Craftsman 24738109 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
PRO E S S I 0 N A
21" SELF=PROPELLED MOWER
Model No. 247.38109
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 37
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.769-05739A
2/5/2010
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
Safetyinstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
SafetyLabels............................................Page9
Assembly..................................................Pages10-13
Operation..................................................Pages14-15
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages16-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
TroubleShooting.......................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-32
Espa_ol.....................................................Page37
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman Professional Full Warranty
Ifthis Craftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectinmaterialor workmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateof purchase,returnittoany Searsstore,
SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStatesforfreerepair(or replacementifrepairprovesimpossible).
Thiswarrantyappliesforonlyone yearifthisproductiseverusedforcommercialorrentalpurposes.
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Searswill NOTpayfor:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthe warrantyperiod,suchas rotarymowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,
filters,or sparkplugs.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accident,suchas bentcrankshafts,or failuretooperateor maintainthe productaccordingto all supplied
instructions.
• Preventivemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuckand Co.,NoffmanEstates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto theStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanual carefullyinitsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthemachineandinthe manualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualinasafeplacefor futureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththe controlsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineis a precisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donot useit foranyother purpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof 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 theuseof this powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswear safetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto 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 underthe cutting
deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Do notholdon to
themowerif youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthen followthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowerto fullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagetheself-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothe disengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewill stop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor thecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningof trouble.
• Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthe bladecomesto a complete
stopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheroruncloggingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe
bladeareauntilyou aresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineis running.
• Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin the PartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscould result.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,do not mowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineona slopedorhillyarea.Ifthe slopeis greater
than15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownonthe
slopeguide.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatorisnotalerttothe presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthe mowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyou lastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,look behindanddown for
smallchildren.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a
childwhomayrunintothe mower.
• Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan suffer
burnsfroma hot muffler.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedby an adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingis complete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
• Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthe fueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergas appliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe spark
plugwireandgroundagainstthe enginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
• Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut.Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,and trailshieldare
subjectto wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
ofthe engine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethe machine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatall mechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,donotmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidtheproductwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlessthe engine'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 the machine
beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
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®
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.
J
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 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.
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®
READOPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTRDL, TRAILINGSHIELD,
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.) IN PLACEAND WORKING. IF DAMAGED,REPLACEiMMEDiATELY.
Operation Of This Equipment May Create Sparks
A Spark Arrestor May Be Required.The Operator Should Contact Local Fire
Agencies For Laws Or Regulations To Fire Prevention Requirements.
That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation,
9
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideofthe LawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitout ofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• GrassCatcherAdapter
• SideDischargeCover
• EngineOil
f
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Figure1
f
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshowninFigure1.
Makecertainthe lowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe
handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhilelifting
thehandleup.
B. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto lowerhandle.
Makesurethateach carriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe
handle.
2. Locatethehairpinclip ontheweldpinon eachsideof lower
handle.
A. Removehairpinclipfromweldpin.Usinga pairofpliers,
inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosestto thebracket.
SeeFigure2. Repeaton otherside.
B. Inserta carriageboltfromthemanualbagintotheupper
holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plastic
wingnut,also includedinthemanualbag.Repeatonother
sidewith remaininghardware.
NOTE:Makecertainthe drivecable isroutedaroundtheoutsideand
abovethelowerhandleso itdoes notinterferewithattachingthegrass
bag.The chutedoorhasbeendesignedtomovethe starterropeoutof
thewayof thebagwhenthechutedooris opened.
Figure2
10
3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedto thesupportrod,islocated
onthe rightsideof thelowerhandle.See Figure3.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Pullstarterropeout oftheengine.Releasebladecontrol.
C. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
D. Usecabletiestosecurecableto lowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
Themowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffleinstalledonthe unit.
Forbaggingpurposes,youwillhavetoattachthegrassbagandits
adapterinplaceofthe mulchingbaffle.
1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthe mulchingbafflein placeand
removefromunit.
2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethe frontlipof
adaptergoesundertheedgeof thedeck.See Figure4.Secure
withwingnutspreviouslyremoved.
3. Liftchutedooronthegrassbagadapterand slidegrassbagonto
theadapter.SeeFigure5.
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Figure3
Figure5
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Figure4
11
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Followstepsbelowtoinstallthe sidedischargecover:
1. Removemulchingbaffleor grassbagadapterfromunitby
disconnectingwingnuts.
2. Attachsidedischargecoverto unitand securewiththethreewing
nuts.SeeFigure6.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereis a cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethe rearleft
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure7.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin the drivecontrolhandlehousing
andisusedtotightenor loosenthedrivebelt.Youwillhaveto adjust
thedrive controlifany ofthefollowinghappens:
1. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrolengaged.
2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththe drivecontrolengaged.
Ifeitherof theseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel
clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust
thedrive control.SeeFigure8.
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Figure6
NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeina comfortable
position.Youcanadjustthehandlepositionby tighteningtheadjust-
mentwheel.
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Figure8
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Figure7
12
jJ BladeControl
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Recoil Startel
Gas Cap
OilCap/Dit
Side Discharge
Cover
Figure9
BLADE CONTROL SIDE DISCHARGE COVER
Thebladecontrolis attachedtotheupperhandleof themower.See
Figure9. Depressand squeezeit againsttheupperhandleto operate
theunit.Releaseitto stopengineand blade.
Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothe sideinstead,followtheinstructionsin the Assemblysectionto
attachthe sidedischargecover.
J
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto the
Assemblysection.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe upperhandle.Squeezethedrive
controltoengagethe drivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive
system.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto the safetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe chuteareaon cuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelonthe unit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarteris connectedtothesupportrodandis locatedon the
rightsideofthe lowerhandle.Standbehindthe unitandpulltherecoil
starterropeto startthe unit.
GAS CAP
Removethe gascap toaddfuelto thefueltank.Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewithaminimumof 87 octane.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionfor instructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrail shieldis attachedtotherearofthe mowerand isthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Do notusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
13
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil inthe engine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil filldipstick(G).SeeFigure10.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoil fill dipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor API
servicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJ or later.AlwayschecktheAPIservice
labelontheoilcontainerto be sureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,
SJor later.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityforthe engine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
40
30
16so4s6 o** " 2
¸
32
14
o4
20
10
°30
• A minimumof 87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewithupto 10%ethanol(gasohol)or upto 15%MTBE
(methyltertiarybutylether)is acceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocool first.Neverrefuelthe engineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor sparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineandkeep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
Ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
Figure10
e
* Below40°F(4°C)theuse ofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil fill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightenthe oilfilldipstick.Removeitto checkthe oil
level.SeeFigure10.
4. Iftheoil levelis nearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Do notmixoil in
Igasolineor modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
_theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spillfuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin the fueltank.
1. Removethefuel tankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.To allowforexpansionof thefuel,do
notfill abovethe bottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthe fueltankcapandtightenit untilit clicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthefuel container/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatoris standingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
14
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethe bladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt,then pullwitha
rapid,continuous,full armstroke.SeeFigure11.Keepinga firm
griponthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntil
enginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
NOTE:Ifenginefloods,waita fewminutesto restart.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethe grasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
tothe operatorandothers.
Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcan damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.
1. Oncethe engineis running,squeezethe drivecontrolagainstthe
upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseit todisengagethedrive.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorthe sidedischarge
chutefromthemower,and reattachthemulchingbaffle.Foreffective
mulching,donot cutwetgrass.If thegrasshas beenallowedtogrow
in excessof fourinches,mulchingis notrecommended.Usethe grass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
Figure11
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanuse thegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyou are
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe Assembly
section.Grassclippingswill automaticallycollectinthebagas
yourunthe mower.
2. Operatethemowertillthe grassbagisfull.
3. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunit hascometo a completestop.
4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthe lower
handle,liftthe grassbagstraightupoffthe adapter.Thechute
doorwillmovethe ropeoutof thewayofthe bag.
5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisethe rearofthegrass
bagand releasethelowerhandleovera properreceptacle.The
grassbagwillopenandthe grassclippingswill disperse.When
replacingthe grassbag,be surethetopof thebagrestsonthe
wiresupportbetweenthehandles.
Ifyoustrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,andrepair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationof damage.The unitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest SearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSears at
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annuallyor200hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Unitandengine.
1. Engineoil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideof mowerdeck
4. EngineOil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
4. Change
1. Change
1. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriorto storage.
)resent.
16
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,the sparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethe sparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthe capfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethe sparkplug.
f
Electrode
Porcelain
Figure12
Fastener
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure12.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthe gap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugto therecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedto cleanthe filtermorefrequentlyif youoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery50hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runthe enginewiththeaircleanerassemblyortheair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notuse pressurizedairor solventsto cleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair can damagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Removethefastenerandair cleanercover.See Figure13.
2. Removethepre-cleanerandfilter.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filterona hardsurface,if filteris
excessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
Cover
Air Filter
Figure13
4. Washthe pre-cleanerin liquiddetergentandwaterandallowit to
thoroughlyair dry.Do not oilthe pre-cleaner.
5. Assemblethedrypre-cleanerto thefilter.
6. installthefilterandpre-cleanerintothe base.Makesurefilterfits
securelyin thebase.
7. installair filtercoverand securewithfastener.Makesurethe
fasteneristight.
17
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoillevelis maintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil fill dipstickandwipeitclean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil
tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoronce a seasonthereafter.
J
Figure14
you top
emptyor fuel canleakoutandresultinafireor explosion.Toempty
lWhen draintheoil fromthe oil fill thefueltankmustbe
thefuel tank,runthe engineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theengineto catchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoil fill dipstickanddraintheoilintothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure14.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,fillto theupperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcan causeenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofany combustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donot usewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
tube,
Figure15
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
15.
Wheels
Lubricatethewheelsat leastoncea seasonwithlight oil (ormotoroil).
Ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,lubricatethe axleboltandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil. SeeFigure15.
Grass Catcher Adapter
Lubricatethetorsionspringand pivotpointon eachendof thegrass
catcheradapterdooratleastonce a seasonwith lightoil to prevent
rust.SeeFigure15.
Transmission
Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedat thefactoryanddoes
notrequirelubrication.
18
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