MTD 11A-597F099 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

21" Mulching/Side-Discharge

PUSH LAWN MOWER

Model No.

247.370320

,4U6 2 0 J997

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.

Printed in U.S.A. 770-0751M

Content Page Content Page

Warranty Information 2 Maintenance 12

Safe Operation Practices 3 Service & Adjustment 15
Slope Gauge 6 Storage 17

Assembly 7 Trouble-Shooting 19
Operation 9 Parts List 20

Two-Year Warranty on Craftsman Lawn Mower

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman lawn mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned
up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defects in material or

workmanship. If this lawn mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days
from the date of purchase.

This warranty does not cover:

1. Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters,
belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

2. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER TO THE
NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.

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

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

These accessories were

available when the lawn

mower was purchased, They
are also available at most

Sears retail outlets, and

service centers. Most Sears

stores can order repair parts
for you when you provide the

model number of your lawn
mower.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

AirFilter Spark Plug Muffler _--_ " _.,._

Wheels

Engine Oil Stabilizer Gas Can Blade

, Please record model number, serial number, and

Grass Catcher

date of purchase here for future reference, You will

Horsepower:
Engine Oil

5.5 H.P.
27 oz. SAE 30 oil

find this information on the model plate located on
the cutting deck of your mower.

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

Fuel Capacity:
Spark Plug

1.5 quarts

J19LM
Gap .030 inches

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

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

2

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or propertyof yourselfandothers.Read and follow all instructionsin this manualbefore

attemptingto operate your lawn.mower.Failureto complywiththese instructionsmay resultin personal

injury.When yousee this symbol--heed its warning.

r Yourlawn mower was builtto be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
I ,_ nANnER- manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or erroron the part ofthe operator

I_.- -- ' can result in seriousinjury.If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
lu yourself or others.

This unitis equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester iSused, it should be

maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the Califomia Public Resources

Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the

muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section
of this manual.)

WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicalsknownto the State of California to
cause cancer, birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.

GENERAL OPERATION

Read this owner'sguide carefully in itsentirety

before attempting toassemble this machine.

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on

the machine and in the manual(s) before
operation. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before

operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference, and for ordering

replacement parts.

Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything.Therefore, exercise

extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to performone job: to mow grass. Do not

use itfor any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over

should only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individualswho are

familiar withthese rules of safe operationshould

be allowedto use yourmower.
Keep the area ofoperationclear ofall persons,

particularlysmallchildrenand pets. Stop engine
when they are inthe vicinityofyour mower to help

prevent blade contactorthrown objectinjury.
Althoughthe area ofoperation should be

completelycleared of foreign objects, an object
may have been overlookedand couldbe

accidentallythrownby the mower inany direction

and causeseriouspersonalinjurytothe operator

or any others allowed inthe area.
Thoroughlyinspect the area where the equipment

is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys and other foreign objects which could

be picked up and thrown by the mower in any

direction and cause serious personal injury to the
operator or any others allowed in the area. Plan

your mowing pattern to avoid dischargeof material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.

To help avoid a thrown object's injury, keep

children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet
from the mower while itis in operation.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation orwhile performing anadjustment

or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that

may be thrown from the machine in any direction,

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover

the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are

recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or

jewelry. They can becaught inmoving parts. Never

operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

Do not put hands orfeet near or under rotating
parts. Keepclear of discharge opening at all times
as the rotatingblade can cause injury.

Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang onto
the mower ifyou are falling; release the handle

immediately.

Never pull the mower toward you while you are

3

walking. If you must back the mower away from a

waltor obstruction first look down and behind, and

then follow these steps:

a. Step back from the mower to fully extend

your arms.

b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure

footing.

c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than

half way toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

Do not operate the mower while under the

influence of alcohol or drugs.

Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.

The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes

the safety device inoperative and may result in

personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate

easily in both directions and automatically return

to the disengaged position when released.

Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause

serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are

losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE
CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATLEY and the

blade will stop rotating within three seconds.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks
or roads.

If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration isgenerally a

warning of trouble.

Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to acomplete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting

blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after
the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the

body inthe blade area until you are sure the blade

has stopped rotating.

Never operate mower without proper guards,

grass catcher, plates or other safety protective

devices inplace.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a

burn. Do not touch.

Only use accessories approved for this machine

by the manufacturer. Read, understand, and

follow all instructions provided with the approved

accessory.

If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact
your dealer for assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Foryour safety, usethe slope gauge included as part of

this manual to measure slopes before operating this uniton

a slopeorhilly area. Iftheslope isgreater than15 degrees
as shownonthe slopegauge (page6),donotoperatethis

unitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult.
DO:

• Mow across the face ofslopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution whenchanging

direction on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Always be sure ofyour footing. Aslip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are

losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less

than 3seconds.

• ON MODELS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Lock
both front wheels so they do not pivot while

mowing on the face of slopes. To turn the mower,
depress the handle and raise the front wheels

slightly.

DO NOT:

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or

balance.
Do not mow slopes greater than 15degrees as

shown on the slope gauge.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could

cause slipping.
ON MOWERS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Do Not

mow on slopes with casters unlocked since the
mower has a tendency to drift down hill.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidents canoccur fftheoperator isnot alerttothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.

Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.

Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.

Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above

should readand understand the operation
instructions and safety rules inthis manual.

Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of achild or hazard.

SERVICE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other

fuels. They are extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

Use only an approvedgasoline container.

Never removegas capor add fuel whilethe

engine isrunning.Allowengine to coolat least
two minutesbefore refueling.

Replace gasolinecap securely and wipe off any

spilled gasolinebefore startingthe engine as it

may cause a fire orexplosion.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipes and other

sourcesof ignition.

Never refuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammable
vaporswill accumulatein the area.

Never storethe machineorfuel containerinside
where there isan open flame or spark suchas a

gaswater heater, space heater, orfurnace.
Never runan engine insidea closed area.

To reducefire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, orotherdebrisbuild-up.Clean upoil or

fuel spillage.Allowmowertocoolat least5

minutesbefore storing.
Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,make

certainthe blade and all movingpartshave
stopped.Disconnectthe spark plugwire, and

keepthe wire away from the sparkplugtoprevent
accidental starting.

Check the blade and engine mountingboltsat

frequent intervalsfor propertightness.Also,

visuallyinspectblade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked orworn). Replace withblade which

meets originalequipment specificationslistedin
thismanual.

Keep all nuts,bolts,and screwstight tobe sure

the equipmentisinsafe workingcondition.

Never tamper withsafety devices.Check their
properoperation regularly.

After striking a foreign object, stopthe engine,
removethe wire from the spark plug, and

thoroughlyinspectthe mower for anydamage.
Repair the damage beforestartingand operating

the mower.

Never attemptto make a wheel or cuttingheight
adjustmentwhilethe engine isrunning.
Grass catchercomponentsare subjecttowear,

damage and deterioration,whichcouldexpose
moving partsor allowobjectsto bethrown. For
safety protection,frequently check components

and replacewithmanufacturer'srecommended

parts,when necessary.

Mower blades are sharpand can cut. Wrap the

blade(s) orwear gloves,and use extracaution
when servicingthem.

Do notchangethe engine governorsetting or

overspeedthe engine. Excessiveenginespeeds

are dangerous.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Restrict theuse ofthispower machineto

persons who read, understand and follow the
warnings and instructions in this manual and

on the machine.

Following are representations of the safety labels on
your lawn mower. Maintain safety while operating the
mower. Please have the part number ready when re-

ordering safety labels.

DANGER

Part no. 777-1584

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Part no. 777-5270

Part no. 777-1595C

5

_) m_ SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
Z

_" , , -._: - __Okoo_

!

Ii.q A POWER POLE

_._ : '_ A CORNER OF A BUILDING_" _ _. _. I I _ OR A FENCE POST

_li_ '- : '

; il '

,_ .

,, -

_ 6

°II::

,_ 411i,m,,/ill, iu_

u.I U.I

a. _ Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-112 feet every 10 feet).

--__- A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Ifoperating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it
_ _ is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

"' "' Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

€/)a.

O Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut

tape at carton end and peel along top flap to
open carton.

• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
owner's manual, etc.). See Figure 1.

1. Remove manuel & loose parts

2. Roll unit out
Figure 1

• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

• Remov_ packing material.

• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts. See Figure 1.

Note: Make sure not to crimp the cables while

removing the loose parts or the entire unit from the

carton.

mower and/or front or behind the mower is observed
from the operating position.

LOOSE PARTS

a. Side Discharge Chute
b. Owner's Manual

c. A Bottle of Engine Oil

TOOLS REQUIRED

a. Pair of Pliers
b. Funnel

DISCONNECTING SPARK PLUG

• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and

ground itagainst the engine. See Figure 2.

• Attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to

ground.

Spark

Plug__

Wire

Rubber BootF_"

I

Plug

Figure 2

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline

or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with
gasoline and oil before operating your mower.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the

ASSEMBLING HANDLE

Raise the lower handle in the direction shown in

Figure 3A, The lower handle should snap into
place.

Weld Pin

Figure 3

7

Note: Make sure to route the cables inside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while rifting the

handle up,

For shipping purposes, the hairpin clip isplaced in the
outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.

• Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of
the weld pin,

• Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into
the inner hole in the weld pin. Repeat on other
side. See Figure 3 inset.

• Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in

Figure 3B. Tighten the wing nuts which are

already on the handle.

• Attach the cables to the lower handle with the

two cable ties already on the lower handle. Pull
tight the cable ties and cut off the extra.

ATTACHING STARTER ROPE

The rope guide isalready attached to the right side of
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 4.

• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the

upper handle, and pull the starter ropeout of the
engine.

• Slip the rope through the rope guide. Tighten the

wing nut holding the rope guide to the upper
handle.

mulching cover to the deck. See Figure 5A.
Keep the cover in a safe place for future use.
Save the wing nuts.

Ptace the side discharge chute on the deck in

place of the mulching cover so that the top
flange of the discharge chute goes under the

deck. See Figure 5B.

Align the three slots on the chute with the
hardware slots on the deck.

Secure with the wing nuts earlier removed.

Tighten the wing nuts.

Mulching
Cover

Recoil
Starter

Wing Nut

/

_Hendle

Rope Guide

Lower Handle

Figure 4

ATTACHING DISCHARGECHUTE

Your lawn mower was shipped as a mulcher.

Remove the mulching cover and attach the side
discharge chute for discharging grass clippings.

• Remove three plastic wing nuts holding the

Side Discharge
Chute

Top

I

Align the slot

here (only two
shown)

Figure 5

8

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

(Refer to Figure 6.)
Read thisowner's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrationsin Figure

6 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the locationof various controls and adjustments. Save this

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the operator's
eyes and causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the

manual for future reference.
mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Blade Control Handle

Recoil Starter

Engine

Mulching
Cover

Chute

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the handle. Stand

behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start

the unit.

Primer
The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor.

Use itto start a cold engine, but do not use itto
restart a warm engine after short shutdown.

Blade Control Handle

,_ WARNING: This control mechanism is a

safety device. Never attempt to bypass
itsoperations.

Oil Fill

Caster Lock

Plug

Figure 6

The blade control handle is located on the upper

handle of the mower. The blade control handle must

be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.

Throttle Control

The throttle control is used to regulate engine speed. It

cannot be used to stop the engine.

Caster Wheels

Your mower is equipped with caster wheels in front.
The casters can be locked in a straight ahead position
for mowing on hills, or can be left unlocked to swivel
freely on level ground.

Gas Tank

Thr_
Control

Primer

MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY STANDARDS

Craftsman Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers conform to the safety standardsof the American National Standards Institute

and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

9