MTD 11A-A15A099 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRH
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.38821
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 33
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-06471A
12/14/2010
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 TwoYearFull Warranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,IL60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RJ19LM
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingto the safeopera-
tionpracticesinthismanual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe partoftheoperatorcanresultinserious
injury.Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorother reproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto theStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanual carefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthemachineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfutureandregular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineis a precisionpieceof powerequipment,nota
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donotuseitforanyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethismachine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
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,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsinthismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperforminganadjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donot put handsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingor tripping.Donotholdonto
themowerifyouarefalling:releasethe handleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindto avoidtrippingandthen followthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donot operatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceof alcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagethe self-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthe safetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstart tovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthebladecomesto a complete
stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheroruncloggingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceany partofthebodyinthe
bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodosocan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Onlyuse partsand accessoriesmadeforthis machineby the
manufactureraslistedin thePartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodoso canresultinpersonalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,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 slipandfallaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,donotmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedas partof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon aslopedorhillyarea.Ifthe slopeisgreater
than15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts, rocks,hiddenobjects,orbumpswhichcan
causeyoutosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
• Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthe mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmoweroffif achild entersthearea.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown for
smallchildren.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofa
childwhomayrunintothe mower.
• Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycan suffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon
themachineand betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoid personalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledon yourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbed
withaplasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand
refuelitontheground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot use
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
• Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineis hotorrunning.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
• Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowfor expansionof the fuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthe fueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• If gasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilot lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe spark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut.Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhen servicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainstthe engine.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 notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donot changetheengine'sgovernorsettingor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.Atthe endoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodoso canresultin
accidents,injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,donotmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadto arunawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidthe productwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateon regularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM) and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifso equipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbeusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwithasparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
Ifasparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiathe aboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestor(PartNo.398067)forthemufflerisavailablethrough
yournearestSears PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson 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 150.
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
or acornerof a building...
|
|
15°
Use this pageas a guide to determine slopeswhere you may not operate safely.
Donotoperateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a riseofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Operatewalk-
behindmowersacrossthefaceofslopes,neverup anddownslopes.
This page left intentionallyblank.
8
9
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertainto serviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideoftheLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerof thecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunit outofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
f
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• EngineOil
Figure2
J
ASSEMBLY f" -'_
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeany packingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Removewing nutsandcarriageboltshandleas shown
in Figure1.Donot loosenor removeadjacenthexhead
screws.
B. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupper
handleupas showninFigure2.Donotcrimpcablewhile
liftingthehandleup.
2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsas shownin Figure3.
E
Figure3
Figure1
.
Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesinlowerhandle(shown
in Figure3 deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandle
allthewayout.
B. Insertthe T-boltsremovedin stepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.
C. Reattachwing nutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto
lowerholesofhandleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe upperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslip starter
ropeintotheropeguide.SeeFigure6.
C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
f
... J
Figure5
J
Figure4 Figure6
11
Attaching the Grass Catcher
1. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertain
bagisturnedrightsideoutbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill
beontheoutside).
A. Placebagoverframeso thatits blackplasticsideis at the
bottom.
B. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe frame.
SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
A. Lift reardischargedoor.
B. Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsas
shownin Figure8. Letgoofdischargedoorsothatit rests
onthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooronthemower.Lift
grasscatcherupandoffthe slotsinthe handlebrackets.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowit tocloserearopeningofmower.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereis a cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontand
rearrightwheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill
tendto fall whenleveris movedoutward).See Figure9.
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure9.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswill preventyoufromcuttingthegrasstooclosetothe
ground.
Figure7
J
Figure8
f
12
Figure9
Recoil Starter
Oil Fill
GrassCatcher !
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjustment Lever
Lever
Trail Shield
Gas Cap
Primer
Figure10
BLADE CONTROL TRAIL SHIELD
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthemower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.
Thetrailshieldis attachedto the rearof the mowerand isthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethemowerunless
theshieldis fullyfunctionalandinplace.
RECOIL STARTER
Cutting Height
Spark Plug
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon therightrearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beat the same
positiontoensureauniformcut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.
GRASS CATCHER
Thegrasscatcher,locatedat the rearof the mower,is usedtobag
thegrassclippingsfordisposalat anothersite.Oncethebagisfull,
removeitupthroughthe handlesusingthe strapprovidedandemptyit
beforeanyfurthermowing.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardofthe AmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.Standbehind
theunitandpulltherecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
PRIMER
Theprimeris usedtopumpgas intothecarburetorandaidinstarting
theengine.Useitto startacold engine,butdonotuseittorestarta
warmengineaftera shortshutdown.
GAS CAP
Removethe gascaptoaddfueltothefueltank.Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasoline.
OIL FILL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
SPARK PLUG
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
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).SeeFigure11.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoilbottle
providedintotheengineoil fill(H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroil thatmeetsor exceedsthe requirementsfor
APIservicecategorySF,SG, SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPI
servicelabelon theoilcontainerto besureitincludesthelettersSF,
SG,SH,SJor higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfor theengine.
Usethechartto selectthe bestviscosityforthe outdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
"h
40
30
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 coolfirst.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor sparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
ifyourequipmentwillbeusedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertotheOff SeasonStoragesectionfor additionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
Figure11
e
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseof SAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoilwiththeenginestoppedand level.
2. Removethe oil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfilldipstick.Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure11.
4. Iftheoillevelisnearorbelowthelowerlimitmarkonthe dipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfill withthe recommendedoiltothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfill dipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuse unapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Donotmixoil in
gasolineormodifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswill damage
theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeetthese requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintand sometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spill fuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin the fueltank.
1. Removethe fuel tankcap.
2. Fillthefuel tankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do
notfill abovethebottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilitclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartin{ me.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
14
TO START ENGINE
1. Whenstartingtheengineforthefirsttime,pushprimerfivetimes.
Forall futurestarts,pushtheprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo
secondsbetweeneachpush.See Figure12.Do notprimeto
restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.
3. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpullropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full arm stroke.SeeFigure12.Keepinga firm
griponthe startercordhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo. Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
NOTE:Ifenginefloods,waita fewminutesto restart,butdo notprime.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themoweror toremovethegrasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandallowtherear
dischargedoor toclosetherearopeningof mower.Foreffective
mulching,donot cutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrow
in excessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
... J
Figure12
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagasyou
runmower.Operatemoweruntilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunithascometoa completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthe
mowerto removethe bag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsand
reinstallthebagwhencomplete.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthespark
plugwire,thoroughlyinspectmowerfor anydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisanindicationof damage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearestSears Service
Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1stMonthor 5 hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
.
Engineoillevel
2.
Looseormissinghardware
3.
Aircleaner
4.
Unitandengine.
1.
Engineoil
1.
Aircleaner1
2.
Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3.
Undersided mowerdeck
1.
Engineoil ff
1.
Sparkplug
2.
AirCleaner
1.
Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa full tankof
freshfuelpriortostorage.
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
_resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
11Changeoil every25hourswhenoperatingthe engineunderheavyloador inhightemperatures.
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. Disconnectthe capfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethesparkplug.
f
Electrode
Figure13
NOTE:Replacewitha ChampionRJ19LMsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure13.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.030in (0.76ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthe sparkplugto the recommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineis oper-
ated.Youwillneedtocleanthe filtermorefrequentlyif youoperatethe
enginein verydusty areas.
Cleantheaircleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runtheenginewiththe aircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notusepressurizedairor solventsto cleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Removethescrew(A)fromthetopoftheairfiltercover(B).See
Figure14.
2. Topreventdebrisfromfallingintothe carburetor,carefullyremove
theairfiltercover.
3. Removethefoamelement(C)fromtheairfilterbase.
Figure14
4. Washthefoamelementinliquiddetergentandwater.Squeeze
drythefoamelementin acleancloth.
5. Saturatethefoamelementwithcleanengineoil.Toremovethe
excessengineoil,squeezethe foamelementina cleancloth.
6. installthefoamelementintotheair filterbase.
7. installtheairfiltercoverontotheair filterbaseandsecurewith
screw.
17
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