbe certain to recheckthe adjustment.

BOTTOM

VIEW

Loosen

Tighten

FIGURE 12.

SIX SPEEDSHIFTADJUSTMENT

Periodic adjustment may be required due to normal wear. Adjustment is needed if the shift lever cannot be moved to all six positions.

• Loosen the nut which secures the adjustable cable

bracket, located on the left side of the engine. See

figure 13.

Place the shift lever in high speed (6) position. Move the bracket to make certain it is loose. Then slide it towards the rear of the unit as far as it willgo,

so that the pulley halves (beneath the deck) are against each other. Make certain the belt does not interfere.

• Tighten the nut to secure the bracket in this posi-

tion.

Self-Tapping

Screws

FIGURE 13.

Adjustable

Cable Bracket

;Speed

Cable

CARBURETOR

The carburetor on your lawn mower has been com- pletely adjusted at the factory. If your engine does net

operate properly due to suspected carburetor prob-

lems, take your mower to an authorized Sears Service Center for repair and adjustment,

ENGINESPEED

The engine slowand fast speeds have been set at the factory. Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it

may result in personal injury. If you believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow,take your mower

to an authorized Sears Service Center for repair and adjustment.

REARTRAILSHIELD

The rear trail shield,attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is providedto minimizethe possibility that objectswill be thrown out the rear of the mower

toward the operator.

Ifthe shield is damaged, it shouldbe replaced.

BELTREMOVALAND REPLACEMENT

• Place shiftlever inthird speed.

• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it againstthe engine.

• Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic

beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.

• Remove the transmission belt cover by removing five self-tapping screws. See figure 14.

Tmnsmisslon

Belt Cover

FIGURE 14.

Self-Tapping

Screws

• Tip the mower on itsside.Block securely.

• Remove the center bolt which secures the blade to

the crankshaft. See figure 15. Remove the blade

and blade adapter.

Lower Pulley

Self-Tapping

Screws

FIGURE 15.

Center

Bolt

• Remove the two-self-tappingscrews which secure the lower pulley half. See figure 15. Rotate the

lower pulleyhalf 90° clockwise(see figure 16) and remove from the mower. Remove the belt from

aroundthe crankshaft.

Lower Pulley _,(3

j Half

(

FIGURE 16. Pin

+ 31 hidden pages

Craftsman 247.37638 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual