Craftsman 486245042 Owner’s Manual

Operators Manual

6.5 H.R

OFT

Modem No. 486.245042

®

• Safety

CAUTION:

Before using this product,
read this manuaU and follow

aH Safety RuUes and
Operating Instructions.

mMPOHTANT- HEAD THIS FIRST!!!

For Missing Parts or AssembUy Questions
PUease Call 866-576-8388

Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX 217-728o2032 or e-maiU info@Qc[d-fab.com

Missing parts will be sent UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A.

WWW, SEARS,COM/CRAFTSMAN

PRINTED mNU.S.A. FORM NO. 49939 (8/05)

,, AssembLy

• Operation

,, Maintenance
,, Parts

WARRANTY ................................................................ 2

SAFETY RULES .......................................................... 3

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ....................... 5

FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART ................................ 6

CARTON CONTENTS ................................................. 8

ASSEMBLY .................................................................. 9

OPERATION .............................................................. 18

MAINTENANCE ........................................................ 20

STORAGE ................................................................. 21

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................... 21

REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATIONS ................. 23,24,26

REPAIR PARTS LISTS .................................... 23,25,26

SLOPE GUIDE .......................................................... 27

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................... Rear Cover

UMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWERED TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to

the instructions in the owner's manua!, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts found to be defective in material
or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning your Craftsman equipment to your nearest Sears

Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply. This Warranty applies only while this product
is in the United States.

This Warranty does not cover:
, Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark ptugs, 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 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 mechanica!

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 owner's manua!.

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 used for commercia! or rental purposes.

LIMITED WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date ofpurchase, ifany battery included with the equipment proves defective in materia! or workmanship
and our testing determines the battery witl not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. Warranty service

is available free of charge by returning your Craftsman equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty
service is available but a trip charge wi!! apply. This Warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.

TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE SERVICE,
SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MyoHOME.

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

Any power equpiment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the equipment.
Exercise caution at all times when using power equipment.

Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting
to assemble or operate this equipment. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering

replacement parts.
Read this operating and service instruction manual carefully.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of this
power vacuum.

Read the vehicle owners manual and vehicle safe operation
rules before using this equipment.

Never allow children under 16 to operate this Vac System.
Children 16 years and older should only operate under close
parental supervision.

Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment without proper
instructions.

Do not allow passengers to ride on this equipment or on the
towing vehicle.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly

small children. Also keep area clear of pets.
Check fuel before starting engine. Do not fill fuel tank indoors,

or when engine is running, or while engine is hot. Wipe off
any spi!ted fuel before starting engine.

Engine and muffler get hot. Do not touch! To avoid fire hazard,
keep clean of debris and other accumulations.

Never store Vac System with fuel in tank. Allow engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.

Do not change engine governor settings.
Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover is removed,

except for adjustment. Removal of these parts could create
a fire hazard.

Keep hands, feet, face, long hair and clothing out of inlet and
discharge area. There are ROTATING BLADES inside these

openings.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain al! moving
parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire

and keep wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.
Keep throttle control lever in stop position.

If the Vac System should become b!ocked with debris at any
point, shut engine off and wait until the impeller comes to a

complete stop before attempting to remove the obstruction.
Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.

,, !f the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object, or if your

Mowm-vac should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
immediately, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire
away from the spark plug. Allow the machine to stop and take

the following steps.

a. !nspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for loose parts and tighten to assure

continued safe operation.

_, Check al! bolts for tightness at frequent intervals to help insure

safe operation.

,, Check top cover frequently for wear. Replace if worn or

damaged.

,, Never operate Mow-N-Vac unless deck adapter, hose, hose

adapter (nozzle), discharge chute (elbow), and top cover are
properly attached in their place.

_, Do not remove top cover or attempt to empty contents of cart

while engine is running.

_, Never attempt to change hose adapter (nozzle) or to install

remote hose attachment when engine is running.

,, Keep all shields and guards (e.g. discharge chute (e!bow) and

hose adapter (nozzle) in place and securely attached.

,, Always wear safety glasses or other suitable eye protection

when operating or maintaining this equipment.

_, Do not stand behind cart in exhaust discharge area while

engine is running.

,, Do not operate this equipment while intoxicated or white taking

drugs or medication that impairs the senses and reactions.

_, When using this equipment, start with the vehicle transmission

in first (low) gear and then gradually increase speed only as
conditions permit.

_, Operate this equipment at reduced speed on rough terrain,

along creeks and ditches and on slopes to prevent tipping or
toss of control. Do not drive too close to a creek or ditch.

,, Vehicle braking and stability are affected by the addition of

this equipment. Do not fill the Mow_N_Vac to its full capacity
without checking the capability of the towing vehicle to safely

pull and stop with the Mow_NA/ac attached.

,, Before operating on any grade (hill) refer to the safety rules

in the vehic!e owner's manual concerning safe operation on
s!opes. Also refer to the SLOPE GUIDE on page 27 of this

owner's manual. Do not operate on slopes in excess of 10
degrees. STAY OFF STEEP SLOPES.

,, Follow the maintenance instructions outlined in this manual.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions, It means--Attention!! Become alert!!Your safety
is involved.

DANGER: This Vac System 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 unit is capable of amputating fingers and hands and throwing objects. Failure to

observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

3

lira

TO AVOID SERmOUS mNJURY

• Read Owner's Manual and all safety labets on machine before starting and using machine.

• Do Not remove top cover or attempt to empty contents of cart whi{e engine is running.
, Do Not stand behind cart in exhaust discharge area whi_e engine is running.

• Keep hands, feet, face, _ong hair and cmothing out of chipper in_et, vac in_et, and discharge
area. There are ROTATING BLADES inside these openings.

• Wear approved safety glasses and gloves. Avoid loose fitting clothes.

Keep the area of operation cJear of all persons, particu_aHy smal_ children and pets.

• Keep amlshields and guards (e.g. upper chipper chute extension, discharge chute, nozzle
assembly) in pmace and securely attached.

Check discharge boot frequently for wear. RepJace if worn or damaged.
if unit becomes clogged or jammed, shut off engine right away. Do Not attempt to cmear
clog or jam with engine running.

• Muffler and engine get hot and can cause burns. Do NotTouch. To avoid a fire hazard,

keep _eaves, grass and other combustible debris off hot muffler and engine.
Do Not attempt to remove or attach vac nozzme or optionam Hose Kit with engine running.

• Do Not operate unit unless nozzle or optionam Hose Kit is secured in prance.

Do Not fill gas tank whime engine is running. AHow engine to coom at meast 2 minutes
before refueling.

777-5863

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near unimproved forest-covered, or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable !oca! or state

laws (if any), If a spark arrester 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, A spark arrester muffler is available at your nearest engine
authorized service center,

4

THESE ACCESSORIES WERE AVAILABLE WHEN THE UNIT WAS PURCHASED, THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT

MOST SEARS RETAIL OUTLETS AND SERVICE CENTERS. MOST SEARS STORES CAN ORDER REPAIR PARTS
FOR YOU WHEN YOU PROVIDE THE MODEL NUMBERS OF YOUR TRACTOR AND VAC SYSTEM°

h _'

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f

The Hand Wand Attachment, Model 486.24509

provides a 12' x 5" diameter hose to clean around

shrubs, patios, window wens and other areas not
accessible to the tractor.

The model and serial numbers wil! be found on a decal
attached to the engine base.
You should record both the serial number and the date of

purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.

MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:

5

486.245042

SHOWN FULL SIZE

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NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE

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ATTENTmON! Keep contents of each hardware package separate for easier assembly°

CONTENTS OF LARGE VAC HARDWARE PACKAGE

Qty.

A

B

C

D
F

G

I

J

L

M
N

Description

3

Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 3"

2

Shoulder Bolt

1

Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 1ol/2"

2

Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1o3/4"

4

Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1ol/4"

4

Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1"

25

Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 3/4"

4

Carriage Bolt, 1/4" x 3/4"

4

Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 3/4" Thread Forming

12

Bolt, Truss Head 5/16" x 3/4"

2

Bolt, Curved Head 1/4" x 1"

Ref.

Qty.

O 2

P 4
R 1

S 4
T 35
U 2

V 16

W 5

X 1
Y 2

Z 1

Description

Flat Washer, 1/4"
Nylon Washer
Flat Washer, 7/16"
Flat Washer, 1"
Nylock Nut, 1/4"
Hex Nut, 1/4" (SEMS)
Nylock Nut, 5/16"
Hex Lock Nut, 3/8"
Nylock Nut, 1/2"
Pin, Cotter 1/8" x 1ol/2"
Hair Cotter Pin, 1/8"

CONTENTS OF SMALL DECK ADAPTER HARDWARE PACKAGE

Not a// parts in this bag wifl be used.

Refo i Qty, Description

E 2 Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1ol/4"
F 2 Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1ol/4"
H 4 Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1"
K 2 Carriage Bolt, 5/16" x 1"

O 4 Flat Washer, 1/4"

P 5 Nylon Washer

Q 12 Fiat Washer, 5/16"

T 4 Nylock Nut, 1/4"

V 3 Nylock Nut, 5/16"

AA 1 Mounting Strap

BB 1 Angle Bracket

CC 1 Mounting Bracket
DD 2 "S" Hook

EE 2 Tarp Strap

7

..... 3

4

18

19

20

j21

22 23 25 26

29

30

31

CARTON CONTENTS

Refo Qty. Description Ref. Qty. Description

1 1 Cover

2 2 Top Connecting Tube
3 2 Support Tube, R,H,
4 2 Support Tube, LH,
5 1 Elbow (Discharge Chute)
6 2 Deck Adapter

7 1 Hose2
8 1 Hose Hanger Rod Assembly

9 1 Hose Adapter (Nozzle)
10 1 Engine
11 2 Hose Clamps
12 1 Tailgate

13 2 Cart Bodies
14 2 Wheels

15 1 Tailgate Reinforcement Bracket
16 1 Wheel Support

17 1
18 1
19 1
2O 1
21 1
22 1
23 1
24 1
25 1
26 2
27 1
28 1
29 2
3O 1
31 2
32 2
33 2

Latch Stand Bracket
Front Panel

Axle
Front Tongue

Rear Tongue
Hose Hanger Bracket

Hitch Plate
Hitch Pin

Rubber Strap
Tailgate Guide
Front Tube Support Bracket, R,H,
Front Tube Support Bracket, LH,
Rear Tube Support Bracket
Deck Adapter Bracket

Hub Caps
Wheel Spacers

Plastic Wheels

27

32

ThisunitisshippedWFHOUTGASOLINEorOIL.After
assembly,seeseparateenginemanualforproperfuel
andengineoil recommendations,

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) Screwdriver

(1) Pliers
(1) 3/8"Wrench
(2) 7/16"Wrenches
(2) 1/2"Wrenches
(2) 9/16"Wrenches

(1) 3/4"Wrench(2)ifhitchplateinfig,21isused

Fit the tailgate reinforcement bracket around the end
of the cart body, Fasten it to the top flanges of the
cart body using two 1/4" x 3/4" hex bolts and 1/4"
nylock nuts, Do not tighten yet. See figure 2,

Fasten the tailgate reinforcement bracket to the
bottom of the cart body using four 5/16" x 3/4" truss

head bolts and 5/16" nylock nuts as shown in figure 2,

Do not tighten yet.

Position the tailgate guides on the inside of the cart
bodies with the guide channels to the front as shown
in figure 2. Fasten using six 1/4" x 3/4" hex bolts and

1/4" nylock nuts. See figure 2. Do not tighten yet.

REMOVAL OF PARTS FROM CARTONS

, Remove the hardware packs and all loose parts from

the cartons,

Lay out and identify parts shown in carton contents,
Lay out and identify parts in the hardware packs,
Keep contents of each hardware package separate

for easier assembly,

ASSEMBLING THE MOW-N-VAC

Place cart body halves upright on a smooth level
surface such as a garage floor or a paved driveway,
See figure 1.

CAUTION: Do not leave the cart unattended
in upright position during assembly, A falling
cart can cause personal injury! Pay close

attention to the stability of the cart while
it remains in an upright position, For best
stability, assemble on a smooth level surface,

Assemble cart body halves together using three 1/4" x
3/4" hex bolts and 1/4" ny!ock nuts as shown in figure

1. Do not tighten yet,

1/4" x 3/4" HEX BOLT

1/4" x 3/4" TAILGATE GUmBE

1/4"
NYLOCK
NUT

HEX BOLT //1/4" x 3/4"

._/REX BOLT

5/16" x 3/4" TRUSS

"®- HEAD BOLT

/

TAILGATE

5/16" NYLOCK NUT

FIGURE 2

Assemble the Rear Tube Support Brackets to the
tailgate reinforcement bracket using four 1/4" x 3/4"
carriage bolts and 1/4" nylock nuts. Do not tighten

yet. See figure 3.

REINFORCEMENT
BRACKET

FIGURE 1

1/4" NYLOCK NUT

1/4" x 3/4"

CARRIAGE BOLT

©

/

1/4" NYLOCK
NUT

FIGURE 3