MTD 12A-764M099 Owner’s Manual

perator's Manual

£RnFrSMRN°

33-inch Wide Cut Mower

Model No. 247.887330

For answers to your questions about this product, call 1-800-659-5917.

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.

Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman

,, SAFETY ,, ASSEMBLY ,, OPERATION ,, MAINTENANCE ,, PARTS LIST ,, ESPAIf,IOL R 44

FormNo.769-04610A

(December16,2009)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2

Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3

Slope Guide ....................................................................... 5

Safety Labels .................................................................... 6

Assembly ........................................................................... 8

Know your Lawn Mower .................................................. 10

Operation ........................................................................ 12

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

Whenoperatedandmaintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,if this Craftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectin materialorworkmanship withintwoyearsfromthedateorpurchase,call1-800-4-MY-HOME®toarrangeforfreerepair(or replacementif repairprovesimpossible).

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90 daysfromthe dateof purchaseifthisproductis everusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor:

• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,andoil filters. Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.

Tirereplacementor repaircausedby puncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,orglass. Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedto damagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthatbendthe frameor

crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthe deckclearofflammabledebris,orfailureto maintainthe equipmentaccordingto the instructionscontainedinthe operator'smanual.

Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

Normaldeteriorationandwearof the exteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductis withinthe UnitedStates.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears, Roebuckand Co., Hoffman Estates,IL 60179

GrossHP: 10.5 EngineOil: SAE30

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

Engine: Briggs& StrattonPowerBuiltTM

Model Number Serial Number

Dateof Purchase

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

which,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonal

__IL hissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions

safetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers.Read andfollowall instructionsinthismanualbefore

attemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththese instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethissymbol,

HEEDITSWARNING!

Your Responsibility: Restricttheuseof this powermachineto personswhoread,understand,andfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsinthis manualandonthemachine.

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperationinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroronthe partofthe operatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions couldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.

__ate ofCaliforniatoI causecancerandbirthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccur ifoperatoris notalertto presenceofchildren.Chil- drenareoften attractedto mowerandmowingactivity.Theydo notunderstand

thedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem. ,, Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa

responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

,, Bealert andturnmoweroff if a child entersthe area. ,, Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor small

children.

,, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,

trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a childwhomay runinto themower.

,, Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns

froma hot muffler.

,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatea powermower.

Children14years oldand overshouldreadandunderstandoperation instructionsandsafetyrulesin thismanualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya parent.

GENERAL OPERATION

,, Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybeforeattempting

toassemblethis machine.Read,understand,andfollow all instructions onthe machineand inthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely

familiarwiththe controlsand the properuseofthis machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfutureandregular referenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

,, Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,not a plaything.

Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatall times.Yourunithasbeen designedto performonejob:to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyother

purpose.

,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis machine.

Children14years oldand overshouldreadandunderstandtheinstruc- tionsinthis manualand shouldbe trainedandsupervisedbya parent.

Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof safe operationshouldbe allowedto usethis machine.

,, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Remove

allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand otherforeignobjectswhichcould betrippedoveror pickedupand thrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid

dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like. Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wallorobstructionwhich may causedischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

,, Tohelpavoid bladecontactor a thrownobject injury,stayin operator

zonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpers,andpetsat

least75feet frommowerwhile itis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyone

entersarea.

,, Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationandwhile

performinganadjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects

whichricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto theeyes.

,, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.

Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoes arerecommended.Neveroperatethis machinein barefeet, sandals, slipperyor lightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

,, Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor undercuttingdeck.

Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

,, A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontact or

thrownobjectinjuries.

,, Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultof the mowerbeingpulledoverthefoot

duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.Do notholdon tothe mowerif youare falling;releasethe handleimmediately.

,, Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.Ifyoumust

backthe mowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:

a.Step backfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b.Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pull backslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardsyou. d.Repeatthesestepsas needed.

,, Donotoperatethe mowerwhile underthe influenceof alcoholordrugs. ,, Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitsso equippedwhile

startingengine.

,, Theblade controlhandleisasafety device.Neverattemptto bypassits

operation.Doingso makesthesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresult

inpersonalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.The blade

controlhandlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsand automatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhen released.

,, Neveroperatethemowerin wet grass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A

slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou feelyouare losing yourfooting, releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe blade

will stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.

,, Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun. ,, Stopthe bladewhencrossing graveldrives,walksorroads.

• If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationisgenerallya warningof

trouble.

• Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a completestop beforeremovingthegrass catcheror uncloggingthechute. Thecuttingbladecontinuestorotatefor a fewsecondsafterthe engine isshut off.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe bladearea untilyou

aresure the bladehasstoppedrotating.

• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandle,orothersafetyprotectivedevicesin place

andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failure todosocan resultin personalinjury.

• Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancausea burn.Do nottouch.

• Only usepartsand accessoriesmadefor this machinebymanufacturer. Failureto doso canresultin personalinjury.Forrecommendedacces- sories,call 1-800-659-5917.

• If situationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthismanual,usecareand goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterforassistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcanresultin severeinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usetheslopeguideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit. Do:

• Mowacrossthefaceofslopes; neverupanddown. Exerciseextreme cautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcancause youto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

• Alwaysbe sureofyour footing.Aslip andfall cancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouare losingyour balance,releasethe bladecontrol handleimmediately,andthe bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not:

• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,whereyoucould loseyourfootingor balance.

• Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownonthe slopegauge.

• Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

SERVICE

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

• Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilledon yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.

• Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron a truckor trailerbedwith a plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe groundawayfromyour

vehiclebeforefilling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or container openingat alltimesuntil fuelingiscomplete.Donot usea nozzle lock-opendevice.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesand othersources ofignition.

• Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulate inthe area.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhile engineis hotor running. Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfillfuel tank.Fill tankto no morethan V2inch belowbottom offiller neckto provideforfuel expansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipe it offthe engineandequipment.Moveunit toanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.

• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainernearan openflame, spark or pilotlightason a waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer,

or othergasappliances.

• To reducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,or other debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageandremoveanyfuel soakeddebris.

• Allowa mowerto coolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

General Service:

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorlessand deadlygas.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe bladeand all movingparts havestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwire and groundagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting.

• Checkthe bladeand enginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsfor

propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor damage(e.g.,bent,

cracked,worn)Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufac- ture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedin thismanual.Useof partswhichdo

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper performanceandcompromisesafety!

• Mowerbladesare sharpand cancut.Wrapthe bladeor weargloves, anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

• Keepallnuts, bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equipmentis in safeworkingcondition.

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper operationregularly.

• Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe spark

plugwireand groundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand

operatingthemower.

• Neverattempttomakea wheelor cutting heightadjustmentwhilethe engineisrunning.

• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare subjectto wear anddamagewhichcould exposemovingparts or allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck

componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment

manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual.Useofparts

whichdonotmeettheoriginal equipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceand compromisesafety!

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingoroverspeedthe engine. Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedof the engine.

• Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposalof fluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

Usethispageasa guideto determineslopeswhereyoumaynot operatesafely.Donot operatethelawnmoweronsuchslopes.

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfand others.Readandfollowallinstructionsinthis manualbeforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failureto complywiththeseinstructionsmay resultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethissymbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

WARNING

Thissymbol pointsout importantsafety instructions which,if notfollowed,could endangerthe personal

safetyand/or propertyofyourself and others.Read and followall instructionsin this manual beforeattempting

to operatethis machine. Failureto comply with these instructionsmay result in personalinjury.Whenyou see

thissymbol HEEDITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility Restrictthe use of this power machineto personswho read, understand,and followthe warnings and instruc-

tionsin this manualand on the machine.

Thispageleftintentionallyblank.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitis shippedwithoilin theengine.After assembly,see page12for fuelandoil details.

IMPORTANT:Referencetorightor leftside ofthemowerisobserved fromtheoperatingposition.

Themowingdeckis capableofthrowingobjects.Failuretooperate themowerwithoutthedischargechuteintheproperoperatingposi- tioncouldresultinseriouspersonalinjuryand/or propertydamage.

Disconnectthe sparkplugwire andgroundit againsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting.

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON

Thefollowingitemsare packagedina bag: Operator'sManual,Oildrainhose,Waterhosecoupler,EngineManual

TOOLS NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY

A setof adjustablewrenchesandtiregauge

REMOVING THE UNIT FROM THE CRATE

2. Pivotupperhandleintooperatingposition,Figure2. Becareful notto bendorkinkthecableswhenpivotingthehandle.

Figure2

1. Cutstraps,if present,securingunittopallet.Leaveuniton pallet duringhandleassembly.

2. Removeanyprotectivepackagingandplastictiestraps.

3. Usethedeckheightlever(see "KnowyourMower"section)to raisethe cuttingdeckto itshighestposition.

ASSEMBLING THE HANDLE

1. Removelowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsfromlowerhandle, Figure1.

3. Installcarriagescrewsandknobsremovedearlier.

4. Tightentheupperandlowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsto securetheupperhandletothe lowerhandle,Figure2.

5. Afterassemblingthehandle,to safelyremoveunitfrompallet,first cut offcardboardandremovescrewstofree themowerfromthe

crate.

REMOVING THE CHUTE HOLDER

Thechuteholdermustbe removedanddiscardedbeforeoperating themower.

1. Locatethechuteholderwhichsecuresthedischargechutein a verticalposition,Figure3.

Figure1

Figure3

2. Pullchutebacktowardstheengine.Whileholdingthechutewith onehand,removethechuteholderusingyourotherhand.

3. Carefullylowerthechuteagainstthedeckanddiscardtheholder.

INSTALLING THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER

1. Removethe5/16-18screwandthelock nutthatholdtheshift leverto theshiftleverplate,Figure4.

Figure4

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

Rear Tire Pressure

Neverexceedthemaximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall

oftire.

Therecommendedoperatingreartire pressureisapproximately20

psifor thereartires.Checkthetirepressureperiodicallyand maintain

equalpressureinbothreartiresatall times.

IMPORTANT:Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

2. Removetheremainingscrewandnutfromthelowershift lever plate,Figure4.

3. Positiontheuppershiftleverintoa verticalpositionaligningthe holesin thelevertotheholesin theshiftplate,Figure5.

4. Securethelevertotheplateusingthetwoscrewsandtwonuts removedearlier,Figure5.

Figure5

Throttle/Choke Blade

ControlLever Control

GasCap

_--. Deck

Height

Lever

DriveControl

GearShiftLever

Figure6

Befamiliarwithall thecontrolsandtheir properoperation.Knowhow

to stopthemachineand disengagethe controls.

Theoperationofany lawnmowercan resultinforeignobjectsbeing thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,orwhileperforming anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER

iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthemowerwiththe cuttingdeckengaged,becertainthatthethrottle/ chokecontrolleveris alwaysinthefastposition.

Thisleveris usedtoadjustenginespeeds,toapply theenginechoke,andtostoptheengine.Always runengineatfastspeedsettingforbestmower performance.

CHOKE:Usewhenstartinga coldengine FAST:Useduringmoweroperation.

SLOW:Usewhenidlingengine. STOP:Stopstheengine.

Besurenooneotherthan theoperatoris standingnearthe lawn mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands, feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine

andlawnmower.

GAS CAP

Removethe gascapto addfuelto thefueltank. Useclean,fresh,regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof85

octane.

Turntheengineoffandlet the enginecoolatleasttwo minutes beforeremovingthegascap.

DECK HEIGHT LEVER

Usethis levertoadjustthecuttingheight.Touse,move thelevertotheleft,thenplacetheleverinthenotchbest suitedforyourapplication.

Choke Fast Slow/Idle

EngineOff

BLADE CONTROL

Thebladecontrolis usedto engagethe mowerdeck.Toengagethiscontrol,press andholdtheleveragainstthehandlebar grip.Tostoptheblades,releasetheblade control.Alwaysdisengagetheblade controlbeforestartingtheengine.This helpsto ensurethatthebladeswillnot startturningwhenthe enginestarts.

DRIVE CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolisusedto engage anddisengagedriveto thewheels.To engagethiscontrol,squeezethe drive controlagainstthehandlebargrip.To stopthedrive,releasethedrivecontrol.

IMPORTANT:Alwaysreleasethedrive controlbeforechangingspeeds.

GEAR SHIFT LEVER

Usethislevertoselectanyoffour forwardgroundspeeds,neutral,or reverse.

RecoilStarter

Oil Cap/

Dipstick

OilDrain

Valve Mufflerand SparkPlug

MufflerGuard

Figure7

SparkPlug

Cleaner

Handle

Wire

ENGINE CONTROLS

RefertoFigure7for locationsofthe enginecontrols. Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris usedto pull-starttheengine. Oil Drain Valve

Usetheoil drainvalveto drainoil fromtheengine.Refertothe Maintenancesectionfor instructions.

Air Cleaner Handle Theaircleanerhandleisusedto gainaccesstotheair cleaner.Theair

cleanercartridgecanberemovedandcleanedorreplaced.Referto theMaintenancesectionfordetails.

Forward Therearefourforwardspeeds.Positionone(1)is the slowestand

positionfour(4) isthefastest. Reverse

Toselectreverse,puttheleverin theReverse(R)position. Neutral

Placethe leverinneutral(N) beforestartingthemower,andwhenthe mowerisnot inuse.Inaddition,themowercanbe manuallypushed orpulledbyplacingthegearshiftleverinto N (neutral)positionand pressingthedrivecontrolagainstthehandlebargrip.

Toavoiddamagingthetransmission,do notshiftgearswhenthe

mowerismoving.Releasedrivecontrolbeforeshiftinggears.

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop

the mowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.

Ifcartridgeor coverareinstalledincorrectly,seriousinjuryordeath

couldresultfrombackfire.Donot attempttostartyourenginewith them removed.

Spark Plug/Spark Plug Wire Refertothe Maintenancesectionfor instructionson sparkplug

replacement. Oil Cap/Dipstick

Refertothe Maintenancesectionfor instructionsoncheckingtheoil.

Besurenooneotherthanthe operatorisstandingnearthelawn mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine indoorsorinenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands, feet,hair,andlooseclothingawayfromanymovingparts

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors orwhilethe engineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars, pipes,andothersourcesof ignition.

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Gas Fill

Useof Alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholorusingethanolor methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadsto separationandforma- tionof acidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethefuelsystem ofanenginewhilein storage.

Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbeemptiedbefore

storagefor30 daysor longer.Drainthegastank, starttheengine

and letitrununtilthefuel linesandcarburetorareempty.Usefresh

Ifuel nextseason.SeeSTORAGEInstructionsfor additionalinforma- [tion.

)ermanentdamagemayoccur.

Oil Fill IMPORTANT:The mowerisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine;

however,you MUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Oil shouldbe changedonceafterthefirsttwohoursof operationandevery25 hours ofoperationthereafter.Usethe gradeof engineoil specifiedinthe

Maintenancesection.

Removethe oilfill cap/dipstickfromtheoil fill tube.

Checkthatthe levelofoil isuptotheFULLmarkonthedipstick.

Ifneeded,pouroil slowlyintothe oilfill tubeuntila FULLoil level

is achieved.

3. Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.

STARTING THE MOWER

1. Releaseallcontrolsonthemowertopreventwheelsor blades fromrotating.

2. Movegearshiftleverto neutral(N)position.

3. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverfullyupwardtochokesetting

I',1to starta cold engineorto fast(rabbit)setting_ to starta

warmengine.

4. Tostartengineusingrecoilstarter: a. Standon leftside (as viewedfrombehindhandlebars)of ma-

chine.Besureyourfeetare safelyawayfromtheunderside ofthe mowerdeckandall mowercontrolsarereleased.

IMPORTANT:Themowerisshippedwithoutgasinthe fueltank.

• Neverfillthe fueltankcompletely.Fillthetankto nomorethan 1/2-inchbelowbottomoffiller neckto providespaceforfuel expansion.

• Alwaysuseclean,fresh,unleadedgradeautomotivegasoline. Fillthe fueltankoutdoorsandusea funnelor spoutto prevent spilling.Makesurethatthe containerfromwhichyoupourthe gasolineiscleanandfreefromrustorotherforeignparticles. Makesureto wipeoffanyspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.

• Atthe endof thejob,emptythefueltankifthe mowerisnot goingto beusedfor30daysor longer.Storegasolineina clean containerandkeepthecapin placeonthecontainer.SeeSTOR-

AGEinstructionsforadditionalinformation.

b. Graspstarterropehandleandpullslowlyuntilropepulls

slightlyharder.Letroperewindslowly.Thenpullropewitha

rapid,fullarmstroke.Letropereturnslowly.Ifenginefailsto startafterthreepulls,repeatinstructions(try settingthrottle atfast setting).

c. Whenenginestarts,operateinfastthrottlesetting_lf

(movethrottle/chokecontrolleverfromchokesettingto fast setting).

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop

themowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.

Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforany damage,and repair

damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof

mowerduringoperationisanindicationofdamage.Theunit should bepromptlyinspectedandrepaired.

MULCHING OR SIDE-DISCHARGE MOWING

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop themowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.

USING THE MOWER

IMPORTANT:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechanging speeds.Referto"Knowyour Mower"sectionformowercontroldetails.

Besurelawnis clearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury tothe operatorandothers.Forbestresults,donot cutwetgrassand nevercutoff morethanone-thirdofthe totallengthofthegrass.

1. Oncethe engineis running,slowlysqueezethe drivecontrol againsttheupperhandleto propeltheunit.Toactivatethecutting blades,squeezethebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

2. Tochangegears,releasethedrivecontrolleverandmovethe gearshiftlevertothedesiredsetting.Whenfirstpracticingwith themower,put theleverinNo.1position.Selectforwardspeeds accordingtomowingconditionsand terrain.Useslowerspeeds on roughterrainorwhengrassisheavyor thick.Theforward speedcanbe increasedonsmoothterrainorifthe grasscoveris light.Allowthewheelsto stopcompletelybeforeshiftingfromone speedintoanother.

IMPORTANT:Beawarethatwhenengagingthedrive control leverwiththe gearshift leverin3rd or4thgear,the powerand torquegeneratedmaycausethe unitto lurchforward.Toavoid this,slowlysqueezethe drivecontrolleveragainstthe upper

handle.

Tostopthe blades,releasethebladecontrol.Tostopthedrive controltothe wheels,releasethe drivecontrol.

STOPPING THE MOWER

Releasebladeanddrivecontrolto stopwheelsanddeckblades.

Movethrottle/chokecontrolleverdownto slow(turtle) position.Wheneverpossible,graduallyreduceenginespeed

beforestoppingengine.

3. Movethrottle/chokecontrolleverallthewaydownto stop position.

4. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugandgroundagainst theengine.

MOVING THE MOWER WITHOUT ENGINE POWER

Youcanuse the mowereitherasa mulchingmoweror asa side- dischargemower.To usethemulchingfeature,insertthe mulchplug asdescribedbelow.Removethe mulchplugto side-dischargegrass clippings.

Themulchplugisdesignedto keepthedischargechuteraisedup whilemowing.Whentheplugis removed,the dischargechutewill

loweritselfforside-dischargemowing.

Beforeinstallingor removingmulchplug,stopengine,waitforparts

to stopmoving,anddisconnectsparkplugwire.

Toinstallor removemulchplug:

1. Stoptheengineandwaitforallpartstostopmoving.

2. Disconnectthesparkplugwirefromthesparkplug.

Figure8

3. Toinstallthemulchplug,inserttheright-sidetab (A)of the plug intothe bracketonthedeck, Figure8.

4. Insertthecoverintothedischargeopening(B), Figure8.

5. Afterthe mulchplughas beenplacedintothedeckopening,push

theplugtowardstherearofthemower(C)tofit theplugproperly

intothe opening,Figure8.

6. Toremovethe plug,slidethe coverto the right(frontof mower)to

disengagetheslotfromthemowerdeckandthen prytheleft-side ofthe coverout andoff.

Themowercan bemanuallypushedor pulledbyplacingthegearshift leverinto N(neutral)positionandpressingthedrivecontrolagainstthe handlebargrip.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecutting

deck.

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplug,andgroundagainst enginebeforeperforminganytypeof maintenanceonthemower.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganytypeof maintenanceon the mower.

Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnot coveritemsthathave beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedin thismanual.

• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.

• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesuretheyare tight.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Spark Plug Cleansparkplugandresettheelectrodegapto0.030"atleastoncea

season;replaceevery100hoursof operation.

1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

2. Removeand inspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureit is setat .030".SeeFigure9.

3. Replacethesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,orthe porcelainiscracked.

Servicing the Air Cleaner

Iffilters,or coversare notinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath

couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto startthe enginewith themremoved.

Donot usepressurizedairor solventsto cleantheair cleaner

cartridge.

Cleanor replacetheaircleanerevery25 hoursof operation.

1. Pulluponair cleanerhandle,Figure10,andpullbacktowardsthe engine.

Removethe aircleanercover,Figure10.

Air CleanerCover Air CleanerCartridge

AirCleanerHandle

Electrode

Porcelain

.030inch (.76ram)gap

Figure9

Figure10

3. Carefullyremoveaircleanercartridgeandpre-cleaner(if

equipped)fromtheblowerhousing.

4. Cleanthebaseoftheaircleanercartridgecarefullytoprevent debrisfromenteringtheengine.

5. Placethepre-cleaner,ifequipped,andcartridgebackintothe blowerhousing.Thecartridgemustbeplacedsecurelyinto position.

6. Aligntabsoncoverwithslotsin blowerhousingandreplacethe cover.

Changing the Engine Oil Theoil intheengineshouldbechangedevery25hoursofoperation.

1. Togainaccesstothe oildrainvalveon theengine,theright handlebracetube shouldbepivotedforward.

a. Removetheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewonthe right

sideof thehandle,Figure11.

b. Pivotthebracetubetowardsthefrontofthe mowertoallow

roomto connecttheoil drainhosetotheoil drainvalve, Figure11.

DrainValve

drainport. Routetheoppositeendofthehoseintoan appropriate oil collectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenoughto collectthe

usedoil.

5. Releasethe valvebypressingthe twotabsinwardwhilepulling thevalveout.Theoil willbegintodrainoutof the engine.

6. Afterthe oil hasfinisheddraining,pressthetwotabsinwardand

pushtheoil drainvalvebackintolockthevalveclosed.Remove thehose,and re-captheendof the oil drainvalvetokeepdebris fromenteringthedrainport.

7. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthe dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoil fill cap/dipstick.

8. Pivottherighthandlebracetubebackintoposition.Alignthe middleholein thebracetubewiththeholeinthe handle.Secure

withthestarknobandcarriagescrewremovedearlier.

Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclas- sificationSForSG.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccording

toyourexpectedoperatingtemperature,Figure13.Although

multi-viscosityoils(5W30,10W30etc.)improvestartingincold

weather,thesemulti-viscosityoilswill resultin increasedoilcon-

sumptionwhenusedabove32°ECheckyourengineoil levelmore

frequentlytoavoidpossibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

Colder <------_ 32°F > Warmer

Figure

2. Popofftheprotectivecapontheendoftheoil drainvalveto exposethedrainport, Figure12.

OilFillCap/

_':.............Dipstick

_::;> Protective

......DrainCap

................::_

Figure12

Oil Viscosity Chart

Figure 13

3. Removetheoil fillcap/dipstickfromtheoil fill tube,Figure12.

4. Pushtheoil drainhose(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoil

Beforeperforminganytype of maintenanceon themachine,waitfor

allpartstostopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failure Ito followthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryor property [damage.

REMOVING THE BELT COVER

Thebeltcovermustbe removedto performseveralmaintenanceand serviceprocedures.Followtheinstructionsbelowto removethebelt

cover.

1. Stopengine,waitfor all partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect

sparkplugwire.

2. Removethethreescrewsandwashersholdingthecoverto the

frame,Figure14.

Figure14

3. Removethe beltcover.

4. Toreinstallthe beltcover,placethecoverinpositionandfasten

usingthreescrewsandwashersremovedearlier.

7. Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromthe leftside of themower,locate thehairpinclip thatsecuresthedecksupportrodon the rearIdt sideof the deck,Figure15.

8. Removethehairpinclipthatsecuresthesupportrod,andcare- fully removethedecksupportfromthedecklift arm,Figure15.

Figure15

9. Repeatsteps7 and8 onthe mower'srightside.Whencomplete, all fourhairpinclipsshouldbe removed.

10. Pushthecuttingdecktothelefttounhookthe liftassemblyfrom thedeck.

11.

Usethedeckheightleverto raisethecuttingdeckto itshighest

position.

12.

Removethe woodenblocksfromunderthe deck.

13.

Removethe drivebeltasinstructedunder"ReplacingtheDrive Belt"instructions.

14. Slidethecuttingdecktowardstherearoftheunit.

15. Unhookthedrivespringcablefromtheidlerarm assembly,

Figure16.

Donotoperateunitwithoutbeltcoverinstalled.Failureto followthis instructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor propertydamage.

REMOVING THE MOWER DECK

Whenservicingtheundersideof the mowerdeckfor anyreason,the cuttingdeckshouldfirstbe removed.Followtheinstructionsbelowto removethecuttingdeck:

1. Stoptheengine,waitforall partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect sparkplugwire.

2. Releaseallmowercontrols.

3. Removebeltcoveras instructedunder"Removingthe BeltCover."

4. Usethedeckheightleverto movethecuttingdecktoits highestposition.

5. Placesmallwoodenblocksunderthedeck.

6. Usethedeckheightleverto lowerthedecksothat itrestsupon thewoodenblocks.

Figure16

16.

Removethe cuttingdeck.

17.

Toinstallthe cuttingdeck,followthe abovestepsin reverseorder.

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor allpartstostopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failure tofollowthisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryorproperty damage.

CLEANING THE ENGINE AND DECK

Donot usea pressurewashertocleanthe mower.Itmaycause damagetoelectricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,bearings,orthe engine.

LUBRICATION

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrivesystemandlift linkageat leastoncea season,orevery25hoursofoperation,withlight oil.

Rear Wheels Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesoncea season.

Lubricatetheaxlesandthe rimswellwithanall-purposegreasebefore reinstallingthem.

Front Wheel Bearings Greasefittingsarelocatedoneachcasterwheelandontheframe

aboveeachfrontcasterwheel,Figure17.Lubricatetheseareasusing a greasegunafterevery50 hoursofmoweroperation.

Grease fittingon

wheel

Aligngreasefittingwith notchinwheelbracket

Figure17

Tolubricateacasterwheelbearing,rotatethewheelso thatthe grease fittingis inalignmentwiththe notchinthe bracket,Figure17- doing 3.

thiswillallowroomtoconnectthegreaseguncouplerontothegrease 4. fitting.Youwillnotneedto usethegreasefittingontheoppositeside

ofthe wheel. 5.

Anyfuelor oil spilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do

notallowdebristo accumulatearoundany componentson themower. Cleaning the Engine

Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskof overheating

and ignitionofdebris.Thisis especiallyimportantif cuttingtallgrass.

Cleaning the Cutting Deck DeckWashSystem

Usethe DeckWashSystemto rinsegrassclippingsfromthe under- sideof thedeckandto preventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.

1. Threadthe hosecoupler(packagedina bagwiththe Operator's Manual)onto theendofyourgardenhose,Figure18.

GardenHose_

HoseCoupler

WaterPort

Figure18

Attachthe hoseandcouplerto thewaterporton thedecksurface,

Figure18.

Turnthewateron.

Pointthedischargechuteawayfromany objectsorpersons. Startthemowerandengagetheblades(pressandholdthe blade

controlagainstthehandlebargrip)for a minimumof twominutes.

Donot engagethedrivecontrol.

Whencomplete,disengagethebladecontrol(releasetheblade control)andturntheengineoff.

Turnthewateroffanddetachthehose couplerfromthewater

port.

Neverexceedthemaximuminflationpressureshownonthe sidewall oftire.

REAR TIRE PRESSURE

Therecommendedoperatingreartirepressureisapproximately20 psiforthe reartires.Checkthe tire pressureperiodicallyandmaintain equalpressurein bothreartiresatall times.

IMPORTANT:Referto thetiresidewallfor exacttiremanufacturer's recommendedor maximumpsi.Do notoverinflate.Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

REPLACING THE TRAILING SHIELD

SERVICING THE CUTTING BLADES

Besureto shutthe engineoff anddisconnectthe sparkplugwire andgroundagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstartingbefore removingthecuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protect yourhandsbyusingheavyglovesora ragto graspthecuttingblade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladespindlesfor cracksordamage,espe-

ciallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replaceimmediatelyif damaged.

Ifa screwis presentateachsideofthetrailingshield,removethe twoscrews.

Bend(bow)thetrailingshieldinwardon eachsideto releasetabs fromtheholesin the mowerframe,Figure19.

\_ ii

Figure19

Replacewith newtrailingshieldbybendingtheshieldto allow eachtab tofit intoholesinmowerframe.

Replacethetwo screws(if screwswereusedto holdthetrailing shieldto themowerframe).

Mowerbladesaresharp.Whenworkingnearblades,wearheavy leatherglovesorwrap bladesin thickragsto protectyourselffrom thesharpedges.

Blade Removal

Removethe deckfrombeneaththemowerandgentlyflipthe

deckoverto exposeits underside.Referto "Removingthe Mower

Deck"for instructions.

Placea2x4 blockof woodapproximately8.5"longbetweenthe

deckhousingandthe cuttingbladetoactasa stabilizer,

Figure20.

Removeflangenuttoreleaseblade

Useblockofwoodtostabilizeblade.

Figure20

3. Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthebladetothespindle assembly,Figure20.

Blade Sharpening

iMPORTANT:Ifany metalseparationis present,replacetheblades withnewones.

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamountsof metalfrombothends of thebladesalongthecuttingedges,parallelto thetrailingedge,at a 250to 300angle,Figure21.

Figure21

It isimportantthateachcuttingbladeedge begroundequallyto maintainproperbladebalance.Apoorlybalancedbladewillcause excessivevibrationandmaycausedamagetothemowerandresult in personalinjury.Thebladecan betestedbybalancingitona round shaftscrewdriver.Grindmetalfromtheheavysideuntilit balances evenly.

Blade Installation

1. Wheninstallingablade,placethesideof thebladewitha part numberstampedin itfacingthegroundwhenthemowerisin the operatingposition.

2. Useatorquewrenchtotightenthespindleflangenutto between 70-90foot-pounds.

REPLACING BELTS

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor allpartsto stopmovinganddisconnectthe sparkplugwire.Failureto followthisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryorpropertydamage

Avoidthe possibilityofa pinchinginjury.Donot placeyourfingers betweenbeltsand pulleys.

Themowerusesthreebelts: 1)drivebelt,2)deckengagementbelt,3)

bladetimingbelt.Beforereplacinga belt,observehowthebeltis routed

aroundthepulleysandbracketsto helpwheninstallinga replacement.

IMPORTANT:Thebeltson themowerare speciallydesignedto engageanddisengagesafely.Fora properworkingmachine,use factoryapprovedbelts.

Replacing the Drive Belt

1. Stopengine,waitforall partstostopmoving,anddisconnect sparkplugwire.

Releaseall mowercontrols..

3.4.Removebelt coverasinstructedearlierinthissection. Loosenbeltkeeper(A).Thebeltkeeperisattachedto the

undersideof themowerframe,Figure22.

Figure22

5. Loosentheidlerpulley(B)bylooseningboltandnut, Figure22.

6. Removebelt(C)fromaroundpulleys,Figure22.

7. Routenewbeltaroundthe pulleysmakingsuretotightennuts, bolts,andbeltkeeper.

8. Replacethe beltcover.

Replacing the Deck Engagement Belt 1, Stopengine,waitfor all partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect

sparkplugwire,

2. Releaseallmowercontrols,

3. Removebeltcoveras instructedearlierinthis section,

4. Loosenthebolt andnut holdingbeltkeeperrodto frame, Figure23.

Figure23

Loosenidlerpulley(A)bylooseningthenutand bolt,Figure24.

Loosenidlerpulley(B) by looseningnut, Figure24.

Removebelt(C)fromaroundpulleys,Figure24.

Replacing the Blade Timing Belt

1. Stopengine,waitforall partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect sparkplugwire.

2. Releaseall mowercontrols.

3. Removebeltcoverasinstructedearlierinthissection. RemovingtheTimingBelt

4. Removespring(A)fromtimingbracketanddeck,Figure25.

Figure25

Loosen3/8-16screwandnut attachedtodeckmount,Figure26.

Figure24

8. Routenewbeltaroundthepulleysmakingsuretotightennuts, bolts,andbelt keeper.

9. Replacethebeltcover.

Figure26

6. Pivottheidlertimingbracket(B)toroutebelt aroundidlerpulley, Figure25.

7. Pivotidlerarmassembly(C)andremovebelt (D)fromspindle

assemblies,Figure25.

InstallingtheTimingBelt

8. Beforeinstallinga replacementtimingbelt,the marksoneach spindleassemblymustbe positionedinsucha wayas toensure thebladesare perpendiculartoeachother,Figure27.

f -,

7 J

/?///

.................Front

Figure27

a. Turnthespacerspindleassembly(E) sothatthearrow

punchedonthe spindleisfacingthe frontof the mower, Figure25.

b. Turnthedrivespindleassembly(F)sothatthearrow

punchedonthe spindleisfacingto the outsideofthecutting deck,Figure25.

Routethenewbeltaroundpulleysmakingsureto tightennuts andbolts.Installthespringremovedinstep4.

10.

Tightenscrewandnutloosenedearlier.

11.

Replacethebelt cover.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

EachUse

1st2 hours

25 hours

50 hours Annuallyor100hours

BeforeStorage

1. Mowerblades

2. Looseormissinghardware

3. Belts

4. Engineoillevel

5. Controls

6. Mulchplug(if fitted)

1. Engineoil

2. Aircleaner

3. Mowerblades

4. Controllinkagesandpivots

1. FrontWheelBearings

1. Sparkplug

2. RearWheels

1. Fuelsystem

1. As required

2. Tightenor replace

3. Check

4. Check

5. Checkforproperoperation

6. Checkforproperpluginstallation

1. Change

2. Cleanor replace

3. Sharpenandbalance

4. Lubewithlightoil

1. Grease

1. Clean,replace,re-gap

2. Grease

1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof fueloradda gasolineadditivetothe gasin thetank.

+ 50 hidden pages

MTD 12A-764M099 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual