Craftsman 247.77003 Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

YARD VACUUM

Model No. 247.77003

CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all safety
rules and operating instructions.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

© Sears Brands, LLC

• SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• ESPAÑOL

Visit our website: www.craftsman.comUsed Under License

Form No. 769-15410

(May 22, 2018)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Safe Operation Practices ......................Pages 3-5

Unpacking .......................................Page 6

Assembly .....................................Pages 7-9

Operation ..................................Pages 10-14

Service & Maintenance ......................Pages 15-19

Off-Season Storage ............................. Page 20

Troubleshooting .............................Page 21-22

Español ........................................ Page 24

WARRANTY STATEMENT

CRAFTSMAN LIMITED WARRANTY

FOR TWO YEARS from the date of sale, this product is warranted against defects in material or workmanship.
WITH PROOF OF SALE, a defective product will receive free repair. If the product cannot be repaired it will be replaced free of charge.
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair, visit the web page: www.craftsman.com/warranty
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT include:

• Expendable items that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period, such as the blades, spark plug, air cleaner, flail screen and catcher
bag.

• Product damage resulting from user attempts at product modification or repair or caused by product accessories.

• Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain the product according to all supplied instructions.

• Preventive maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture, contaminated or stale fuel.

This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or if rented to another person.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

MODEL NUMBERPRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Oil: SAE 10w-30

Model Number ________________________________
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Engine: Craftsman

© Sears Brands, LLC

Serial Number _________________________________

Date of Purchase _______________________________

Record the model number, serial number,

and date of purchase above.

2

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not
followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED
ITS WARNING!

WARNING

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

TRAINING

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
manual before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in
a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

• Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop
the machine and disengage them quickly.

• Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate this machine. Children
16 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation
practices in this manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised
by an adult.

• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

• Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while
it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

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

• Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the feeding chambers
and discharge opening. Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.

• Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or discharge opening, remove
or empty bag, or inspect and repair the machine while the engine is running.
Shut the engine off and wait until all moving parts have come to a complete
stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove
all rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which could be picked up or
thrown and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect your eyes. Thrown objects
which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

DANGER

This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation
practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.
This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and
throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to

persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts.
Loose fitting clothes or jewelr y can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves when
feeding material in the chipper chute.

• Before star ting, check all bolts and screws for proper tightness to be sure the
machine is in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any
damage at frequent intervals.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc tions labels, as necessary.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your
clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

• Use only an approved gasoline container.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic
liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before
filling.

• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening
at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Never fuel machine indoors.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow
engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of
filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.

• Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to
another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas

appliances.

OPERATION

• Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the feeding chambers
and discharge opening. Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.

• Before star ting the machine, make sure the chipper chute, feed intake, and
cutting chamber are empty and free of all debris.

• Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and remove any metal, rocks,
bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which could cause personal injury or
damage to the machine.

• If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your machine should start making
an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut the engine of f. Allow the
impeller to come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire, ground
it against the engine and perform the following steps:

a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued safe

operation.

• Do not allow an accumulation of processed material to build up in the
discharge area. This can prevent proper discharge and result in kickback of
material through the feed opening.

• Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than specified on the
machine or in this manual. Personal injur y or machine damage could result.

• Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or discharge opening while
the engine is running. Shut the engine off, wait until all moving parts have
stopped, disconnec t the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine
before clearing debris.

• Never operate without vacuum bag and discharge chute properly attached
to the machine. Never empty or change vacuum bag while the engine is
running. Vacuum bag must be kept closed at all times during operation.

• Never operate without either the inlet nozzle or optional hose attachment
(if applicable) properly attached to the machine. Never attempt to attach or
change either attachment while the engine is running.

• Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in place and operating
properly.

• Keep your face and body back and to the side of the chipper chute while
feeding material into the machine to avoid accidental kickback injuries.

• Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of
your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.

• Do not operate this machine on a paved, gravel or non-level surface.

• Do not operate this machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

• Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good
judgement.

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the
machine in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any
damage and repair, if needed.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain
the impeller and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. The
governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc tion labels, as necessary.

• Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting, and storage of
this machine.

• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.

• Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

• Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions on off-season
storage.

• If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the
environment.

• According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an Average Useful
Life of seven (7) years, or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average
Useful Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service
dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working properly
and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or
death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering
with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to
operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine
governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engines which are certif ied to comply with California and federal EPA
emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified
to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following
emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC),

Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SPARK ARRESTOR

WARNING

This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or
grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order
by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section
4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar
laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
To obtain a spark arrestor for the muffler, call Craf tsman at 1-888-331-4569.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This page depic ts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate

WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades
inside

BYSTAN DERS
Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.

WARNING— THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can ricochet.

EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.

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: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow

the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

5

UNPACKING

Bag

Hose
Assembly

Blower Chute

Carriage

Screw

Upper Hose

Handle Bracket

Rope Guide

Star Knob

Wing Nut

Cable Guide

Bottle of Engine Oil

Operator’s Manual

Safety Glasses

Lower Hose

Handle Bracket

Lower Handle

Wing Nut

Upper Handle

IM PORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain
to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Operation section of this
manual before operating your machine.

NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the Yard Vacuum is observed from the
operating position looking forward to the front of the machine.

Removing Unit From Carton

1. Cut each corner of the carton vertically from top to bottom.

2. Remove all loose parts and loose packing material.

3. Lift unit from the rear to detach it from underlying carton material and roll
unit out of carton.

4. Check carton thoroughly for any other loose parts.
NOTE: Make sure not to crimp cables while removing loose parts or the

entire unit from the carton.

Loose Parts In Carton (See Figure 1)

• Upper and Lower Handle

• Hose Assembly

• Safety Glasses

• Engine Oil (May be located in bag)

• Bag

• Blower Chute

• Operator’s Manual

Figure 1

6

ASSEMBLY

a

b

b

Rope Guide

c

d

a

b

c

Attaching The Handle

1. Remove the hairpin clips from the handle brackets and remove the carriage
screws and wing nuts from the lower handle.

a. Place the bottom holes in lower handle over the pins on the handle

brackets and secure with hairpin clips. See Figure 2.

b. Insert carriage screws through upper hole in lower handle from the

inside and secure with wing nuts. See Figure 2.

c. Unfold the upper handle until it aligns with lower handle. Make sure

the rope guide is on the right side of upper handle. See Figure 3.

IM PORTANT: Make sure the cables are routed outside the lower handle. Also,
do not crimp the cables while lifting up the handles.

d. Secure the two handles by tightening the handle knobs (carriage

bolts must be seated properly into the handle). See Figure 3.

2. Loosen the wing nut that secures the rope guide to the right side of upper
handle.

a. Pull the starter rope out of the engine slowly. See Figure 4.
b. Slip the starter rope into the rope guide.
c. Tighten the wing nut. See Figure 4.

Figure 3

Figure 2

Figure 4

7

ASSEMBLY

1

Align pin
with this
hole.

2

5

5

4

4

3

1

2

Attaching The Hose Assembly

1. Slide hose adapter of hose assembly into the base adapter located on the left
front of the Yard Vacuum. See Figure 5.

2. Pull spring loaded pin out on the base and align pin with the first hole
(closest to the end of the tube) in the hose adapter.

3. Release the pin to lock the hose in place.

4. Snap the hose handle first into the upper hose handle bracket and then into
the lower hose handle bracket. See Figure 6.

5. Lay hose tubing in curved end of handle next to chipper chute and into hose
cradle.

Attaching The Bag

1. Grasp bag handle with one hand and slide locking rod on mounting bracket
with other hand toward engine. Use the end of mounting bracket as leverage
when sliding the locking rod. See Figure 7.

2. Slip bag over the rim of the discharge opening and release locking rod to
secure bag in place.

3. Snap bag clip to the top of the lower handle.

4. Place the lower straps on the bag over the top of lower handle, hooking them
on the studs. See Figure 7.

NOTE: The bag/chute switch button attached to the mounting bracket must
be fully depressed by the tip of front tab on bag handle when securing the
bag or engine will not start.

Figure 6

Figure 5

Figure 7

8

ASSEMBLY

1

2

2

3

2

1

Attaching The Blower Chute

NOTE: The bag must be removed before installing the blower chute.

1. Grasp blower chute with one hand and slide locking rod on mounting bracket
with other hand toward engine. Use the end of mounting bracket as leverage
when sliding the locking rod. See Figure 8.

2. Slip blower chute over rim of discharge opening and release locking rod to
secure chute in place, as in Figure 8.

NOTE: The bag/chute switch button attached to the mounting bracket must
be fully depressed by the tip of front tab on the blower chute or engine will
not start.

IM PORTANT: Raise the nozzle height to the highest setting when using the
blower chute. Refer to nozzle height adjustment below.

WARNING

Always stop engine and disconnec t spark plug wire before performing any
maintenance or adjustments. Always wear safety glasses during operation
or while performing any adjustments or repairs.

Nozzle Height Adjustment

The nozzle can be adjusted to any five positions, ranging from 5/8” to 4-1/8” ground
clearance. The nozzle height has to be adjusted according to yard conditions.

1. Depress nozzle height adjustment lever towards wheel. See Figure 9.

2. Move the height adjustment lever forward or backward to adjust the nozzle
upwards or downwards. Make sure both levers are in the same position.

3. Release lever towards deck.
NOTE: In general, raise the nozzle height to vacuum a thick layer of leaves

or to operate with the blower chute. Lower the nozzle height for smoother
surfaces.

Figure 8

Figure 9

9

OPERATION

Nozzle Height
Adjustment Lever

Chipper Chute

Gasoline Fill

Oil Fill

Hose Handle

Hose Assembly

Recoil Starter

Bag

Bag Handle

Choke Control

ON/OFF Switch

Blower Chute

Now that you have set up your yard vacuum for operation, get acquainted with its
controls and features. These are described below and illustrated on this page. This
knowledge will allow you to use your new equipment to its fullest potential.

WARNING

The operation of any yard vacuum can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
the safety glasses provided with this unit or eye shields while operating or
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Chipper Chute

Allows twigs and small branches up to 1-1/2” in diameter to be fed into the impeller
for chipping. See Figure 10.

Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever

Used to adjust the nozzle ground clearance ranging approximately from 5/8” to
4-1/ 8”.

Craftsman Yard Vacuums conform to the safety standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Figure 10

Nozzle

Yard waste such as leaves or pine needles can be vacuumed up through the nozzle
for shredding.

Hose Assembly

Used as an alternative to the nozzle to vacuum yard waste such as leaves or pine
needles in hard to reach places. See Figure 10.

Nozzle/ Hose Vac Lever

The nozzle/hose vac handle is located on top of the nozzle. Use it to switch vacuum
suction between the nozzle and the hose assembly.

Hose Handle

Used to guide hose assembly when vacuuming.

Bag Handle

Used to grasp bag in order to assist in attaching, removing, and emptying bag. See
Figure 10.

Meets ANSI Safety Standards

10

OPERATION

G

J

H

Blower Chute

When attached to unit, the blower chute is used to discharge yard waste such as
leaves, pine needle, or small twigs across yard.

Choke Control

CHOKE RUN

The choke control is used to choke the carburetor and assist in starting the engine.

ON/OFF Switch

The ON/OFF switch controls the engine stop function. Turn the switch ON when
starting the engine and turn it to OFF when you want to shut it down.

ON (Ignition)

OFF

Gas And Oil Fill-Up

IM PORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to
service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in this section before starting or
running your machine.

Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)

First Time Use

1. Remove oil fill dipstick (G). See Figure 11.

2. With the yard vaccum on level ground, empty entire contents of oil bottle
provided into the engine oil fill (H).

3. Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.

Subsequent Uses

Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service
category SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Always check the API service label on the oil
container to be sure it includes the letters SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher.

Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine. Use the
chart shown in Figure 12 to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature
range expected.

Figure 11

Figure 12

* Below 40ºF (4ºC) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80ºF (27ºC) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil consumption.

Check oil level more frequently.

1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.

2. Remove the oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.

3. Insert and tighten the oil fill dipstick. Remove it to check the oil level. See
Figure 11.

4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick, remove
the oil fill dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the upper limit
mark. Do not overf ill.

5. Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.

11

OPERATION

Side View

Top View

Front Tab

Bag/Chute

Switch Wire

Choke Control

ON/OFF Switch

Gasoline

CAUTION

Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E85. Do not mix oil in gasoline
or modify engine to run on alternate fuels. This will damage the engine
components and void the engine warranty.

Fuel must meet these requirements:

• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.

• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON).

• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been

running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a building where
gasoline fumes may reach f lames or sparks.

WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can be burned or
seriously injured when refueling. Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and
flame away. Refuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.

If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis, please
refer to the Off Season Storage sec tion for additional information regarding fuel
deterioration.

NOTE: Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel
when filling your fuel tank.

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting
dirt or water in the fuel tank.

1. Remove the fuel tank cap.

2. Fill the fuel tank with fuel. To allow for expansion of the fuel, do not fill
above the bottom of the fuel tank neck. Do not overfill. Wipe up spilled fuel
before starting the engine.

3. Install the fuel tank cap and tighten it until it clicks.

4. Move yard vaccum at least 10 feet away from the fuel container/source and
site before starting the engine.

NOTE: Check the fuel level periodically to avoid running out of gasoline while
operating the yard vacuum. If the unit runs out of gas as it is chipping, it may be
necessary to unclog the discharge area before it can be restarted. Refer to SERVICE
AND MAINTENANCE sec tion.

Starting The Engine

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the yard vaccum
while starting engine or operating vacuum. Never run engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing away from any moving parts on engine and yard vacuum.

IM PORTANT: The bag/chute switch button must be fully depressed by the tip of
front tab on bag handle or blower chute for engine to start. See Figure 13.

NOTE: Make sure bag/chute switch wire is connected to engine and grounded to
mounting bracket.

WARNING

Figure 13

Figure 14

1. Move ignition ON/OFF switch to ON. See Figure 14.

2. Pull out the choke control located on the engine. Pulling out the choke
control puts it into the CHOKE position.

NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air
temperature is high.

3. Pull the rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on
the starter handle. Let the rope rewind slowly.

4. Repeat, if necessary, until engine star ts. As the engine warms up, move the
choke control to the RUN position.

12

OPERATION

1

2

3

4

Buttons

Inner

Flap

Outer Flap

1

2

Stopping The Engine

1. Move engine switch to OFF position. See Figure 14.

To Empty Bag

1. Unhook bag straps from the lower handle.

2. Unsnap bag clip from the top of lower handle. See Figure 15.

3. Grasp bag handle with one hand and pull lock rod on mounting bracket with
other hand toward engine to release.

4. Lift bag off back of unit.

5. Twist the two buttons on the back of the bag to unlock and empty contents.
See Figure 16. Hold bag handle and bag clip while emptying the contents.

6. Compress bag opening and fold inner flap over opening.

7. Fold outer flap over inner flap and inser t buttons on the bag through metal
outlets. See Figure 16.

8. Twist the buttons to lock bag. Place bag back onto unit as instructed in the
ASSEMBLY section.

To Remove Blower Chute

1. Grasp blower chute with one hand and pull lock rod on mounting bracket
with other hand toward engine to release. Refer to Figure 17.

2. Remove blower chute from over the rim of the discharge opening.

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

13

OPERATION

Vac Lever

Pin

1

2

Using The Nozzle Vacuum

1. Place nozzle/hose vac lever in the top position on the nozzle to vacuum
through nozzle. See Figure 18.

2. The spring loaded pin must be in the first hole (closest to the end of the
tube) of the hose adapter to operate the nozzle vac.

3. Place both hands on top of the upper handle and push unit over yard waste.

• Yard waste such as leaves and pine needles can be vacuumed up through the
nozzle for shredding. After material has been shredded by the flail blades
on the impeller assembly, it will be discharged into catcher bag or through
blower chute.

• Do not attempt to shred or chip any material other than vegetation found in
a normal yard (i.e. branches, leaves, twigs, etc.) Avoid fibrous plants such as
tomato vines or palm fronds until they are thoroughly dried out. Materials
such as stalks or heavy branches up to 1-1/2” in diameter may be fed into the
chipper chute.

WARNING

Do not attempt to shred, chip, or vacuum any material larger than
specified on the machine or in this manual. Personal injury or damage to
the machine could result.

IM PORTANT: The flail screen is located inside the housing in the discharge area. If
the flail screen becomes clogged, remove and clean as instructed in the Service &
Maintenance section. For best performance, it is also important to keep the chipper
blade sharp. See blade sharpening instructions in Service and Maintenance section.

WARNING

Do not at any time make any adjustments without first stopping engine
and disconnecting spark plug wire.

Using The Hose Assembly

1. Place nozzle/hose vac lever in the bottom position on the nozzle to redirect
vacuum to the hose assembly. See Figure 19.

2. The spring loaded pin must be in the second hole of the hose adapter to
operate the hose assembly.

3. Unhook the hose from upper handle bracket and grasp the hose handle to
guide while vacuuming yard waste such as leaves or pine needles in hard to
reach places.

Figure 18

Figure 19

14

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Electrode

0.020 in. (.51mm)

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING

Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls
and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete
stop. Disconnec t spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during operation
or while performing any adjustments or repairs.

Interval Item Service Service Log

Each Use and every 5 hours 1. Engine oil level

2. Loose or missing hardware

3. Unit and engine.
1st 5 hours 1. Engine oil 1. Change
Annually or 25 hours 1. Air filter

2. Control linkages, pivots, & wheels

3. Underside of deck
Annually or 50 hours 1. Engine oil 1. Change
Annually 1. Spark plug

2. Air Filter
Before Storage 1. Fuel system 1. Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel, or

† Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present.

Follow the maintenance schedule given below. This chart describes service
guidelines only. Use the Service Log column to keep track of completed
maintenance tasks. To schedule service by an authorized dealer, call Craftsman at
1-88 8-331-4569.

1. Check

2. Tighten or replace

3. Clean

1. Clean

2. Lube with light oil

3. Clean

1. Replace

2. Replace

add stabilizer to a full tank of fresh fuel prior
to storage.

WARNING

Always stop engine and disconnec t spark plug wire before performing any
maintenance or adjustments. Always wear safety glasses during operation
or while performing any adjustments or repairs.

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

• The warranty on this yard vacuum does not cover items that have been
subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from
warranty, operator must maintain the equipment as instructed here.

• Some adjustments will have to be made periodically to maintain your unit
properly.

• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

Engine Maintenance

Spark Plug

Clean spark plug and reset the electrode gap to 0.020” at least once a season;
replace annually.

1. Disconnect the cap from the spark plug, and remove any dirt from the spark
plug area.

2. Use the proper size spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug.

3. Check the gap with a wire gauge. See Figure 20. Spark plug gap should be

0.020 in (0.51 mm). If necessary, reset the gap.

Figure 20

4. Install and tighten the spark plug to the recommended torque (180 lb-in [20
Nm]).

5. Attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.

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