Craftsman 247376830, 12A-469Q799 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRH

21" SELF=PROPELLED MOWER

Model No. 247.37683

CAUTION: Before using

this product, read this manual and follow all

safety rules and operating

instructions.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman FORMNO.769-04851

For help with questions about this product, call 1-800-659-5917. 2/25/2009

o SAFETY

ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE PARTS LIST

o ESPANOL, p. 43

Warranty Statement .................................. Page 2

Safe Operation Practices .......................... Pages 3-6

Slope Guide .............................................. Page 7

Safety Labels ............................................ Page 9

Assembly .................................................. Pages 10-13

Operation .................................................. Pages 14-15

Service and Maintenance ......................... Pages 16-20

Off-Season Storage .................................. Page 21

Trouble Shooting ....................................... Page 22

Parts List ................................................... Page 24-39

Espa_ol ..................................................... Page 43

Service Numbers ...................................... Back Cover

Craftsman Full Warranty

Ifthis Craftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectin materialor workmanshipwithintwo yearsfromthedateof purchase,returnittoany Searsstore, Parts& RepairServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletinthe UnitedStatesforfreerepair(or replacementif repairprovesimpossible).

Thiswarrantyappliesfor only90 daysif thisproductisever usedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.

Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Searswill NOTpayfor:

• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthe warrantyperiod,suchas mowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or

sparkplugs.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accident,suchas bentcrankshafts,or failuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsupplied

instructions.

• Preventivemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydueto improperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears, Roebuckand Co., NoffmanEstates,IL 60179

EngineOilType: SAE10W-30 EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline SparkPlug: NGK-BPR5ES

Engine: Honda

ModelNumber.................................................................

Serial Number.................................................................

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber

anddateof purchaseabove

©SearsBrands,LLC 2

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failureto complywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron thepartofthe operatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto StateofCalifornia tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybefore

attemptingto assemblethis machine.Read,understand,and followall instructionsonthemachineandinthe manuals) before operation.Keepthismanualina safeplacefor futureand regular referenceandfor orderingreplacementparts

, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththe controlsandthe properuseof this

machinebeforeoperatingit.

, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota

plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This machinehas beendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass. Donot useit foranyotherpurpose.

, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis

machine.Children14andover shouldreadandunderstandthe instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon

themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

, Only responsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof

safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.

, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretheequipmentis tobe used.

Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

, Planyour mowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialtoward

roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin

operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders, helpersandpetsat least75feetfrommowerwhileit is inopera- tion.Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand

steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting

deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand feet.

A missingordamageddischargecovercan causebladecontact or thrownobjectinjuries.

Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthe footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Do notholdon to themowerif youarefalling;releasethehandleimmediately.

Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst

lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthen followthese

steps:

1. Stepbackfrommowerto fullyextendyourarms.

2. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalf waytowardyou.

4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded. Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor

drugs.

Donot engagetheself-propelledmechanismon machinesso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

• Thebladecontrolhandleis a safetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera- tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged positionwhenreleased.

• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureof your footing.A slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle immediatelyandthe bladewillstop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

• Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

• Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.

• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis gener- allya warningoftrouble.

• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthe bladecomesto a complete stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthechute. Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafterthe bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe bladeareauntilyou aresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.

• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,dischargecover, grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede- vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot touch.

• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile theengineis running.

• Onlyuse partsand accessoriesmadeforthis machineby the manufacturer.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.

• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntil resistanceis felt,then pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord (kickback)willpull handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Broken bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.

• If situationsoccurwhicharenot coveredinthismanual,usecare andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-659-5917for informationand

assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcan resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If youfeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore operatingthis machineon a slopedor hillyarea. Iftheslopeisgreater than15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcan causeserious personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewillstop

rotatingwithinthree (3) seconds.

DoNot:

• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,youcould

loseyourfootingor balance.

Donot mowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the

slopegauge.

• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscan occurifthe operatorisnotalerttothe presence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwill remainwhereyou lastsawthem.

Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof

a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

Bealertandturn moweroffif achild entersthearea. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown for

smallchildren.

Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways, shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a childwhomayrunintothe mower.

Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.Theycan suffer burnsfroma hot muffler.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:

• Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen gasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes,whichcan ignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruck ortrailerbed witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway

fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand

refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch equipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom a gasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingis complete.Donot use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources ofignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulateinthe area.

• Neverremovegas caporaddfuel whileengineis hotor running. Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1inch below bottomof fillerneckto provideforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• If gasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopenflame, sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace, clothesdryerorothergas appliances.

• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany

fuelsoakeddebris. Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark plugwireandgroundagainstthe enginetopreventunintended starting.

Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsat frequentintervals forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g., bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut. Wrapthe bladeor wear gloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.

Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis insafeworkingcondition.

Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation regularly.

Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly inspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore startingandoperatingthemower.

Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile theengineisrunning.

• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,and trailshieldare subjectto wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor

leaks.Replaceifnecessary.

Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.

• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product

hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof

operation.At theendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine

inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer

toensurethatall mechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking

properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocan resultin

accidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththe governorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM) and ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonor nearany unimprovedforest-covered, brushcoveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworking orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequired

bylaw(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands. A sparkarresterfor themufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

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 isin its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

DANGER -- BYSTANDERS Do not mow when children or others are around.

DANGER-- HAND/FOOT CUT Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

DANGER -- THROWN DEBRIS Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.

DANGER -- SLOPES Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.

WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching.

Sightandholdthis levelwith averticaltree...

or a cornerof abuilding...

15°

Use this pageas a guide to determine slopes where you may not operatesafely.

Donotoperateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donot mowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a riseof approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Operatewalk= behindmowersacrossthe faceofslopes,neverupanddownslopes.

This pageleft intentionallyblank.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil inthe engine. Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.

NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideofthe LawnMoweris observedfromthe operatingposition.

OPENING CARTON

1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.

2. Removeall looseparts.

3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial androllunitout ofcarton.

2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON

• GrassCatcher

• SideDischargeChute EngineOil Operator'sManual/HandleHardware

ASSEMBLY

Figure1

HandleHardware

Attaching The Handle

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand lowerhandles.

a. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshowninFigure1.

Makecertainthe lowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.SeeFigure2. Donot crimp cableswhileliftingthe handleup.

b. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto lowerhandle.

Makesurethateach carriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe handle.

2. Inserta carriageboltfoundinthemanualbagintotheupperhole onthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plasticwing nut,alsoincludedinthemanualbag.Repeatonothersidewith remaininghardware.See Figure2.

:_Carriage Bolts (2)

WingNuts(2)

LowerHandle

Bracket

Figure2

3. Theropeguideis attachedtotheright sideof theupperhandle. SeeFigure3. Loosenthewingnut whichsecuresthe ropeguide.

a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeout ofthe engine.Releasebladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide. d. Tightenwingnut.

4. Insertpostoncable tieintoholeprovidedonthe lowerhandle. Pullcabletie tightandtrimexcess.SeeFigure4.

Attaching the Grass Catcher

1. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertain bagisturnedrightside outbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill beon theoutside).

a. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticsideis atthe

bottom.

b. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.

SeeFigure5.All theplasticchannelsexceptcentertopof bagattachfromoutsideof bag.

c. Attachcentertopof bagfrominsideof bag.

2. Followthestepsbelowtoattachthe grasscatcher: a. Lift reardischargedoor.SeeFigure6.

b. Placegrasscatcheronthepivotrod.Letgoof discharge

doorsothatit restson the grasscatcher.

Figure4

Neveroperatemowerunlessthehooksonthegrasscatcherare firmlyseatedonthe pivotrodandthereardischargedoorrestsfirmly againsttopof thegrasscatcher.

Figure5

Figure3

Figure6

Side DischargeChute Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,

makesuregrasscatcherisoffoftheunitandreardischargedooris closed.

1. Onthesideofthemower,liftthemulchingplug.SeeFigure7.

2. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunderhingepinon mulchingplugassembly.Lowerthemulchingplug.

NOTE:Donotremovesidemulchingplugatanytime,evenwhenyou arenotmulching.

ADJUSTMENTS

Cutting Height Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochangethecuttingheight

ofthe mower.Referto Figure8.

1. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.

2. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfor achangein cuttingheight

3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe samerelativeposition. Forroughor unevenlawns,movetheheightadjustmentleverto a higherposition.Thiswill stopscalpingof grass.

Figure7

Figure8

_de Control

Drive

Recoil Starter

Side Discharge Chute

Oil Fill Cap/D

Mulch Plug

BLADE CONTROL

Thebladecontrolis attachedtotheupperhandleof themower. Depressandsqueezeit againstthe upperhandletooperatetheunit. Releaseitto stopengineandblade.

Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits operations.

DRIVE CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe undersideoftheupperhandleand isusedtoengagethe drive.Squeezeitagainstthe upperhandleto engagethedrive; releaseitto slowdownorstopmowerfrompropel- ling.

MULCH PLUG

Themulchplugis usedfor mulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollecting thegrassclippingsin agrasscatcheror usingthe sidedischarge chute,somemowermodelshavetheoptionof recirculatingthe clippingsbacktothe lawn.Thisiscalledmulching.

RECOIL STARTER

Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehind theunitandpullthe recoilstarterropeto startthe unit.

Spark Plug

CuttingHeight

Adjustment Levers

Figure9

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings tothe sideinstead,followtheinstructionsin the Assemblysectionto attachthe sidedischargechute.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe chuteareaoncuttingdeck.Refer towarninglabelontheunit.

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedoneach wheelandis usedto adjust

thecuttingheight.All fourlevershavetobeat thesamerelative

positionto ensurea uniformcut.

GAS CAP

Removethegascapto addfuelto thefueltank.Useclean,fresh, regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof86 octane.

OIL FILL CAP/DIPSTICK

Referto theMaintenancesectionfor instructionsoncheckingtheoil.

SPARK PLUG

Referto theMaintenancesectionfor instructionsonsparkplug replacement.

Meets ANSI Safety Standards

CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Oil (one bottle shipped with unit) FirstTimeUse

1. Removeoil filldipstick.

2. Withthe moweronlevelground,filltheengineto theupperlimit markon thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil. SeeFigure10.

3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.

Subsequent Uses Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsforAPI

servicecategorySJorlater.Alwayscheckthe APIservicelabelon the oilcontainertobesure itincludesthelettersSJor later.

0 20 40 60 80 IO0°F

I I I I I I I

-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40°C

Ambient Temperature

SAE10%30 is recommendedforgeneraluse.Otherviscositiesshown inthechartmaybeusedwhenthe averagetemperatureinyour areais withintheindicatedrange.

1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.

2. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipeitclean.

3. Insertthe oilfillercap/dipstickasfaras itwill go intothe oilfiller neck,but do notscrewitin, thenremoveittochecktheoil level. SeeFigure10.

4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick, removethe oil fillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.

5. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipstick.

Gasoline This engineiscertified to operateon unleaded gasolinewith a

pumpoctane ratingof 86or higher. Refuelin awell-ventilatedareawiththe enginestopped.Ifthe engine

hasbeenrunning,allowit tocoolfirst. Neverrefueltheengineinsidea buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor sparks.

Youmay use regular unleaded gasolinecontaining no more than 10%ethanol (El0) or 5%methanol by volume. Inaddition,

methanol must contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.Use of fuels with content of ethanolor methanolgreater thanshown

abovemaycause starting and/or performanceproblems. It may alsodamage metal,rubber,and plasticpartsof the fuel system. Engine damageor performanceproblemsthat resultfrom using a fuel with percentagesof ethanol or methanol greaterthan shown aboveare not overedbywarranty.

Oil Fill Cap/

Dipst

Figure10

Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipe upspills immediately.

Ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis, pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-

tion regardingfueldeterioration.

NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful notto spillfuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.

Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.

Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin the fueltank.

1. Removethefuel tankcap.

2. Addfuelto thebottomof the fuellevellimitin theneckof the fueltank. Donot overfill.Wipeupspilledfuel beforestartingthe

engine.

3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntil itclicks.

4. Moveatleast10feetawayfromthe fuelingsourceandsitebefore

startingtheengine.

Besurenooneotherthantheoperatoris standingnearthelawn mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands, feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine

andlawnmower.

TO START ENGINE

1. Placethefuel valvelever(1)foundon theleft sideofthe engine intothe ON(OPEN)position.SeeFigure11.

2. Movethechokelever(2) allthewaybackwardintothe choke position.

3. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrol(3) against upperhandle.Thechokewillnow begintoslowlyreturntotheoff chokeposition.Therefore,quicklymoveontostepfour below.

4. Holdingbladecontrolandupperhandletogetherfirmly,grasp recoilstarterhandle(4)and pullropeoutwitha rapid,continuous, fullarmstroke.SeeFigure11.Keepinga firmgripon the starter handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Let theroperewindeachtimeslowly.

TO STOP ENGINE

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineandblade.

2. Turnthefuelvalveto theOFFposition.

Waitforthe bladetostopcompletelybeforeperformingany workon themowerorto removethegrasscatcher.

USING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury tothe operatorandothers.

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseittodisengagethedrive.

Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.

Figure11

USING GRASS CATCHER

Youcanuse thegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyou are operatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe "Assembly" section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas you runmower.Operatemowertill grassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure thattheunit hascometo a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthe

mowerto removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsand reinstallthe bagwhencomplete.

USING AS MULCHER

Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherandsidedischarge chutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,donot cutwetgrass.If thegrasshas beenallowedtogrowinexcessof fourinches,mulching isnot recommended.Usethe grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,andrepair damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationofmower duringoperationisan indicationof damage.Theunit shouldbe promptlyinspectedandrepaired.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearestSears Service Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSears at

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

EachUse

1stMonthor 5 hours

Annuallyor25hours

Annuallyor50hours

200hours

BeforeStorage

Engineoillevel

Looseormissinghardware

Aircleaner

Unitandengine.

Engineoil

Aircleaner1

Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels

Undersided mowerdeck

Engineoil ff

SparkPlug

Sparkplug

AirCleaner

Fuelsystem

1. Check

2. Tightenor replace

3. Check

4. Clean

1. Change

1. Clean

2. Lubewithlightoil

3. Clean

1. Change

2. Check

1. Replace

2. Replace

1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof

freshfuelpriorto storage.

Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis

)resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.

11Changeoilevery25 hourswhenoperatingthe engineunderheavyloadorinhightemperatures.

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst enginebeforeperforminganytypeof maintenanceon yourmachine.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.

• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas

instructedhere.

• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.

• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Spark Plug

NOTE:incorrectsparkplugscan causeenginedamage. Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand

freeof deposits.Checkthe sparkplugevery50 hoursoroncea season.Replacethe sparkplugevery200 hoursofoperation.

1. Disconnectthe capfromthe sparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom thesparkplugarea.

2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethe sparkplug.

3. inspectthe sparkplug.Replaceit ifdamaged,badlyfouled,ifthe sealingwasherisin poorcondition,orif theelectrodeis worn.

4. Measuretheelectrodegapwitha suitablegauge.Thecorrectgap is0.028- 0.030in.(0.70- 0.80ram).See Figure12.If adjustment isneeded,correctthe gapbycarefullybendingthe sideelectrode.

5. installthesparkplugcarefully,byhand,toavoidcross-threading.

6. Afterthesparkplugis seated,tightenwiththe propersizespark plugwrenchtocompressthewasher.

Wheninstallinganewsparkplug,tighten1/2turnafterthe sparkplug seatsto compressthe washer.

Whenreinstallingtheoriginalsparkplug,tighten1/8-1/4turn afterthe sparkplugseatsto compressthe washer.

Electrode

SealingWasher

0.028-.030 in. Gap

(0.70-0.80mm)

Figure12

NOTE:Properlytightenthe sparkplug.A loosesparkplugcan become veryhotandcan damagetheengine.Overtighteningthesparkplug candamagethethreadsin the cylinderhead.

7. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.

Air Cleaner A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothe carburetorandcausepoor

engineperformance,inspectthefiltereachtimetheengineis oper- ated.Youwillneedto cleanthe filtermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe enginein verydustyareas.

Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season. Replacetheaircleanerevery200 hoursof operation.

NOTE:Operatingthe enginewithoutafilter,or withdamagedfilter,will allowdirt toentertheengine,causingrapidenginewear.

Inspection

1. Pressthelatchtabsonthe topof theaircleanercover,and removethe cover.Checkthe filtertobe sureitis cleanand in

goodcondition.SeeFigure13.

2. Reinstallthefilterandaircleanercover.

Cleaning

1. Tapthefilterseveraltimeson a hardsurfaceto removedirt,or blowcompressedair notexceeding30psithroughthefilterfrom

thecleansidethatfacestheengine.Nevertryto brushoff dirt.

Brushingwillforcedirt intothefibers.

2. Wipedirtfromtheaircleanerbodyandcoverusinga moistrag. Becarefultopreventdirtfromenteringtheairductthatleadsto

thecarburetor.

Check Engine Oil Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelis maintained.

1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.

2. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipeitclean.

3. Insertthe oilfillercap/dipstickintotheoil filler neckasfar asitwill go,butdo notscrewit in,thenremoveittochecktheoillevel.

4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick, removethe oil fillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.

5. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipstick.

Change Engine Oil

Changeengineoilafterthefirstmonthor fivehoursofoperation,and everyfifty hoursoroncea seasonthereafter.

Drainthe engineoilwhenthe engineiswarm.Warmoil drainsquickly andcompletely.

1. Turnthefuelvalve(Fig. 11)totheOFFpositionto reducethe possibilityof fuelleakage.

2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theengineto catchthe usedoil.

3. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickanddraintheoil intothe containerby tippingthe enginetowardthe oil fillerneck. See Figure14.

Air Cleaner

Oil Fill/Dipstic

Figure14

Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.

IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori- _tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltothe upperlimitmarkon thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.

NOTE:Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcancauseengine damage.

5. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipsticksecurely.

Clean Engine

• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated

debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean. Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofany combustible

debris.

• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat- ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.

Donot usewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Usea brushor dry cloth.

Figure15

LUBRICATION

Blade and Drive Control

Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladeanddrivecontrolat leastonce a seasonwithlightoil.Thesecontrolsmustoperatefreelyinboth directions.SeeFigure15.

Wheels

Lubricatethe wheelsat leastoncea seasonwithlightoil (ormotoroil).

Ifwheelsare removedfor anyreason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivot armandinnersurfaceofthe wheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure15.

Rear Discharge Door/Side Mulch Plug

Lubricatethe torsionspringandpivotpointson the reardischarge doorandsidemulchplugperiodicallywithlightoil topreventrust.See

Figure15.

Transmission

Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryanddoes notrequirelubrication.

CLEANING DECK

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckonce aseasonto preventbuild-up ofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Followstepsbelowfor thisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawnmoweror placea pieceofplasticunderthegas cap.

2. Tipmowersothat it restson thehousing,keepingthe mufflerside down.Holdmowerfirmly.

Nevertip themowermorethan900inanydirectionanddo not leave

the mowertippedforany lengthoftime.Oilcandrainintothe upper

partof theenginecausinga startingproblem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideof thedeckwitha suitabletool.

Donot spraywithwater.

IMPORTANT:Donot usea pressurewasherorgardenhosetoclean yourunit.Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,orthe engine.The useof waterwillresultin shortenedlife andreduceserviceability.

4. Putthe mowerbackon itswheelsonthe ground.Ifyou hadput plasticunderthe gascapearlier,makesuretoremoveit now.

REPLACING REAR FLAP

Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:

1. Liftreardoor,andpressflapin oneithersideto removefromhole. SeeFigure16.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeandreplacewithnewflap in the oppositeorderandmannerof removal.

Figure16

Whenremovingthecuttingbladefor sharpeningor replacement, protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesoruse a heavyragto

holdtheblade.

BLADE CARE

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou

strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps belowfor bladeservice.

1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronits sidemakingsurethattheair filterandthecarburetorarefacing

up.

2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdthe blade andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure17.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthe crankshaft.

NOTE:Whenremovingtheseitems,thewavewashermayalso break

freefromthe crankshaft.Be suretomakenoteofthe orientationof this itemforreassembly.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom

theheavyside untilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe blade,followthe originalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge equallyto keepthe bladebalanced.

Support

Figure17

An unbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat I

highspeeds.It maycausedamagetomowerandcould breakcausingI

_personanjury. J

Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceofthe blade adapterwithlightoil.Slidethe bladeadapterontotheengine crankshaft.Placethebladeonthe adaptersuchthatthe sideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpart number)facestheground whenthe moweris intheoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe bladeisalignedand seatedonthe bladeadapterflanges.

Bolt................................

6. Placebladebellsupporton the blade.Alignnotcheson theblade bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.

7. Replacehexbolt andtightenhexbolt totorque:450in. Ibs.rain., 600in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallychecktheblade boltfor correcttorque.

BELT CARE

1. Removetwo shoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrivecoverto mower deck.SeeFigure18.Pressinwardon sidesoffrontdrive cover andreleasetabsthatsecureit totheheightadjusterbrackets.

Removedrivecoverfrommower.

2. Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotransmission.See Figure18inset.Donotremovescrewcompletely.As youloosen

it,tensionon thebeltwillbe released.

3. Tipmoweron its sidewiththeairfilterupto accessbeltfrom undersideofmowerand removebladeas describedin the

previoussection.Referto Figure17.

4. Pressinwardontab ontheenginebaffleto releaseitfromthe bafflebracket.SeeFigure19.

5. Slidebeltoff of enginepulleyandthreadthroughtheopeningin thedeck. SeeFigure20.

NOTE:Whenremovingbelt,thewavewashermayalsobreakfree fromthecrankshaft.Besuretomakenoteoftheorientationof this item

forreassembly.

Figure19

6. Replacewith newbelt,makingsurebeltisfirmlyseatedonengine pulleywhilepullingfromtheother sideandslidingitaroundthe transmissionpulley.

7. Reattachenginebaffleand reassemblebladeas describedin the previoussection.

Figure20

Turnmowerbackoverand makesurebelt isseatedonthe transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlierto securebelt

tensionspringto thetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

Figure18

Neverstorelawnmowerwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly

ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark, or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas appliance.

PREPARING THE ENGINE

Fuelintankcan becomestalewhenequipmentis storedover 30days. Stalefuel causesacidandgumdepositsto forminfuel systemoron essentialcarburetorparts. ToPreventFuel-RelatedProblems:

1. Addgasolinestabilizerfollowingthe manufacturer'sinstructions. Whenaddinga gasolinestabilizer,fill thefueltankwithfresh gasoline.Ifonlypartiallyfilled,air inthe tankwillpromotefuel deteriorationduringstorage.Ifyoukeepa containerof gasoline forrefueling,besurethatitcontainsonlyfreshgasoline.

2. Afteraddinga gasolinestabilizer,runtheengineoutdoorsfor 10minutesto besurethattreatedgasolinehasreplacedthe

untreatedgasolineinthecarburetor.

3. Turnthefuelvalveto theOFFposition.

4. Continuetorunthe engineuntilit stopsfromthelackoffuelinthe

carburetorfuel bowl.Runningtimeshouldbelessthan 3 minutes.

IMPORTANT:iffuel stabilizerisnotused,you needtodraingasoline fromequipmentpriorto storage.Runengineuntilitstopsfroma lack

offuel.

Performthe followingbeforelong-termstorageofequipment:

1. Whileengineis stillwarm,changeoil.

2. Removesparkplugand pourapproximately1/2 oz.(15ml)of

newengineoilintosparkplugcavitywhichputsoil intocylinder.

Replacesparkplugsecurely.

3. Pullstarterropeslowly.Thisturnsthe engine'scrankshaftand

distributesoil throughtheengine.

4. Addfuelstabilizeror drainfuelfromengine.

5. Cleandirt anddebrisfromtopandall areasaroundengine.

6. Storein a clean,dry area.

PREPARING THE LAWN MOWER

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthe lubrica- tioninstructions.

• Donotuseapressurewasheror gardenhoseto cleanyour unit.

• Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto prevent

rusting.

• RefertoPREPARINGTHEENGINEforcorrectenginestorage instructions.

• Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Do notstorenexttocorrosive materials,suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringany typeofpowerequipmentina poorlyventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakentorust-prooftheequipment.

Usinga lightoil orsilicone,coattheequipment,especiallycablesand

all movingpartsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

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