MTD 11A-508L099 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRH
22" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.38528
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 33
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.769-05495A
7/15/2010
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
Safetyinstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
SafetyLabels............................................Page9
Assembly..................................................Pages10-13
Operation..................................................Pages14-15
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages16-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
Troubleshooting........................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-29
Espa_ol.....................................................Page33
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman Full Warranty
IfthisCraftsmanproductfailsduetoadefectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,returnittoanySearsstore,
Parts&RepairServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStatesforfreerepair(orreplacementifrepairprovesimpossible).
Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90daysifthisproductiseverusedforcommercialorrentalpurposes.
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in materialandworkmanship. Searswill NOTpayfor:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas mowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accident,suchas bentcrankshafts,or failuretooperateor maintaintheproductaccordingto all supplied
instructions.
• Preventivemaintenanceor repairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalso haveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,NoffmanEstates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE10W-30
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
l GrassCatcher: 0EM-190-110 l
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failureto complywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.As withanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto theStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthe machineandinthe manualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualinasafeplacefor futureand regular
referenceandfor orderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandthe properuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineis a precisionpieceofpowerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donotuseit for anyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andover shouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.
, Only responsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretheequipmentis to be used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyour mowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawall orobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor athrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrommowerwhileitis inopera-
tion.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyorlight-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donot put handsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedbyslippingortripping.Donotholdon to
themowerifyouarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindto avoidtrippingandthenfollowthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowerto fullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan half waytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceofalcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagethe self-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthebladecomesto acomplete
stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthe
bladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Onlyuse partsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin the PartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceis felt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
• If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour safety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon aslopedorhillyarea. Iftheslopeis greater
than15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts, rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyoutosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyoufeelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurif the operatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthan theoperator.
• Bealertandturn moweroffif achildentersthearea.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor
smallchildren.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a
childwhomayrunintothemower.
• Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hot muffler.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineand betrainedandsupervisedby an adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledon yourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron atruck ortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingis complete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthe area.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowfor expansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthefueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• If gasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilot lightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageandremoveany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsat frequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe originalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut. Wrapthe bladeorwear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhen servicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstightto be suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjectto wearand damagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatall mechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodoso can resultin
accidents,injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidthe productwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateon regularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM) and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifso equipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
Ifa sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniathe aboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarresterforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine
beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.
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 IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
6
Sightandhold this levelwith averticaltree...
or a cornerofabuilding...
15°
Use this pageas a guide to determine slopes where you maynot operatesafely.
Donotoperateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donot mowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a riseof approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet). Operatewalk=
behindmowersacrossthefaceof slopes,neverupanddownslopes.
This page left intentionallyblank.
8
9
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertainto serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideof the LawnMoweris
observedfromthe operatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunit out of carton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyfor anyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• MulchingBaffle
• EngineOil
• Operator'sManual
J
Figure1
ASSEMBLY
Forshippingpurposes,thedischargecoveron yourmowerisheldin
an uprightpositionbya retainer.Removethe retainerasfollows:
1. Pushthedischargecoverup towardstheengine.Holdingthe
deflectorinthis position,removethe retaineranddiscard.See
Figure1.
2. Lowerthedischargecovercarefullykeepingyourfingersoutof
theway.
Attaching The Handle
1. Performthefollowingsequenceforthe handlesetup:
NOTE:Yourmoweris shippedwiththehandlein thehigherheight
position.
A. Liftthe upperhandleupfromfoldedpositionandpullitto
extendedpositionfollowingthe arrowin Figure2. The handle
shouldclickintothis position.
B. Makesurethecarriageboltisseatedproperlyinthehandle.
Tightenthestarknobssecuringthe upperhandletothe
lowerhandle.
f
Figure2
10
2. If satisfiedwiththe heightofthehandle,tightenthestarknobsat
theendsof the lowerhandleshownin Figure3. Forconvenience
ofoperation,youmayadjustthehandleheightasfollows:
NOTE:Eachendof the lowerhandlemustbe placedin thesame
positiononthemountingbrackets.
A. Removethestar knobsshownin Figure3and removethe
lowerhandle.
B. Positioneach handlebracketstudintothetopholeinthe
lowerhandle.
C. Tightenthestarknobs.
3. The ropeguideisattachedtotherightsideoftheupperhandle.
SeeFigure4. Loosenthewingnutwhichsecurestheropeguide.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasebladecontrol.
C. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
D. Tightenwingnut.
4. Insertpostoncabletieintoholeprovidedonthe lowerhandle.
Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.SeeFigure5.
J
Figure3
E
11
J
Figure4
f
(
J
Figure5
Attaching the Mulching Baffle
Yourmowerisshippedforsidedischargeoperation.Toconvertmower
tothemulchingoperation,followthesequenceindicatedhere:
1. Liftup andholdthesidedischargecoverand insertthebottomlip
ofthemulchingbaffleinsidethe chuteopeningSeeFigure6.
2. Snapthe hooksofthemulchingbaffleoverthe hingepinofthe
dischargecover.Thehooksmustsnapintoplaceonthehinge
pin,lockingthe mulchingbafflefirmlyontothemower.Release
thedischargecover.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentleverto changethecuttingheight
ofthemower.Referto Figure7.
1. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
2. Slidelevertodesiredpositionforachangein cuttingheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswill preventyoufromcuttingthegrasstoocloseto the
ground.
Figure6
f
12
J
Figure7
Recoil Starter
Mulching Baffle .....................
GasCap _
Side Discharge Cover
BLADE CONTROL
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleof the mower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandleto operatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever (one at
each wheel)
\
\
SparkPlug
/
Figure8
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarterisattachedtothe right upperhandle.Standbehind
theunitandpullthe recoilstarterropeto startthe unit.
GAS CAP
J
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedoneachwheelandis used toadjust
thecuttingheight.Allfourlevershaveto beatthesamepositionto
ensureauniformcut.
MULCHING BAFFLE
Themulchingbaffleisusedto recirculategrassclippingsbackto the
lawn.Attachit as instructedintheAssemblysectionofthismanual.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
Removethe gascaptoaddfuel to the fueltank. Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof 87 octane.
OIL FILL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
SPARK PLUG
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrailshieldis attachedtotherearofthemowerandisthere to
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethe mowerunless
theshieldis fullyfunctionalandin place.
13
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertainto serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil filldipstick(G).SeeFigure9.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsof oil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor API
servicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJor later.Alwayscheckthe APIservice
labelonthe oilcontainertobe sureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,
SJor later.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfor the engine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
40
30
16so4s6 o** " 2
¸
32
14
o4
20
10
°30
• A minimumof87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanol(gasohol)or upto 15%MTBE
(methyltertiarybutylether)isacceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowitto cool first.Neverrefuelthe engineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
Ifyourequipmentwill be usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertotheOff SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
Figure9
e
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightenthe oilfilldipstick.Removeittocheckthe oil
level.SeeFigure9.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil to the
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuse unapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Donotmixoil in
gasolineormodifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet theserequirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintand sometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spill fuelwhenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.
1. Removethefueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do
notfill abovethebottomofthe fuel tankneck.Do notoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenit until itclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartin{ ine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
14
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full arm stroke.SeeFigure10.Keepinga firm
griponthe starterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntil
enginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucan let go. Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
Waitforthebladetostopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethe grasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
Figure10
Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,installthemulchingbaffleasinstructedin the
"Assembly"section.Foreffectivemulching,do notcutwetgrass.If the
grasshasbeenallowedto growin excessof fourinches,mulchingis
notrecommended.Usethegrasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stopthe engine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.The unit shouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearestSearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
.
Engineoillevel
2.
Looseormissinghardware
3.
Unitandengine.
1.
Engineoil
1.
Aircleanert
2.
Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3.
Undersided mowerdeck
1.
Engineoil
1.
Sparkplug
2.
AirCleaner
1.
Fuelsystem
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriortostorage.
)resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
16
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.To receivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethesparkplug.
f
Electrode
Figure11
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure11.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.030in (0.76ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugto the recommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwillrestrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedtocleanthefiltermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydusty areas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoronce a season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runtheenginewiththeaircleanerassemblyortheair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notusepressurizedairor solventstocleanthe filter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Loosenscrewandtilt plastichousingcoveronsideofengine
down.SeeFigure16.
2. Removeairfilterfromplastichousingcoverandreplacewith
cleanor newfilter.
3. insertcover'stabsintoslotsin bottomofbase.
4. Tiltcoverupinto placeandtightenscrew.
Figure12
17
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