Craftsman 88776 User Manual
Operator's Manual
PRO E S S I 0 N A
21" SELF PROPELLED MOWER
Model No. 247.887760
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 43
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-04706B
1/4/2010
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafeOperationPractices..........................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
SafetyLabels............................................Page9
Assembly..................................................Pages10-13
Operation..................................................Pages14-15
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages16-21
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page22
TroubleShooting.......................................Page23
PartsList...................................................Page24-38
Espa_ol.....................................................Page43
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman Professional Full Warranty
Ifthis Craftsmanproductfailsdueto a defectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithintwo yearsfromthedateof purchase,returnittoany Searsstore,
SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletinthe UnitedStatesforfreerepair(or replacementifrepairprovesimpossible).
Thiswarrantyappliesforonlyone yearifthisproductiseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Sears will NOTpayfor:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthe warrantyperiod,suchas rotarymowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,
filters,or sparkplugs.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accident,suchasbentcrankshafts,or failuretooperateormaintainthe productaccordingtoall supplied
instructions.
• Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessarydueto improperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuckand Co., NoffmanEstates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Bdggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto StateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingto assemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthemachineandinthe manualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplacefor futureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.
Donot useit foranyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andover shouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsat least75feetfrommowerwhileit is inopera-
tion.Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandon the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethismachine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingordamageddischargecovercan causebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Do notholdon to
themowerif youarefalling;releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthen followthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms.
2. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagetheself-propelledmechanismonmachinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureofyour
footing.A slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthe bladewillstoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstart tovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
• Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe
bladeareauntilyou aresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineis running.
• Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby the
manufactureraslistedin thePartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon a slopedorhillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreater
than15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfall cancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,youcould
loseyourfootingor balance.
Donot mowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopegauge.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothe presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturn moweroffif achild entersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown for
smallchildren.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a
childwhomayrunintothe mower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.Theycan suffer
burnsfroma hot muffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofageto operatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes,whichcan ignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingis complete.Donot use
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineis hotorrunning.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do not
fillabovethebottomofthe fueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergas appliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuelsoakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainstthe enginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsat frequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonot meettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
• Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut.Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjectto wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed
ofthe engine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.At theendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethe machine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatall mechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do not modifyengineinany way.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingso willvoidtheproductwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystem
isequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor state
laws(ifany).
Ifa sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarresterforthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
i
i
®
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
DANGER -- BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
J
DANGER-- HAND/FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER -- THROWN DEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.
DANGER -- SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.
WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
6
!
!
I
0
0
I
!
COo
!
0
0
!
!
o
_3
I
!
GO
!
0
0
CD
GO
CD
o l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
_m_ a
_l
m_
o
o
X
J.
0
©
o
o
C_
o
GO
0
c
7
This page left intentionallyblank.
8
READOPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTROL,TRAILINGSHIELD,
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.)INPLACEANDWORKING. IF DAMAGED,REPLACEiMMEDiATELY.
Operation Of This Equipment May Create Sparks
A Spark Arrestor May Be Required.The Operator Should Contact Loca! Fire
,Agencies For Laws Or ReguJations To Fire Prevention Requirements.
That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation.
9
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideof theLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitout ofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyfor anyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• GrassCatcherAdapter
• SideDischargeChute
• EngineOil
ASSEMBLY
f
J
Figure1
f
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshownin Figure1.
Makecertainthe lowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe
handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhilelifting
thehandleup.
B. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto lowerhandle.
Makesurethateach carriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe
handle.
2. Locatethehairpinclipontheweldpinon eachsideof lower
handle.
A. Removehairpinclipfromthishole.Usinga pairof pliers,
inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosestto thebracket.
SeeFigure2. Repeaton otherside.
B. Inserta carriageboltfromthe manualbagintotheupper
holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plastic
wingnut,also includedinthemanualbag.Repeatonother
sidewith remaininghardware.
NOTE:Makecertainthe drivecable isroutedaroundtheoutsideand
abovethelowerhandleso itdoes notinterferewithattachingthegrass
bag.The chutedoorhasbeendesignedtomovethe starterropeout of
thewayof thebagwhenthechutedooris opened.
fJ
tj
Figure2
_jf
10
3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedtothe supportrod,is located
onthe rightsideof thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3 below.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Pullstarterropeout ofthe engine.Releasebladecontrol.
C. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
D. Usecabletiestosecurecableto lowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
Themowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffleinstalledonthe unit.
Forbaggingpurposes,youwillhavetoattachthegrassbagandits
adapterinplaceofthe mulchingbaffle.
1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthe mulchingbafflein placeand
removefromunit.SeeFigure4.
2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethefrontlipof
adaptergoesundertheedgeof thedeck.Securewithwingnuts
previouslyremoved.
3. Liftchutedooronthegrassbagadapterandslidegrassbagonto
theadapter.SeeFigure5.
f
Figure3
Figure5
.J
Figure4
11
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Followstepsbelowtoinstallthe sidedischargecover: .....'....
1. Removemulchingbaffleor grassbagadapterfromunitby
disconnectingwingnuts.
2. Attachsidedischargecovertounitand securewiththethreewing
nuts.SeeFigure6.
f -'%
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe rearIdt
wheel.SeeFigure7Ainsert.
1. Pullleveroutandawayfrommower.
2. Moveleverforwardorbackfordesiredcuttingheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Thefrontwheelcuttingheightisdeterminedbyselectingoneof six
positionsoneachcasterassembly.To adjustfrontcuttingheight,refer
toFigure7Bandproceedasfollows:
1. Removewing nutfromaxle bolt.
Slideaxlebolt andwavewasher
fromtheassemblyandselecta
cuttingheight.
2. Withwavewasheronaxlebolt,
reinserthardwareinthesquare
holedesiredthroughwheel
assemblyandsecurewithwing
nutpreviouslyremoved.
f
Figure6
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe samerelativeposition.
Forroughor unevenlawns,movetheheightadjustmentleverto a
higherposition.Thiswill stopscalpingof grass.
Thecasterscan belockedina straightaheadpositionorpositionto
swivelfreely.SeeFigure70 insert.
1. Liftlock pins.
2. Placeinlargerholestolockwheels.Placepinsinsmallerholesto
allowcastersto rotatefreelyforturning.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin the drivecontrolhandlehousing
andisusedtotightenor loosenthedrivebelt.Youwillhaveto adjust
thedrive controlifany ofthe followinghappens:
1. Themowerdoes notpropelitself withthedrive controlengaged.
2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.
Ifeitherof theseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel
clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust
thedrive control.SeeFigure8.
NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeina comfortable
position.Youcanadjustthehandleby tighteningthe adjustmentwheel.
\\
12
Figure8
Control
Drive Control__
Start Ignition Key
Shift Lever
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Recoil Starter
Gas Cap
/
0il Cap/
Side Discharge Cover
Figure9
BLADE CONTROL ELECTRIC START IGNITION KEY
Thebladecontrolis attachedtotheupperhandleof themower.See
Figure9. Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletooperate
theunit.Releaseitto stopengineand blade.
Theelectricstartignitionkeyislocatedonthe left sideof thehandle
panel.Itis usedonly forthe electricstarter.
SIDE DISCHARGE COVER
J
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto the
Assemblysection.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe upperhandle.Squeezethedrive
controltoengagethe drivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive
system.
SHIFT LEVER
Theshift leveris locatedonthedrivecontrolhousingonthe upper
handle.Thisleverisusedto selecttheforwardspeedofthe mower.
Whenchangingspeedselection,releasethe drivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Movethe shiftleveronlywhentheengineis running.
Changingtheshift leversettingwiththeengineoff can damagethe
mower.
Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothe sideinstead,followtheinstructionsin the Assemblysectionto
attachthe sidedischargecover.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe chuteareaoncuttingdeck. Refer
towarninglabelontheunit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarteris connectedtothesupportrodandis locatedon the
rightsideofthe lowerhandle.Standbehindthe unitandpullthe recoil
starterropeto startthe unit.
GAS CAP
Removethegascaptoaddfueltothefueltank.Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof 87 octane.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto the Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrail shieldis attachedtotherearof themowerandisthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Donot usethe mowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
13
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilas instructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil fill dipstick(G).SeeFigure10.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoilbottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor API
servicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJ or later.AlwayschecktheAPIservice
labelontheoilcontainerto be sureitincludesthe lettersSF,SG,SH,
SJor later.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityforthe engine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
40
30
16so4s6 o** " 2
¸
32
14
o4
20
10
°30
• A minimumof87octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewithupto 10%ethanol(gasohol)or upto 15%MTBE
(methyltertiarybutylether)is acceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocool first.Neverrefuelthe engineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
Ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
Figure10
e
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 willresultinhardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoillevelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfilldipstick.Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure10.
4. Iftheoillevelis nearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthe dipstick,
removetheoil fill dipstick,andfill withthe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donot mixoil in
Igasolineor modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
_theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spillfuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.
1. Removethe fueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionof thefuel,do
notfill abovethe bottomofthefuel tankneck.Do notoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilitclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feetawayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatoris standingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
14
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Thismowerhastwoseparatestartingsystems,electricand recoil.
Electric Start: Turnignitionkeyto the rightto startthe engine.
Releasethekeyaftertheenginestarts.
Recoil Start: Graspstarterhandleandpull ropeoutslowly
untilenginereachesstartofcompressioncycle(ropewill pull
slightlyharderat thispoint).Letthe roperewindslowly.Pullrope
witha rapid,continuous,fullarm stroke.Keepinga firmgripon
thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucan letgo. Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
NOTE:Ifenginefloods,waita fewminutesto restart.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethegrasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
tothe operatorandothers.
Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcan damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.
1. Oncethe engineis running,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe
upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseit todisengagethedrive.
2. Usetheshiftlevertoselecttheforwardspeedofthemower-1
isthe slowestspeed,6 isthefastest.Whenchangingspeed
selection,releasethedrivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Movethe shiftleveronlywhentheengineis running.
Changingtheshift leversettingwiththeengineoff can damagethe
mower.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherorthe sidedischarge
chutefromthe mower,andreattachthemulchingbaffle.Fordfective
mulching,do notcutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrow
inexcessoffourinches,mulchingis notrecommended.Usethegrass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanuse thegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyou are
operatingthemower.
1. AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsintheAssembly
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthebagas
yourunthe mower.
2. Operatethemowertill thegrassbagis full.
3. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunit hascometo a completestop.
4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthelower
handle,liftthe grassbagstraightupoffthe adapter.Thechute
doorwillmovethe ropeoutof thewayof thebag.
5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisethe rearofthegrass
bagand releasethelowerhandleovera properreceptacle.The
grassbagwillopenandthe grassclippingswill disperse.When
replacingthegrassbag,be surethetopof thebagrestsonthe
wiresupportbetweenthehandles.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationofmower
duringoperationisan indicationof damage.Theunit shouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest Sears Service
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSears at
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annuallyor200hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis present.
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Unitandengine.
1. Engineoil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Oleaner(IfEquipped)t
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck
4. EngineOil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Oleanert
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
4. Change
1. Change
1. Replace
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof
fuel,oradd stabilizertoafulltankof
freshfuelpriorto storage.
16
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeof maintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnot coveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethe sparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethesparkplug.
f
Electrode
Porcelain
Figure12
Fastener
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure12.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthe gap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothe carburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthefiltereachtimetheengineis oper-
ated.Youwillneedto cleanthe filtermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery50hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runthe enginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notuse pressurizedairor solventstocleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswill dissolvethefilter.
1. Removethefastenerandair cleanercover.SeeFigure13.
2. Removethepre-cleaner(ifequipped)andfilter.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilterona hardsurface,iffilteris
excessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
Cover
Air Filter
Figure13
4. Washthe pre-cleanerin liquiddetergentandwaterandallowit to
thoroughlyair dry.Donot oilthe pre-cleaner.
5. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothe filter.
6. installthe filterandpre-cleanerintothebase.Makesurefilterfits
securelyin thebase.
7. installair filtercoverand securewithfastener.Makesurethe
fasteneristight.
17
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelis maintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeitclean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfill withtherecommendedoil
tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoronce a seasonthereafter.
Mumer
Figure14
you top
emptyor fuel canleak outand resultinafire or explosion.Toempty
lWhen draintheoil fromthe oilfill thefueltankmustbe
thefuel tank,runthe engineuntilitstopsfromlackof fuel.
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placeasuitablecontainernextto theenginetocatchtheusedoil.
3. Removethe oil filldipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure14.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesorSearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineinalevelposition,filltotheupperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofany combustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donot usewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor dry cloth.
tube,
Figure15
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
15.
Wheels and Casters
Lubricatethewheelsandcastersat leastonce aseasonwithlightoil
(or motoroil). Ifwheelsareremovedforanyreason,lubricatetheaxle
boltandinnersurfaceof thewheelwithlightoil. See Figure15.
Grass Catcher Adapter
Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointon eachendof thegrass
catcheradapterdooratleastonce a seasonwith lightoil toprevent
rust.SeeFigure15.
Transmission
Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedat thefactoryanddoes
notrequirelubrication.
18
CLEANING DECK
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckonce aseasonto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Followstepsbelowfor thisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn moweror
placea pieceofplasticunderthegas cap.
2. Tipmowersothat it restsonthehousing,keepingthemufflerside
down.Referto Figure14.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertip the mowermorethan900inanydirectionanddo not leave
the mowertippedforany lengthoftime.Oilcandrainintothe upper
partof theenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideof thedeckwitha suitabletool.
Donot spraywithwater.
IMPORTANT:Donotuseapressurewasheror gardenhosetoclean
yourunit.Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,orthe engine.The
useof waterwillresultinshortenedlife andreduceserviceability.
4. Putthemowerbackon itswheelsonthe ground.Ifyou hadput
plasticunderthe gascapearlier,makesuretoremoveit now.
REPLACING REAR FLAP
Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:
1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,removescrew,andpressflap in
oneithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure16.
2. Removescrewandflapfromoppositeholeandreplacewithnew
flapinthe oppositeorderand mannerofremoval.
ADJUSTING SHIFT LEVER CABLE
Periodicadjustmentofthesixspeedshift cablemaybenecessarydue
tonormalwearonthe cable.Adjustmentis neededifall six speedsdo
notwork.Theadjustablecablebracketislocatedontheleft sideofthe
mowerbesidetheengine.SeeFigure17.
1. Startengineandplaceshiftleverinthe sixthspeedposition.
2. Stopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainst
engine.
3. Loosenhexnutwhichsecurestheadjustablecablebracket.See
Figure17.
4. Pushbackontheadjustablecablebracket.
5. Tightenhexnut.
Figure16
J
Figure17
19
BLADE CARE
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowfor bladeservice.
Whenremovingthecuttingbladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairof heavyglovesor usea heavyragto
holdtheblade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweron its
sidemakingsurethattheair filterandthe carburetorarefacing
up.
2. Removethe boltandthebladebell supportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadaptertothe enginecrankshaft.See Figure18.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavyside untilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallytokeepthe bladebalanced.
Anunbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausin(
personalinjury.
oft
Figure18
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil. Slidethe bladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeonthe adaptersuchthatthe sideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facestheground
whenthe mowerisinthe operatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedonthe bladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotcheson theblade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,
600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltfor correcttorque.
BELT CARE
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedin ordertochangethe
mower'sself-propulsiondrivebelt.SeeanauthorizedSearsService
Centertohaveyourbelt replaced.
REPLACING BATTERY
Batteriescontainsulfuricacid whichmaycauseburns.Donot short
Icircuitormutilatebatteriesin anyway.Donot putbatteriesin fireas
lthese mayburstorreleasetoxicmaterials.
1. Loosenstarknobssecuringupperandlowerhandlesand
carefullyfoldtheupperhandledowntowardthelowerhandleas
shownin Figure19.
2. Removethe two screwssecuringbatterycoverto batteryhousing
andplacethemto theside.See Figure19.
J
Figure19
+
Positive
,- Terminal
Negative
._rrninal
J
Figure20
20
Openbatterycover,removepositiveandnegativeleadsfrom
battery,removeandreplacewithnewbattery.Connectthe
positiveleadtothepositivesideofthebatterypack,thenconnect
thenegativeside.
NOTE:Thebatteryyouhavemaydifferslightlyfromtheoneshownin
Figure19.RefertothePartsList.
IMPORTANT:Whenreplacingbatterypackinhandlepanel,battery
packmustbepositionedwiththepositiveterminaltotheleftside
andthenegativeterminaltotherightsideofpanel(Positiveterminal
isclosesttothekeyswitch).SeeFigure20.Replacingbatterypack
incorrectlywillcauseseriousdamage.
4. Reattachbatterycovertobatteryhousingbysecuringwiththe
twoscrewsremovedearlier,makingsuretosnapthewireconduit
ontheleftintoplaceonthehousing.
5. Foldhandlesbackupandtightenstarknobs.
Donotremovethebatterypackfromtheelectricstarterhousingfor
anyreasonotherthanreplacement.
ChargingBattery
Figure21
Thebatterycontainscorrosivefluidandtoxicmaterial;handlewith
careandkeepawayfromchildren.Donotpuncture,disassemble,
mutilateorincineratethebattery.Explosivegasescouldbevented
duringchargingordischarging.Useinawellventilatedarea,away
fromsourcesofignition.
NOTE:Thespecialdesignedplugonthechargerwillonlyfitintothe
plugonthebatterybox.
1. Plugthebatterychargerintotheportontheundersideofthe
batteryhousing.SeeFigure21.
2. Insertthebatterychargerplugintoastandard120volthousehold
outlet.Chargebatteryfor8to10hoursbeforeinitialuse.Failure
todosomayresultindiminishedbatterylife.Donotcharge
longerthan12hours.Thebatteryshouldonlyneedtobe
chargeduponinitialsetupandafteranyotherextendedperiodsof
non-use.
3. Aftercharging,disconnectchargerplugfromoutletfirst,then
disconnectchargerleadfrombattery.
IMPORTANT:Alwaysplugchargerleadintobatterypackleadfirst,
andtheninsertbatterychargerpluginto120voltstandardhousehold
outlet.Followthisorderofactioneverytimeyouchargethebattery.
Useonlythebatterychargersuppliedwiththismower.
J
Figure22
Replacing Fuse
Theelectricstartercircuitand batteryareprotectedbya 40ampere
fuse.Ifthe fuseburnsout,theelectricstarterwillnot operate.If the
unitfailsto startwiththeelectricstarter,performthefollowingstepsto
checkthe fuseinsidethe batteryhousing:
1. Openthebatterycoverasdescribedin ReplacingBattery.See
Figure19.
2. Removefusefromsocketandinspectas shownin Figure22.If it
isburnedout,replacewithstandardautomotive40amperefuse.
3. Carefullyplacewiringbackintohousing,closebatterycover,and
foldupperhandlebackinto place.
NOTE:Theenginecanbestartedmanuallyif thefuseburnsout.
21
Loading...