Craftsman 247.77012 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

6.5 Horse Power
Yard Vacuum

Model No. 247.770120

®

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 web site: www.craftsman.com

• SAFETY

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• PARTS LIST

• ESPAÑOL

FORM NO. 769-03167

04/16/2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Repair Protection Agreement ................... Page 3

Safe Operation Practices .........................Pages 4-5

Safety Labels ............................................Page 7

Assembly ..................................................Pages 8-11

Operation .................................................. Pages 12-15

Service and Maintenance .........................Pages 16-21

Off-Season Storage .................................. Page 22

Trouble Shooting ......................................Page 23

Parts List ...................................................Page 24-33

Español ..................................................... Page 36

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

WARRANTY

One Year Full Warranty on Craftsman Yard Vacuum

This equipment is covered by a one-year warranty, provided that it is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the instructions in the
operator’s manual. During the warranty year, if this equipment experiences any failure due to defects in material or workmanship, RETURN IT TO
YOUR NEAREST SEARS PARTS & REPAIR CENTER, and Sears will repair it, free of charge. In-home warranty service is available, but you will
have to pay a trip charge.

This warranty does not cover:

Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.

•
Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass.

•
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by objects, such as stones, metal debris or

•
oversized pieces of wood, or impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.

Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper

•
storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained
in the operator’s manual.

Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used

•
within 30 days of its purchase date.

Equipment if used for commercial or rental purposes.

•

This warranty applies for only 90 days if this product is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.

This warranty applies only while this product is used in the United States.

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

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS MODEL NUMBER

Horse Power: 6.5
Engine Oil Type: SAE 30
Engine Oil Capacity: 18 ounces
Fuel Capacity: 1 1/2 Quarts
Spark Plug: Champion® RJ19LM
Spark Plug Gap: .020”

Model Number .................................................................

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

Date of Purchase .............................................................

Record the model number, serial number

and date of purchase above

© Sears Brands, LLC

2

REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENT

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Craftsman®
product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable opera­tion. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That’s
when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and
aggravation.
Here’s what’s included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 professional repair specialists

• Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered
repairs

• Product replacement if your covered product can’t be fixed

• Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related
parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of
preventive maintenance check

• Fast help by phone – phone support from a Sears technician on
products requiring in-home repair, plus convenient repair
scheduling

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourself
from unexpected hassle and expense.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it
takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or
schedule a service appointment online.
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have
access to over 4.5 million quality parts and accessories. That’s the
kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of
your new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection
Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional
information call 1-800-827-6655.
Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door
openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call
1-800-4-MY-HOME®

3

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!

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.

TRAINING

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in

•
the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.

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 old to operate this machine. Chil-

•
dren 16 years old and over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised by a parent.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

•
Keep bystanders, helpers, 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 vacuum 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.

DANGER

This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for
safe operation 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 hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

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.

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 or while

•
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes. Thrown objects
which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts.

•
Loose fitting clothes or jewelry 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 starting, 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 instructions labels, as necessary.

•
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.

•

•

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 1/2 inch below bottom

•
of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.

•

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move

•
machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

•

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, spark, or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.).

•

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

Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

•

4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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 starting 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 off.
Allow the impeller to come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug
wire, ground it against the engine and perform the following steps:

1. Inspect for damage.

2. Repair or replace any damaged parts.

3. 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 injury 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, disconnect 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. Zippered end of vacuum bag must be kept closed at
all times during operation.

Never operate without either the inlet nozzle or optional hose attachment

•
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 gravel 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.

•

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 instruction 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.

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.

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.

5

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6

SAFETY LABELS

DANGER

• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

• KEEP HANDS OUT OF INLET AND DISCHARGE OPENINGS WHILE MACHINE
IS RUNNING. ROTATING BLADES ARE INSIDE.

• TURN ENGINE OFF AND ALLOW IMPELLER TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE REMOVING BAG.

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAR A CLOG OR JAM WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.

• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WITHOUT BAG OR OPTIONAL BLOWER CHUTE IN
PLACE.

• DO NOT STAND OR WALK IN FRONT OF BLOWER CHUTE OR AIM IT AT BYSTANDERS.
OBJECTS THROWN OUT OF DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

• DO NOT OPERATE WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.

• WEAR APPROVED SAFETY GLASSES.

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY

DANGER

KEEP HANDS OUT OF DISCHARGE OPENING.

•
DO NOT STAND OR WALK IN FRONT OF

•
DISCHARGE OPENING OR AIM IT AT

BYSTANDERS. OBJECTS THROWN OUT OF
CHUTE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
KEEP CHILDREN AND OTHERS AWAY.

•

S 3 0 2 7 0

DANGER

Keep hands out of inlets while

STOP

FRONT WHEEL / VACUUM NOZZLE HEIGHT

HIGH LOW

For use in
grass to pick
up leaves
and debris

engine is r unning. Rotating
blades are inside.

ADJUSTER

To pick up wet
material, pine
cones, acorns
or material on
pavement.

7

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: 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.

Upper Handle

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

OPENING CARTON

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

1.
Remove all loose parts.

2.
Remove loose packing material.

3.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

Lift unit from the rear to detach it from underlying carton material

1.
and roll unit out of carton.

Check carton thoroughly for any other loose parts.

2.

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

•
Bag

•
Blower Chute

•
Safety Glasses

•
Engine Oil (May be located in bag)

•
Operator’s Manual

•

Rope Guide

Safety Glasses

Wing Nut

Lower Handle

Bottle of Engine Oil

Carriage

Bolts

Wing Nuts

Bag

Operator’s Manual

Star Knobs

Carriage

Screws

Blower Chute

Figure 1

8

ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING THE HANDLE

Remove the hairpin clips from the handle brackets and remove

1.
the carriage screws and wing nuts from the lower handle.

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

a.

handle brackets and secure with hairpin clips. See Figure 2.
Insert carriage screws through upper hole in lower handle

b.

from the inside and secure with wing nuts. See Figure 2.

2. a. 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.

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

b. Secure the two handles by tightening the star knobs
(carriage bolts must be seated properly into the handle). See
Figure 3.

3. 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 2

A

B

Figure 3

C

A

B

Figure 4

9

B

Figure 5

ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING THE BAG

Grasp bag handle with one hand and slide locking rod on

1.
mounting bracket with other hand toward engine. Use the end of
mounting bracket as leverage when sliding the locking rod.

Slip bag over the rim of the discharge opening and release

2.
locking rod to secure bag in place. See Figure 5.

Snap bag clip to the top of the lower handle.

3.
Place the lower straps on the bag over the top of lower handle,

4.
hooking them on the studs. See Figure 6.

A

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

10

ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING THE BLOWER CHUTE

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

Grasp blower chute with one hand and slide locking rod on

1.
mounting bracket with other hand toward engine. Use the end of
mounting bracket as leverage when sliding the locking rod. See
Figure 7.

Slip blower chute over rim of discharge opening and release

2.
locking rod to secure chute in place, as in Figure 7.

Raise the nozzle height to the highest setting when using the

3.
blower chute. Refer to nozzle height adjustment in the next
section.

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.

2

1

Figure 7

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.

Depress nozzle height adjustment lever towards wheel. See

1.
Figure 8.

Move the height adjustment lever forward or backward to adjust

2.
the nozzle upwards or downwards. Make sure both levers are in
the same position.

Release lever towards deck.

3.

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.

2

3

1

Figure 8

11

OPERATION

Blower

Chute

Starter

Handle

Chipper

Chute

Nozzle Height
Adjustment Lever

Bag

Bag Handle

Throttle Control

Oil Fill

Gasoline Fill

Choke Control

Nozzle

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 9.

NOZZLE

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

Meets ANSI Safety Standards

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

Figure 9

BAG

Collects shredded material fed through the chipper chute or vacuumed
through the nozzle.

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.

BAG HANDLE

Used to grasp bag in order to assist in attaching, removing, and
emptying bag. See Figure 9.

NOZZLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

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

12

OPERATION

THROTTLE CONTROL

This lever controls the engine speed and stop function. Through three
separate positions on the lever from left to right, the operation is as
follows:

STOP

Start/ Run

Slow/ Idle

CHOKE CONTROL

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

STARTER HANDLE

Used to start the engine.

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)

First Time Use

Remove oil fill dipstick.

1.
With the Yard Vacuum on level ground, use a funnel to empty

2.
entire contents of oil bottle provided into the engine.

Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.

3.

Subsequent Uses

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification
SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to the
expected operating temperature. Follow the chart below.

Colder

Engine Off

Warmer

WARNING

Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors
or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, and other sources of ignition.

Gasoline

Remove fuel cap from the fuel tank.

1.
Make sure the container from which you will pour the gasoline is

2.
clean and free from rust or foreign particles. Never use gasoline
that may be stale from long periods of storage in its container.
Gasoline that has been sitting for any period longer than four
weeks should be considered stale.

Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded regular gasoline only. Do

3.
not use gasoline containing METHANOL. Replace fuel cap.

CAUTION

Use Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or metha­nol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage.

CAUTION

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine
and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See STORAGE Instructions for additional
information.

CAUTION

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.

5W30

SAE30

Oil Viscosity Chart

Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.) improve starting
in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Check the oil level making certain not to rub the dipstick along the

1.
inside walls of the oil fill tube. This would result in a false dipstick
reading. Refill to FULL mark on dipstick, if necessary. Capacity
is approximately 18 oz. Overfilling will cause the engine to smoke
profusely and will result in poor engine performance.

Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.

2.
Keep oil level at FULL. Running the engine with too little oil can

3.
result in permanent engine damage.

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 ADJUSTMENT section.

13

Throttle Control

Figure 10

Choke Control

OPERATION

When moving throttle control lever, be careful of heated surfaces and
sharp edges on muffler guard.

TO START ENGINE

Attach spark plug wire and rubber boot to spark plug.

1.
The bag/chute switch button must be fully depressed by the tip of

2.
front tab on bag handle or blower chute for engine to start.

Make sure bag/chute switch wire is connected to engine and

3.
grounded to mounting bracket.

Gas tank should be filled 3/4 to full before starting.

4.
Move throttle control to START/RUN (Rabbit) position. See

5.
Figure 10.

Move the choke control toward the throttle control to choke

6.
the engine’s carburetor. (A warm engine may not require choking.)
See Figure 10.

Standing behind the unit, grasp starter handle and pull rope out

7.
until you feel a drag. See Figure 11.

Pull the rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm

8.
grip on the starter handle. Let the rope rewind slowly.

Repeat, if necessary, until engine starts. When engine starts,

9.
move choke control gradually away from the throttle control.

If engine falters, move choke control back toward the throttle

10.
control and repeat steps 7 through 9.

ALWAYS keep the throttle control in the START/RUN posi-

11.
tion when operating the Yard Vacuum.

WARNING

Figure 11

TO STOP ENGINE

Move throttle control lever to slow (turtle) position.

1.
Whenever possible, gradually reduce engine speed before
stopping engine.

Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF position.

2.
Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it to the retaining post to

3.
prevent accidental starting while the equipment is unattended.

14

TO EMPTY BAG

Outer Flap

Inner

Flap

Buttons

Unhook bag straps from the lower handle.

1.
Unsnap bag clip from the top of lower handle. See Figure 12.

2.
Grasp bag handle with one hand and pull lock rod on mounting

3.
bracket with other hand toward engine to release.

Lift bag off back of unit.

4.
Twist the two buttons on the back of the bag to unlock and empty

5.
contents. See Figure 13. Hold bag handle and bag clip while
emptying the contents.

Compress bag opening and fold inner flap over opening.

6.
Fold outer flap over inner flap and insert buttons on the bag

7.
through metal outlets. See Figure 13.

Twist the buttons to lock bag. Place bag back onto unit as

8.
instructed in the Assembly Section.

OPERATION

2

4

TO REMOVE BLOWER CHUTE

Grasp blower chute with one hand and pull lock rod on mounting

1.
bracket with other hand toward engine to release. Refer to Figure
7 in the ASSEMBLY section.

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

2.

Place both hands on top of upper handle to 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 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.

IMPORTANT: 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 Maintenance section. For best performance, it is
also important to keep the chipper blade sharp.

WARNING

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

3

1

Figure 12

Figure 13

15

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING

Always stop engine and disconnect 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

Checking the Spark Plug

Clean spark plug and reset the electrode gap to 0.020” at least once a
season; replace every 100 hours of operation.

Clean area around the spark plug base. Do not sandblast spark

•
plug. Spark plug should be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing
and washing with a commercial solvent.

Remove and inspect the spark plug. Check gap to make sure it is

•
set at .020”. See Figure 14.

Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned, or the

•
porcelain is cracked.

Electrode

Porcelain

.020 inch (.51 mm) gap

Figure 14

Servicing the Air Cleaner

CAUTION

Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the air cleaner
cartridge.

The air cleaner prevents damaging dirt, dust, etc., from entering the
carburetor and being forced into the engine and is important to engine
life and performance. The air cleaner consists of a pleated filter. Never
run the engine without an air cleaner completely assembled.

Clean or replace the air cleaner every 25 hours of operation.

Loosen screw and tilt plastic housing cover on side of engine

1.
down. See Figure 15.

Remove air filter from plastic housing cover and replace with

2.
clean or new filter.

Insert cover’s tabs into slots in bottom of base.

3.
Tilt cover up into place and tighten screw.

4.

NOTE: If the filter is torn or damaged in any way, replace it.

Figure 15

16

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Check Engine Oil

Stop engine and wait several minutes before checking oil level.

1.
With engine on level ground, the oil must be to FULL mark on
dipstick.

Remove oil fill dipstick and wipe clean with cloth.

2.
Replace and tighten dipstick. Remove and check oil level. Level

3.
should be at FULL mark.

If needed, add oil slowly - recheck. Do not overfill.

4.
Wipe dipstick clean, replace and tighten. Remove and check oil

5.
level. Oil level should be at FULL line on dipstick.

CAUTION

Do not overfil. Overfilling with oil may cause the engine to not start,
or hard starting. If over the FULL mark on the dipstick, drain oil to
reduce oil level to FULL mark on dipstick.

Change Engine Oil

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service

•
classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to the expected operating temperature. Refer to opera­tion section for viscosity chart.

Change engine oil after the first five to eight hours of operation,

•
and every fifty hours or every season thereafter. Change oil every
twenty five hours when operating engine under heavy load or in
high temperatures.

Clean Engine

Daily or before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated

•
debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean.
Keep area around and behind muffler free of any combustible
debris.

Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.

•
Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of over-

•
heating and ignition of accumulated debris. This is especially
important if cutting tall grass.

CAUTION

Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth.

Carburetor Adjustment

The carburetor on this engine is not adjustable.

Engine Speed

WARNING

Do not attempt to alter the engine speed by tampering with the
engine’s governor linkage. Doing so could result in serious personal
injury and damage to the engine. The engine RPM has been set at
the factory.

To Drain Oil

Drain the fuel from the tank by running the engine until the fuel

1.
tank is empty.

Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark plug.

2.
With engine OFF but still warm remove oil fill dipstick.

3.
Tip unit on its side (spark plug side up) to drain through the oil fill

4.
tube into appropriate receptacle.

CAUTION

Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly.
Do not discard with household waste. Check with your local authori­ties or Sears Service Center for safe disposal/recycling facilities.

When engine is drained of all oil, place engine level. Refill with

5.
approximately 18 oz. of fresh oil. Fill to FULL line on dipstick. Do
not overfill. Refer to Gas And Oil Fill-Up in OPERATION section.

Replace oil fill dipstick and tighten.

6.
Replace spark plug wire before starting.

7.

WARNING

Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150˚ F (65˚C).
Avoid these areas.

LUBRICATION

Wheels- Place a few drops of SAE 30 oil on each shoulder screw

•

once a season.

Nozzle height adjustment levers- Lubricate nozzle height

•

adjustment levers with light oil.

Locking Rod- Lubricate the lock rod and compression springs

•

which attach to the mounting bracket.

CLEAN EQUIPMENT

Clean the Yard Vacuum thoroughly after each use.

•
Wash bag periodically with water. Allow to dry thoroughly in

•
shade.

If the flail screen becomes clogged, remove and clean as

•
instructed below.

NOTE: Cleaning with a forceful spray of water is not recommended as
it could contaminate the fuel system.

Service Muffler

Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Replace-

•
ment parts for the muffler must be the same and installed in the
same position as the original parts, otherwise fire can occur.

17

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING

Before performing any type of maintenance on the machine, wait for
all parts to stop moving and disconnect the spark plug wire. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or property
damage.

REMOVING THE FLAIL SCREEN

If the discharge area becomes clogged, remove the flail screen and
clean area as follows:

Stop the engine. Make certain the chipper/shredder vacuum has

1.
come to a complete stop.

Before unclogging the discharge chute, disconnect and ground

2.
the spark plug wire to retaining post.

Remove the vacuum bag or blower chute from the unit as

3.
instructed in the OPERATION section to obtain access to flail
screen.

Remove self tapping screw on right side of unit that attaches to

4.
the flail screen. See Figure 14.

Remove hex screw on top of rear housing near mounting bracket

5.
and the flange lock nut that secures flail screen. See Figure 14.

Remove and clean the screen by scraping or washing with water.

6.
See Figure 15.

Reinstall the screen.

7.

Figure 14

18

Figure 15