MTD 11A-A03P799 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
CRRFr MRN
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.370000
,, SAFETY
o ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION" Before using this
product, read this 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 FormI/o 769-07571A
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
(October1,2012)
WarrantyStatement.............................. Page2
SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..................................... Page7
Assembly.................................... Pages8-10
Operation.................................. Pages11-13
Off-SeasonStorage.............................. Page18
Troubleshooting................................ Page19
PartsList.................................... Page20-29
Espa_ol........................................ Page33
ServiceNumbers............................ BackCover
ServiceandMaintenance.................... Pages14-17
CRAFTSMANTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY
Fortwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwillreceivefreerepair
orfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
, Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,orsparkplugs.
, Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
, Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
, Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,IL60179
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Engine: Briggs & Stratton
© Sears Brands, LLC 2
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Record the model number, serial number,
and date of purchase above.
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnot
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orproperty of
yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructions inthismanual
beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEED
ITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilt tobeoperatedaccordingto thesafeoperation
practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthepart ofthe operatorcanresultinseriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and
throwingdebris.Failureto observethefollowing safetyinstructionscould
resultinseriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someofits constituents,and certainvehiclecomponents
containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand
birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.
GENERAL OPERATION
Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybeforeattemptingto
assemblethis machine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthe
machineandinthemanualsbeforeoperation.Keepthismanualinasafe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts
Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthismachine
beforeoperatingit.
Thismachineisaprecisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota plaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.Thismachinehasbeen
designedto performonejob:tomowgrass.Donotuseitforanyother
purpose.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyanadult.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwith theserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Removeall
stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbe
trippedoverorpickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awall orobstruction,whichmaycausedischargedmaterialtoricochetback
towardtheoperator.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,stayinoperatorzone
behindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpersandpetsat least75
feetfrommowerwhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performinganadjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsand instructionsin
thismanualandon the machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsandsteel-toedshoesare
recommended.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor
light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsorunderthecuttingdeck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesandfeet.
Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown
objectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringafall causedbyslippingortripping.Donotholdontothemowerif
youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.Ifyoumust
backthemowerawayfromawallorobstructionfirstlookdownandbehind
toavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrom mowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwith surefooting.
c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donotoperatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismonmachinessoequipped
whilestartingengine.
Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresultin
personalinjurythroughcontactwith therotatingblade.Thebladecontrol
handlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturnto the
disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureofyourfooting. A
slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
footing,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewill
stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand
checkimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoacompletestopbefore
removingthegrasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthebladecontrolisreleased.
Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthebladeareauntilyouaresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass
catcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceand
working.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
socanresultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachinebythemanufactureras
listedinthePartspagesofthisOperator'sManual.Failuretodosocanresult
inpersonalinjury.
Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull
rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareandgood
judgement.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidents,whichcanresultinsevere
injury.Operationonslopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do
notmowit.Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonaslopedor hillyarea.Iftheslope
isgreaterthan 15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectiononslopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,orbumpswhichcancauseyou
tosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.Aslipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethebladecontrol
handleimmediatelyandthebladewill stoprotatingwithinthree(3)
seconds.
Do Not:
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,becauseyoucould
loseyourfootingorbalance.
Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopeguide.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalertto thepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothemowerandthemowingactivity.Theydonot
understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmoweroff ifachildentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees,
orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe
mower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom
ahotmuffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandbetrainedandsupervised
byanadult.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecareinhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthe vaporsare explosive.
Seriouspersonalinjury canoccurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselfor your
clotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith a plastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on
theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
with a portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulatein
thearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow
enginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionof thefuel,donotfill above
thebottomofthefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkorpilot
lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
Toreducefire hazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.
4
General Service:
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeandall
movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsforproper
tightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn).
Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade
only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useof partswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisin safe
workingcondition.
Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldaresubjectto
wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobe
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.EM.)partsonly,
listedinthePartspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.The
governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replace
if necessary.
Donotcrankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposaloffluids
andmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andtheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverageUseful
Lifeofseven(7)years,or140hoursofoperation.AttheendoftheAverage
UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyaSearsorotherqualified
servicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,
injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with thegovernorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factory setting ofengine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhkh arecertifiedto complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA
emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)arecertified
to operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayincludethefollowing
emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification (EM),OxidizingCatalyst(OC),
SecondaryAirInjection (SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould
not beusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brusbcoveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor state laws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestorisused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworkingorder
bythe operator.IntheStateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredby law(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough your nearestSearsParts
andRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispage depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
attempting toassembleand operate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
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.
• ®
imI
DANGER -- BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
DANGER -- HAND/FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER-- THROWNDEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wearsafety 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.
WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow
the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6
15° Slope
15° Slope
X
(OK)
_- _. Figure1
_O._daShed._fine
USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETO DETERMINE
iFASLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole, building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneitherside ofthe slopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1andFigure2).
4. Adjust gaugeup or down until theleft cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1andFigure2).
5.
If thereis agapbelowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).
(TOO STEEP)
Figure2
Slopesare a major factor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severeinjury or death. Donot operate machineonslopes
in excess of 15degrees.All slopes require extra caution. Always mowacrossthe face of slopes,nevermow upand down slopes.
IMPORTAN_Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedintheOperationsectionbefore
startingorrunningyourmachine.
flOTE:ReferencetorightandlefthandsideoftheLawnMowerisobservedfromthe
operatingposition.
OPENINGCARTON
1. Cuteachcornerof thecartonverticallyfromtoptobottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVINGUNITFROMCARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterialandroll
unitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LooseParts In Carton
SideDischargeCover
EngineOil
Assembly
Attaching TheHandle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperandlower
handles.
a. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshownin Figure1.
Donotloosenorremoveadjacenthexheadscrews.
b. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupperhandleupas
shownin Figure2.Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
2.
RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
Figure2
,,J
Figure3
Figure1
8
3. Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
a. Pullupwardonthehandleuntil holesinlowerhandle(shownin
Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwithholesinhandlebracket.See
Figure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandleallthe
wayout.
b. InserttheT-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethehandle
inplace.SeeFigure4.
c. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierintolower
holesof handleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideof theupperhandle.Loosenthe
wingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto Figure6.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarterropeinto
theropeguide.SeeFigure6.
c. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
d. Usecabletiesto securebladecontrolcableto lowerhandle.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
9
Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoffof theunitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
I. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeFigure7.
2. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulchingcoveratany
time,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
Adjustments
SideMulching
Cover
//
CuttingHeight
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontandrearright
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwilltendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure8.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure8.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesameposition.Forroughoruneven
lawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoahigherposition.Thiswillpreventyou
fromcuttingthegrasstooclosetotheground.
SideDischarge
Figure7
f
10
J
Figure8
f
Recoil Starter
Control
Primer
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Cover
BladeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedto theupperhandleof themower.Depressand
squeezeit againsttheupperhandleto operatetheunit.Releaseittostopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrol isasafetydevice.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
Cutting HeightAdjustmentLever
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedontherightrearwheelandoneislocatedonthe
rightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesamepositiontoensurea uniform
cut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,refertotheAssemblySection.
Mulch Plug
Themulchplugisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionofrecirculatingtheclippingsbacktothelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
J
Figure9
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingstotheside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectionto attachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeetawayfrom thechuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warning labelonthe unit.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
Primer
Theprimerislocatedinthecenteroftheairfilter.SeeFigure9inset.Theprimeris
usedtopumpgasintothecarburetorandaidinstartingtheengine.
Oilfill Cap/Dipstick
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
MeetsANSISafety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11
GASANDOILFILL-UP f
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedinthissectionbeforestartingor
runningyourmachine.
OU(one18ouncebottleshippedwithunit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoilfill dipstick(G).SeeFigure10.
2. Withthemoweronlevelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoilfill (H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
SubsequentUses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsorexceedstherequirementsfor APIservice
categorySF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPIservicelabelontheoil
containertobesureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.
OutdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilvBcosityfor theengine.Usethe
charttoselectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperaturerangeexpected.
_ 40
2o
running,allowit tocoolfirst.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea buildingwhere
gasolinefumesmayreachflamesorsparks.
J
Figure10
Fuelmustmeettheserequirements:
Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
Aminimumof87octane/87AKI(91RON).
Gasolinewith upto10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Iftheenginehasbeen
Z>°30
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseof SAE30willresultinhardstarting.
** Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoilconsumption.
Checkoillevelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoilwiththeenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfill dipstick.Removeit tochecktheoillevel.See
Figure10.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,remove
theoilfill dipstick,andfill with therecommendedoiltotheupperlimit
mark(J).Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donotmix oil in gasoline
or modifyengineto run onalternatefuels.Thiswill damagethe engine
componentsandvoidthe enginewarranty.
Gasolineishighlyflammable andexplosive,andyoucanbeburnedor
seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling. Stopengineandkeepheat,sparks,and
flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeup spills immediately.
Ifyourequipmentwill beusedonaninfrequentorintermittentbasis,please
refertotheOffSeasonStoragesectionfor additionalinformationregardingfuel
deterioration.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesofplastic.Becarefulnottospillfuel
whenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.Avoidgetting
dirt orwaterinthefuel tank.
1. Removethefueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwith fuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill
abovethebottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.Wipeupspilledfuel
beforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenit until it clicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feetawayfromthefuelcontainer/sourceand
sitebeforestartingtheengine.
12
Besurenooneother thanthe operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
while starting engineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengineindoorsor
inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hairandloose
clothingawayfrom anymovingpartsonengineandlawnmower.
TOSTARTENGINE
Pushtheprimerthreetimes.SeeFigure11.Donotprimetorestartawarm
engine.
NOTE:Ifyoupushtheprimertoomanytimes,excessivefuelwill floodthe
carburetorandtheenginewill bedifficulttostart.
2.
Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
3.
Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitharapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure11.Keepingafirmgriponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
f
Figure11
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)will pull handand armtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
TOSTOPENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitfor theblade to stopcompletelybefore performinganyworkonthe
moweror to removethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawn Mower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire, orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytotheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationof anylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrown intotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafety glasseswhile operating the mower,orwhile performingany
adjustmentsorrepairson it.
UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethesidedischargechutefromthemower.Foreffective
mulching,donotcutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowinexcessof
fourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippings
instead.
Ifyoustrikeaforeign object, stoptheengine.Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,andrepair damage
beforerestarting andoperating.Extensivevibrationofmowerduring
operationisanindicationof damage.Theunit shouldbepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
13
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageallcontrols
andstopthe engine.Wait until all moving parts havecometo a complete
stop.Disconnectsparkplug wireand ground it againstthe engineto
preventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice
guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompleted
maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterorto scheduleservice,
simplycontactSearsat1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
IstMonthor5hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisispresent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
ff Changeoilevery25hourswhenoperatingtheengineunderheavyloadorinhightemperatures.
1. Engineoil level
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Aircleaner
4. Unitandengine
1. Engineoil
1. Aircleanerf
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck
1. Engineoil ff
1. Sparkplug
2. AirCleaner
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenorreplace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
I. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackoffuel,or
addstabilizertoafull tankoffreshfuelprior
tostorage.
14
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire, andgroundagainstengine
beforeperforming anytype of maintenanceonyourmachine.
GENERALRECOMMENDATIONS
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthat havebeen
subjectedto operatorabuseornegligence.Toreceivefull valuefrom
warranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINEMAINTENANCE
SparkPlug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedandfreeof
deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirt fromthespark
plugarea.
2. Usethe propersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethesparkplug.
NOTE:ReplacewithaChampionRC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure12.Sparkpluggapshouldbe
0.020in(0.51mm).Ifnecessary,resetthegap.
4. Installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180Ib-in[20
Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcaptothesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
f
Electrode
> < 0.020 in. (.51ram)
.J
Figure12
Adirtyaircleanerwillrestrictairflow to thecarburetorandcausepoorengine
performance.Inspectthefilter eachtimetheengineisoperated.Youwill needto
cleanthefiltermorefrequentlyif youoperatetheengineinverydustyareas.
Cleantheaircleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.Replacetheair
cleanerannually.
Neverstart orrunthe enginewith the air cleanerassemblyortheair filter
removed.
NOTE:Donotusepressurizedairorsolventsto cleanthefilter. Pressurizedair can
damagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
Theaircleanersystemusesafoamelementthatcanbewashedandreused.
1. Openthecover(B)andremovethefoamelement(C).SeeFigure13.
2. Washthefoamelementinliquiddetergentandwater.Squeezedrythefoam
elementinacleancloth.
3. Saturatethefoamelementwith cleanengineoil.Toremovetheexcess
engineoil,squeezethefoamelementinacleancloth.
4. Installthefoamelementandclosethecover.
Figure13
15
CheckEngineOil
Checkoil levelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoilwiththeenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoilfill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeit tochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimit markonthedipstick,remove
theoilfillercap/dipstick,andfill withtherecommendedoilto the upper
limit mark.Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
ChangeEngineOil
Gasolineand itsvaporsare extremely flammableandexplosive.Fireor
explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfiftyhoursor
onceaseasonthereafter.
Whenyoudrainthe oil from the top oilfill tube,the fuel tank must be
empty orfuel canleak out andresultin afire orexplosion.Toempty the
fuel tank, runthe engineuntil it stopsfrom lackoffuel.
1. Withengineoff butstill warm,disconnectthesparkplugwireandkeepit
awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placeasuitablecontainernexttotheenginetocatchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoilfill dipstickanddraintheoilintothecontainerbytippingthe
enginetowardtheoil filler neck.SeeFigure14.
f
Figure14
f
Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct. Disposeof usedoil properly. Donot
discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthoritiesor Sears
ServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4.
Withtheenginein alevelposition,fillto the upperlimit markonthedipstick
with therecommendedoil.
Runningthe enginewith alowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoiifill dipsticksecurely.
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeof anycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducethe riskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donotusewater tocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
J
Figure15
LUBRICATION
BladeControl
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolatleastonceaseasonwithlightoil.This
controlmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure15.
16
CleaningDeck
Cleanundersideofthemowerdeckonceaseasontopreventbuild-upofgrass
clippingsorotherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel. Disconnectsparkplugwire.
2. Tipmowersothatit restsonthehousing,keepingthe mufflersidedown.
Referbackto Figure14.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertip the mowermorethan90oinanydirection anddonot leavethe
mowertippedfor any length of time. Oilcandrainintothe upperpart of
the enginecausingastarting problem.
3.
Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwithasuitabletool.Donotspray
with water.
IMPORTAN_Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,ortheengine.Theuseofwaterwill
resultinshortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4.
Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.
BladeCare
Whenremovingthe cutting bladefor sharpeningorreplacement,protect
yourhandswith apairofheavyglovesoruseaheavyragto holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyoustrikeaforeign
object.Replacewhennecessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitssidemaking
surethat theairfilter andthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdthebladeandthe
bladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure16.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethebladeona
roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntil
it balancesevenly.Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangleof
grind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
f
_4 ......... Bolt
J
Figure16
Anunbalancedbladewill causeexcessivevibrationwhen rotatingat high
speeds.Itmaycausedamageto mowerandcouldbreakcausingpersonal
injury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceofthebladeadapter
with light oil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placethe
bladeontheadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked"Bottom"(or
with part number)facesthegroundwhenthe mowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedandseatedonthebladeadapter
flanges.SeeFigure16inset.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotchesonthebladebell
supportwith smallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in. Ibs.min.,600in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallycheckthebladeboltforcorrect
torque.
17
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