Craftsman 88721 User Manual
Operator's Manual
PRO E S S I 0 N A
21" SELF PROPELLED MOWER
Model No. 247.887210
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORM1/0.769-03781
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
4/14/2009
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafeOperationPractices..........................Pages3-4
SlopeGuide..............................................Page5
SafetyLabels............................................Page7
Assembly..................................................Pages8-11
Operation..................................................Pages12-13
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
TroubleShooting.......................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-32
Espa_ol.....................................................Page37
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
CraftsmanTwoYearLimited Warranty
IfthisCraftsmanproductfailsdueto a defectinmaterialor workmanshipwithintwo yearsfromthedateof purchase,returnittoanySearsstore,
SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletinthe UnitedStatesforfreerepair.
Thiswarrantydoesnotinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearout fromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas rotarymowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,air
cleaners,andsparkplug.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuseor negligence,includingbentcrankshaftsandthefailuretooperateormaintaintheequip-
mentaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90daysifthis productiseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisusedinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Hoffman Estates,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
which,if not followed,couldendangerthe personal
__IL hissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions
safetyand/orpropertyofyourselfandothers.Read
andfollowall instructionsinthismanualbefore
attemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththese
instructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,
HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingto therulesfor
safeoperationinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe partoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand
throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions
couldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presenceof children.Chil-
drenareoften attractedto mowerandmowingactivity.Theydo notunderstand
thedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
,, Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadult otherthanthe operator.
,, Bealert andturnmoweroff if a child entersthe area.
,, Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor small
children.
,, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind corners,doorways,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthat mayobscureyourvisionof achildwho may
runinto themower.
,, Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns
froma hot muffler.
,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operateapowermower.
Children14years oldand overshouldreadand understandoperation
instructionsandsafetyrulesin this manualand shouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyaadult.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentirety beforeattempting
toassemblethis machine.Read,understand,andfollow all instructions
onthe machineand inthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely
familiarwiththe controlsand theproperuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfutureandregular
referenceand for orderingreplacementparts.
,, Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowto stop
themachineanddisengagethemquickly.
,, Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,nota plaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithasbeen
designedto performonejob: to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyother
purpose.
,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethismachine.Chil-
dren14yearsoldand overshouldreadandunderstandthe instructions
inthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedby a parent.
,, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbe allowedto usethis machine.
,, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Remove
allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand otherforeignobjectswhichcould
betrippedoveror pickedupand thrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects
cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
,, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,
__ate ofCaliforniatoI
causecancerandbirthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
sidewalks,bystandersand thelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallorobstructionwhich maycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
,, Tohelpavoid bladecontactor a thrownobject injury,stayin operator
zonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystanders,helpers,and petsat
least75feet frommowerwhile itis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyone
entersarea.
,, Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationand while
performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
,, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoes
arerecommended.Neveroperatethismachinein barefeet, sandals,
slipperyor lightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
,, Donot puthandsor feetnearrotating partsor undercutting deck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
,, A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactor
thrownobjectinjuries.
,, Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.Do notholdon tothe mowerif
youare falling;releasethe handleimmediately.
,, Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.Ifyoumust
backthe mowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst lookdownand
behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a.Step backfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b.Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsure footing.
c. Pull backslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardsyou.
d.Repeatthesestepsas needed.
,, Donotoperatethe mowerwhile underthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.
,, Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitsso equippedwhile
startingengine.
,, Theblade controlhandleisasafety device.Neverattemptto bypassits
operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinoperativeand mayresult
inpersonalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.The blade
controlhandlemustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsand automatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhen released.
,, Neveroperatethe mowerin wet grass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A
slip andfall can causeseriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosing
yourfooting, releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe blade
will stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
,, Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight. Walk,neverrun.
,, Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
3
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand
checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis generallya warningof
trouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a completestop
beforeremovingthegrass catcheror uncloggingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafterthe engine
isshut off.Neverplaceanypartof the bodyinthe bladearea untilyou
aresure the bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass
catcher,bladecontrolhandle,orothersafety protectivedevicesin place
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failure
todosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehotand can causeaburn.Do nottouch.
• Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebymanufacturer.
Failureto dosocanresult in personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowly untilresistanceisfelt,then pull
rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpull handand
armtowardenginefasterthan youcanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,usecareand
goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterfor assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcanresultin
severeinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon
aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas part
ofthis manualtomeasureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unit ona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.
Do:
• Mowacrossthefaceofslopes; neverup anddown. Exerciseextreme
cautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcancause
youto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
• Alwaysbe sureofyour footing.A slip andfall can causeseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeel youare losingyour balance,releasethe bladecontrol
handleimmediately,andthe bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,whereyoucould
loseyourfootingor balance.
• Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownonthe
slopegauge.
• Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
SERVICE
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
• Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme care in
handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilledon
yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskinandchange
clothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailerbedwith a
plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe groundawayfromyour
vehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand refueliton
theground.Ifthis isnot possible,thenrefuelsuch equipmentona trailer
witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimof thefueltank or container
openingat alltimesuntil fueling iscomplete.Donot usea nozzle
YourResponsibility:Restrictthe use ofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understand,andfollowthe warningsandinstructionsin thismanualandonthe
machine.
lock-opendevice.
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandother sources
of ignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumu-
latein the area.
• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhile engineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfuel tank.Fill tankto no morethan 1 inchbelowbottom
offiller neckto provideforfuel expansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit off the engineand equipment.Moveunit
toanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting engine.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainer nearan openflame,spark
or pilot lightason awaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer,
or othergasappliances.
• To reducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass, leaves,or other
debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageandremoveanyfuel
soakeddebris.
• Allowamowerto coolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorlessand deadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe bladeand
all movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
• Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsat frequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visually inspectbladefor damage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn) Replacebladewiththe originalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthis manual."Useof parts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceand compromisesafety!"
• Mowerbladesare sharpand cancut.Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,
anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
• Keepallnuts, bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equipmentis in
safeworkingcondition.
• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
• Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark
plugwireand groundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
mowerforanydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingand
operatingthemower.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelor cutting heightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjectto wear anddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor
allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useof parts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceand compromisesafety!"
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingoroverspeedthe engine.
Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe
engine.Do notcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved.
• Checkfuel line,tank, cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor leaks.
Replaceifnecessary.
• Maintainorreplacesafetyand instructionlabels,asnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposalof
fluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
4
I
Donotmowoninclineswitha slopein excessof 15degrees(a riseof approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).
g3
0
._c
OperateWALK-BEHINDmowersacrossthefaceofslopes,neverup anddownslopes.
Sight and hold this levelwith averticaltree...
or afencepost
15°
|
15°
q3
05
(D
05
This page left intentionallyblank.
6
READOPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTROL,TRAILINGSHIELD,
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.)INPLACEANDWORKING.IF DAMAGED,REPLACEIMMEDIATELY.
7
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideof the LawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtop to bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunit fromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• GrassCatcherAdapter
• SideDischargeChute
• HardwarePack
• EngineOil
J
Figure1
f
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
a. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshownin Figure1.
Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seatedsecurelyintothe
handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhilelifting
thehandleup.
b. Tightenstarknobsto secureupperhandletolowerhandle.
Makesurethateachcarriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe
handle.
2. Locatethehairpincliponthe weldpinon eachsideof lower
handle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthishole.Usinga pairof pliers,
inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosestto thebracket.
SeeFigure2. Repeaton otherside.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackintotheupper
holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plastic
wingnut,alsoincludedinthehardwarepack.Repeaton
othersidewith remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
NOTE:Makecertainthe drivecableisroutedaroundtheoutsideand
abovethelowerhandlesoit does not interferewithattachingthegrass
bag.The chutedoorhas beendesignedtomovethestarterropeoutof
thewayofthebagwhenthechutedoorisopened.
/. f
Figure2
8
3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedto the supportrod,islocated
onthe rightsideofthelowerhandle.SeeFigure3.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasebladecontrol.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
4. Attachcablestothelowerhandlewiththecable tiesalreadyon
thelowerhandle.Insertpegson cabletiesintotheholesonthe
lowerhandle.SeeFigure4. Pullcable tiestightandcutoff the
extra.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
Themowerwasshippedwiththe mulchingbaffleinstalledonthe unit.
Forbaggingpurposes,youwillhaveto attachthegrassbagandits
adapterinplaceof the mulchingbaffle.
1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthemulchingbafflein placeand
removefromunit.SeeFigure5.
2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethefrontlipof
adaptergoesundertheedgeofthedeck.Securewithwingnuts
previouslyremoved.
3. Liftchutedooronthe grassbagadapterand slidegrassbagonto
theadapter.SeeFigure6.
Figure 3
Figure6
(
Figure4
/
,J
Figure5
9
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe rearleft
wheel.SeeFigure7Ainsert.
1. Pullleveroutandawayfrommower.
2. Moveleverforwardor backfor desiredcuttingheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Thefrontwheelcuttingheightisdeterminedbyselectingoneof six
positionsoneachcasterassembly.Toadjustfrontcuttingheight,refer
toFigure7Bandproceedasfollows:
1. Removewing nut fromaxle bolt.
Slideaxleboltandwavewasher
fromtheassemblyandselecta
cuttingheight.
2. Withwavewasheronaxlebolt,
reinserthardwareinthesquare
holedesiredthroughwheel
assemblyandsecurewithwing
nutpreviouslyremoved.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe samerelativeposition.
Forroughor unevenlawns,movetheheightadjustmentlevertoa
higherposition.Thiswill stopscalpingof grass.
f
Thecasterscan belockedina straightaheadpositionor positionto
swivelfreely.SeeFigure70 insert.
1. Liftlock pins.
2. Placeinlargerholestolockwheels.Placepinsinsmallerholesto
allowcastersto rotatefreelyfor turning.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin thedrivecontrolhandlehousing
andisusedtotightenor loosenthedrivebelt.Youwillhaveto adjust
thedrive controlif any of the followinghappens:
1. Themowerdoesnotpropelitself withthedrive controlengaged.
2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.
Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel
clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust
thedrive control.SeeFigure8.
NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeina comfortable
position.Youcanadjustthehandlebytighteningtheadjustmentwheel.
Figure8
10
Control
DriveControl
ElectricStartIgnitionKey
ShiftLever
CuttingHeight
AdjustmentLever
RecoilStarter.....................
0il Cap/Dipstick
Y
Gas Cap
Side Discharge Chute
Air Cleaner
Figure9
BLADE CONTROL ELECTRIC START IGNITION KEY
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthemower.See
Figure9. Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletooperate
theunit.Releaseitto stopengineand blade.
Theelectricstartignitionkeyislocatedontheleft sideofthehandle
panel.Itisusedonly fortheelectricstarter.
SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE
Spark Plug
Primer Bulb
J
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto the
Assemblysection.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe upperhandle.Squeezethedrive
controltoengagethedrivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive
system.
SHIFT LEVER
Theshift leverislocatedonthedrivecontrolhousingontheupper
handle.Thisleverisusedto selecttheforwardspeedofthe mower.
Whenchangingspeedselection,releasethe drivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Movethe shift leveronlywhentheengineis running.
Changingtheshiftleversettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe
mower.
Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthe sidedischargechute.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaoncuttingdeck. Refer
towarninglabelontheunit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarterisconnectedtothesupportrodandislocatedon the
rightsideofthelowerhandle.Standbehindtheunit andpulltherecoil
starterropeto start the unit.
GAS CAP
Removethegascapto addfueltothefueltank. Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof87 octane.
SPARK PLUG
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
11
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTimeUse
1. Removeoil filldipstick.
2. Withthe lawnmoweron levelground,usea funneltoemptyentire
contentsof oil bottleprovidedintotheengine.
3. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SF,SG,SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto
theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthe chartbelow.
'Colder -'_ 32°F _Warmer
o
0
0
0
Q
,.._ Oi!Viscosity Chart J
Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W30,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
incoldweather,theywill resultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen
usedabove32°E Checkyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowon oil. SeeFigure9.
1. Checktheoil levelbeforeeachoperationmakingcertainnot
torubthedipstickalongtheinsidewallsoftheoilfilltubeand
withoutscrewingit in.Thiswould resultina falsedipstick
reading.Refillto FULLmarkon dipstick,ifnecessary.Capacity
isapproximately18oz.Overfillingwillcausetheenginetosmoke
profuselyandwill resultin poorengineperformance.
2. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.
3. Keepoil levelatFULL.Runningtheenginewithtoolittleoil can
resultinpermanentenginedamage.
Gasoline
extreme when Gasolineis
flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors
or whiletheengineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
l Use care handlinggasoline, extremely
pipes,andothersourcesofignition.
1. Removefuel cap fromthefuel tank.
2. Makesurethecontainerfromwhichyouwillpourthegasolineis
cleanandfreefromrustor foreignparticles.Neverusegasoline
thatmaybestalefromlongperiodsofstoragein itscontainer.
Gasolinethathasbeensittingforanyperiodlongerthanfour
weeksshouldbeconsideredstale.
3. Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedregulargasolineonly.Do
notusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL.Replacefuelcap.
Useof alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholorusingethanolor
methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadsto separationandforma-
tionof acidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethefuelsystem
[of anengnewh e n storage.
Figure9
Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbeemptiedbefore
storagefor30daysorlonger.Drainthegas tank,startthe engine
andletit rununtilthefuel linesandcarburetorare empty.Use
freshfuelnextseason.SeeSTORAGEInstructionsforadditional
information.
Neveruseengineorcarburetorcleanerproductsinthefueltankor
permanentdamagemayoccur.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
TO START ENGINE
1. Attachsparkplugwireand rubberboottosparkplug.
2. Gastankshouldbeatleast3/4 full beforestarting.
3. Pushprimerbutton3times.Donotprimeonhotdaysor torestart
a warmengineaftera shortshutdown.See Figure10.
4. Standingbehindthemower,depressthebladecontroland holdit
againsttheupperhandle.SeeFigure10.
5. This mowerhastwoseparatestartingsystems,electricand recoil.
Electric Start: Turnignitionkeyto the righttostartthe engine.
Releasethekeyaftertheenginestarts.
Recoil Start: Graspstarterhandleandpullropeoutslowly
untilenginereachesstartofcompressioncycle(ropewillpull
slightlyharderatthis point).Lettheroperewindslowly.Pullrope
witha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirmgrip on
the starterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.
2
TO STOP ENGINE f
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundittothe retainingpostto ,--__5./
preventaccidentalstartingwhilethe equipmentisunattended.
Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themoweror to removethesidedischargechute.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonal
injuryto the operatorandothers.
1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe
upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseittodisengagethedrive.
2. Usethe shiftlevertoselecttheforwardspeedofthemower- 1
istheslowestspeed,6 is thefastest.Whenchangingspeed
selection,releasethedrivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Movethe shift leveronlywhentheengineis running.
Changingtheshiftleversettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe
mower.
If youstrikeaforeignobject,stopthe engine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationofmower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanusethe grasscatcherbagto collectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.
1. AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsintheAssembly
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin thebagas
yourunthe mower.
2. Operatethemowertillthegrassbagis full.
3. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunithascometo a completestop.
4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthelower
handle,liftthegrassbagstraightupoff the adapter.Thechute
doorwillmovetheropeoutofthewayofthebag.
5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisetherearof thegrass
bagandreleasethelowerhandleoveraproperreceptacle.The
grassbagwillopenandthe grassclippingswilldisperse.When
replacingthegrassbag,besurethetopof thebagrestsonthe
wiresupportbetweenthe handles.
USING SIDE DISCHARGE
Followstepsbelowto installthesidedischargechute:
1. Removemulchingbaffleorgrassbagadapterfromunitby
disconnectingwingnuts.
2. Attachsidedischargechuteto unit andsecurewiththethreewing
nuts.SeeFigure11.
Figure11
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin foreignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.
USING AS IVlULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherorthesidedischarge
chutefromthe mower,andreattachthemulchingbaffle.Refertopage
9 of Assemblysection.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.If
thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof fourinches,mulching
isnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatcher tobagclippingsinstead.
13
f
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonyourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnot coveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.To receivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Spark Plug
Cleansparkplugandresettheelectrodegapto0.030"at leastoncea
season;replaceevery100hoursof operation.
Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark
plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwire brushing
andwashingwitha commercialsolvent.
Removeand inspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureit is
setat .030".SeeFigure12.
Replacethesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,or the
porcelainiscracked.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Donotuse pressurizedairor solventstocleantheaircleaner
cartridge.
Theair cleanerpreventsdamagingdirt, dust,etc.,fromenteringthe
carburetorandbeingforcedintotheengineandisimportanttoengine
lifeand performance.Neverrunthe enginewithoutan aircleaner
completelyassembled.
Cleanor replacetheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperation.
1. Loosenscrewsthatholdtheairfiltercover.
2. Opencoverandremovecartridge.SeeFigure13.
3. Installnewaircleanercartridge.Cartridgemustfit securelyin
base.
4. Placecoveroveraircleaner.
5. Tightenscrews.
NOTE:If thefilteris torn ordamagedinanyway,replaceit.
Electrode Porcelain
--* .030 (.76 mm) gap
Figure12
f
Afterservicingtheair cleaner,be surealltheremovedpartsare
reinstalledproperlyinplace.Failuretosecurelyfastentogetherair
cleanercaseandaircleanerbodymaycausedirt orotherforeign
materialstoentertheenginewhile it is running,resultinginengine
troublesor failures.
Screws
Cover
Air Cleaner
Cartridge
Base
Figure13
14
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoillevelismaintained.
1. Removeoilfilldipstickandwipecleanwithcloth.
2. Replacedipstickwithoutscrewingitin.Removeandcheckoil
level.LevelshouldbeatFULLmark.
3. If needed,addoil slowJy-recheck.Do notoverfill.
4. Installandtightendipstick.
Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausethe enginetonotstart,
hardstarting,orenginesmoking.Ifoverthe FULLmarkonthe
dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.
Change Engine Oil
• Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIservice
classificationSF,SG,SH,orSJ. Selecttheoil'sSAEviscosity
gradeaccordingtothe expectedoperatingtemperature.Referto
Operationsectionfor viscositychart.
• Changeengineoil afterthefirsteighthoursofoperation,and
everyfifty hoursthereafter.
To Drain Oil
1. Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefuel
tankisempty.Besurethemowerislevel.
2. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwire and
keepit awayfromsparkplug.
3. Tipthemower,keepingtheaircleanerabovetheoil fill.See
Figure14.
4. Removethedipstickfromthe engineandpourentireoilcontents
fromthecrankcaseintoanappropriatecontainer.
5. Putthemowerbacktoitsoperatingposition(onall fourwheels).
6. Refillwithapproximately18oz.of freshoil.Fillto FULLlineon
dipstick.Donotoverfill.Referto GasAndOil Fill-UpinOperation
section.
7. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.
8. Replacesparkplugwirebeforestarting.
Oil Fill/Dipstick
Air
Figure14
Service Muffler
• Inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replace-
mentpartsforthemufflermustbethe sameandinstalledinthe
samepositionastheoriginalparts.
Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F
(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.
Clean Engine
• Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundand behindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat-
ingandignitionof accumulateddebris.
Usedoil is a hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly.
Donotdiscardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
Donotuse waterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushordrycloth.
Carburetor Adjustment
Thecarburetoronthisengineisnot adjustable.
Engine Speed
Donottamperwiththegovernorsettingorthecarburetorsettingto
increasetheenginespeed.Eachcarburetorisadjustedatthefactory
witheitheracaporstopplateinstalledonthemixturescrew.Any
adjustmentsmustbe performedby aSearsorotherqualifiedservice
dealer.
15
LUBRiCATiON
disconnect and
lAIwaysstopengine, sparkplug, groundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonyourmachine.
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil. The bladecontrolmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure15.
Wheels and Casters
Lubricatethewheelsandcastersatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil
(ormotoroil).Ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,lubricatetheaxle
boltand innersurfaceofthewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure15.
Grass Catcher Adapter
Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneachendof thegrass
catcheradapterdooratleastoncea seasonwithlightoiltoprevent
rust.See Figure15.
Transmission
Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthe factoryanddoes
notrequirelubrication.
CLEANING DECK
Cleanundersideof themowerdeckaftereachuseto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsor otherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawnmoweror
placea pieceofplasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat it restsonthe housing,keepingthemufflerside
down.Holdmowerfirmly.
\
J
Figure15
f
Nevertipthemowermorethan 90oinanydirectionanddo notleave
Ithemowertippedfor any lengthoftime.Oilcandrainintotheupper
partof theenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha suitabletool.
Donotspraywithwater.
IMPORTANT:Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetoclean
yourunit.Thesemaycausedamagetobearings,orthe engine.The
useof waterwillresultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyou hadput
plasticunderthe gascapearlier,makesuretoremoveitnow.
Figure16
REPLACING REAR FLAP
Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:
1. Cutoff theflatendofthewirerodwhichsecuresit tothe deck.
See Figure16.
2. Attachthenewflap andnewrodto thedeck,bendingtheendsof
thenewrodovertosecureto deck.
16
ADJUSTING SHIFT LEVER CABLE
Periodicadjustmentofthesixspeedshiftcable maybe necessarydue
tonormalwearon the cable.Adjustmentisneededifall sixspeedsdo
notwork.Theadjustablecablebracketislocatedonthe leftsideofthe
mowerbesidetheengine.SeeFigure17.
1. Startengineandplaceshift leverinthe sixth speedposition.
2. Stopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwireandgroundit against
engine.
3. Loosenhexnutwhichsecurestheadjustablecablebracket.See
Figure17.
4. Pushbackon the adjustablecablebracket.
5. Tightenhexnut.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthecuttingbladeforsharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesor usea heavyragto
holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikeaforeignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowfor bladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronits
sidemakingsurethat theair filterandthecarburetorarefacing
up.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure18.
f
J
Figure17
NOTE: Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,becarefulnot
toremoveor lose partsaboveitassociatedwiththeenginepulley.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthe crankshaft.SeeFigure18.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followthe originalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthebladebalanced.
An unbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotating
at highspeeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreak
causingpersonalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftand theinnersurfaceof theblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeonthe adaptersuchthatthesideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwith partnumber)facestheground
whenthe moweris intheoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeis alignedandseatedonthebladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebell supportontheblade.Alignnotcheson the blade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltand tightenhexbolttotorque:450in. Ibs. rain.,
600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltfor correcttorque.
Support
Figure18
Bolt
BELT CARE
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedinordertochangethe
mower'sdrivebelt.SeeanauthorizedSearsServiceCenterto have
yourbeltreplaced.
17
REPLACING BATTERY
Batteriescontainsulfuricacid whichmaycauseburns.Donotshort
Icircuitormutilatebatteriesinanyway.Donotputbatteriesinfireas
_thesemayburstorreleasetoxicmaterials.
1. Loosenstarknobssecuringupperandlowerhandlesand
carefullyfoldtheupperhandledowntowardthelowerhandleas
showninFigure19.
2. Removethe two screwssecuringbatterycovertobatteryhousing
andplacethemtotheside.See Figure19.
3. Openbatterycover,removepositiveandnegativeleadsfrom
battery,removeandreplacewithnewbattery.Connectthe
positiveleadto the positivesideof the batterypack,then connect
thenegativeside.
NOTE:Thebatteryyouhavemaydifferslightlyfromtheoneshownin
Figure20.RefertothePartsList.
iMPORTANT:Whenreplacingbatterypackinhandlepanel,battery
packmustbepositionedwiththepositiveterminaltothe left side
andthenegativeterminaltotherightsideof panel(Positiveterminal
isclosestto the keyswitch).SeeFigure20.Replacingbatterypack
incorrectlywillcauseseriousdamage.
4. Reattachbatterycoverto batteryhousingbysecuringwiththe
twoscrewsremovedearlier,makingsureto snapthewireconduit
ontheleftintoplaceon thehousing.
5. Foldhandlesbackupandtightenstarknobs.
Donotremovethe batterypackfromtheelectricstarterhousingfor
anyreasonotherthanreplacement.
Charging Battery
Thebatterycontainscorrosivefluidandtoxicmaterial;handlewith
careandkeepawayfromchildren.Donot puncture,disassemble,
mutilateorincineratethe battery.Explosivegasescouldbevented
duringchargingordischarging.Useina wellventilatedarea,away
fromsourcesofignition.
Figure19
+
Positive
- Terminal
Negative
rminal
,J
Figure20
f
NOTE:Thespecialdesignedplugon thechargerwillonlyfit intothe
plugonthebatterybox.
1. Plugthebatterychargerintotheporton theundersideof the
batteryhousing.SeeFigure21.
2. Insertthebatterychargerplugintoa standard120volthousehold
outlet.Chargebatteryfor 8to 10hoursbeforeinitialuse.Failure
todo somayresultindiminishedbatterylife.Do not charge
longer than 12 hours. Thebatteryshouldonlyneedtobe
chargeduponinitialsetupandafteranyotherextendedperiodsof
non-use.
3. Aftercharging,disconnectchargerplugfromoutletfirst,then
disconnectchargerleadfrombattery.
J
Figure21
18
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