MTD 12A-948K299 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
PRO E S S I 0 N A
21" SELF=PROPELLED MOWER
Model No. 247.381091
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 37
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-06851
6/22/2011
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
Safetyinstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
SafetyLabels............................................Page9
Assembly..................................................Pages10-13
Operation..................................................Pages14-15
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages16-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
TroubleShooting.......................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-32
Espa_ol.....................................................Page37
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman Professional Two Year Full Warranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthe dateof purchase,this productiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor workmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorfree replacementif repairisunavailable.
Forwarranty coveragedetailsto obtain repairor replacement,visit the website: www.craftsman.com.
This warranty covers ONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Warrantycoveragedoes NOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearout fromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas mowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
• Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationor repairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accidentorfailuretooperateor maintainthe productaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
• Preventativemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydueto improperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Bears Brands ManagementCorporation, Noffman Estates, IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase .............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©KCDIP,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron the partof theoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto theStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthe machineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualinasafeplaceforfutureandregular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththe controlsandthe properuseof this
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineis a precisionpieceofpowerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.
Donot useit foranyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsat least75feetfrommowerwhileit is inopera-
tion.Stopmachineif anyoneentersarea.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandon the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
• Alwayswear safetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto 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 puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedby slippingortripping.Do notholdon to
themowerif youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyou arewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowerto fullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalf waytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
Donot operatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceofalcoholor
drugs.
Donot engagetheself-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
• Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothe disengaged
positionwhenreleased.
• Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureof your
footing.A slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewill stop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
• Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor thecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
• Shuttheengineoff andwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthe
bladeareauntilyou aresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineis running.
• Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby the
manufactureraslistedin the Partspagesof thisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscould result.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineona slopedor hillyarea. Iftheslopeisgreater
than15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfall cancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3)seconds.
DoNot:
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatoris notalerttothe presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthe mowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthe dangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthe area.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,look behindanddownfor
smallchildren.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofa
childwhomayrunintothe mower.
• Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan suffer
burnsfroma hot muffler.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineandbetrainedandsupervisedby an adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
• Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes,whichcan ignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
• Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthe fueltankneck.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingengine.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergas appliances.
• Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
• Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe spark
plugwireandgroundagainstthe enginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
• Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut. Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,and trailshieldare
subjectto wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
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
ofthe engine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donot crankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do not modifyengineinany way.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidtheproductwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearany unimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlessthe engine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(if any).
Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestor(PartNo.398067)forthe mufflerisavailablethrough
yournearestSearsPartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine
beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
i
i
®
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher isin 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 slopes where you may not operatesafely.
Donotoperateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(ariseofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet). Operatewalk-
behindmowersacrossthefaceofslopes,neverup anddownslopes.
This page left intentionallyblank.
8
®
READOPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTRDL, TRAILINGSHIELD,
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.) IN PLACEAND WORKING. IF DAMAGED,REPLACEiMMEDiATELY.
Operation Of This Equipment May Create Sparks
A Spark Arrestor May Be Required.The Operator Should Contact Local Fire
Agencies For Laws Or Regulations To Fire Prevention Requirements.
That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation,
9
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideofthe LawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthe reartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitout ofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• GrassCatcherAdapter
• SideDischargeCover
• EngineOil
f
J
Figure1
f
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshownin Figure1.
Makecertainthe lowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe
handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhilelifting
thehandleup.
B. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto lowerhandle.
Makesurethateach carriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe
handle.
2. Locatethehairpinclip ontheweldpinon eachsideof lower
handle.
A. Removehairpinclipfromweldpin.Usinga pairofpliers,
inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosestto thebracket.
SeeFigure2. Repeaton otherside.
B. Inserta carriageboltfromthe manualbagintotheupper
holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plastic
wingnut,also includedinthemanualbag.Repeatonother
sidewith remaininghardware.
NOTE:Makecertainthe drivecable isroutedaroundtheoutsideand
abovethelowerhandleso itdoes notinterferewithattachingthegrass
bag.The chutedoorhasbeendesignedtomovethestarterropeoutof
thewayof thebagwhenthechutedooris opened.
Figure2
10
3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedto thesupportrod,islocated
onthe rightsideof thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3 below.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Pullstarterropeout ofthe engine.Releasebladecontrol.
C. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
D. Usecabletiestosecurecableto lowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
Themowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffleinstalledontheunit.
Forbaggingpurposes,youwillhavetoattachthegrassbagandits
adapterinplaceofthe mulchingbaffle.
1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthe mulchingbafflein placeand
removefromunit.
2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethe frontlipof
adaptergoesundertheedgeof thedeck.SeeFigure4.Secure
withwingnutspreviouslyremoved.
3. Liftchutedooronthegrassbagadapterand slidegrassbagonto
theadapter.SeeFigure5.
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J
Figure4
Figure3
?
Figure5
11
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Followstepsbelowtoinstallthe sidedischargecover:
1. Removemulchingbaffleor grassbagadapterfromunitby
disconnectingwingnuts.
2. Attachsidedischargecoverto unitand securewiththe threewing
nuts.SeeFigure6.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereis a cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethe rearleft
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
2. Moveleverto desiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure7.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin the drivecontrolhandlehousing
andisusedtotightenor loosenthedrivebelt.Youwillhaveto adjust
thedrive controlifany ofthe followinghappens:
1. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrolengaged.
2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.
Ifeitherof theseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel
clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust
thedrive control.SeeFigure8.
f
Figure6
NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeina comfortable
position.Youcanadjustthehandlepositionbytighteningtheadjust-
mentwheel.
f
Figure8
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Figure7
12
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Recoil Startel
Gas Cap
Y
J
Oil Cap/Di!
Side Discharge
Cover
Figure9
BLADE CONTROL SIDE DISCHARGE COVER
Thebladecontrolis attachedtotheupperhandleofthemower.See
Figure9. Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupperhandleto operate
theunit.Releaseitto stopengineand blade.
Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothe sideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthe sidedischargecover.
J
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto the
Assemblysection.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe upperhandle.Squeezethedrive
controltoengagethe drivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive
system.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto the safetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe chuteareaoncuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelonthe unit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarteris connectedtothesupportrodandis locatedon the
rightsideofthe lowerhandle.Standbehindthe unitandpulltherecoil
starterropeto startthe unit.
GAS CAP
Removethe gascap toaddfuel tothe fueltank. Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewithaminimumof87octane.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionfor instructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrail shieldis attachedtotherearof themowerandisthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Do notusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
13
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil filldipstick(G). SeeFigure10.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill (H).
3. Replaceoil fill dipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroilthatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor API
servicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJ or later.AlwayschecktheAPIservice
labelontheoilcontainerto be sureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,
SJor higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityforthe engine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f "h
40
30
16so4s6 o** " 2
¸
32
14
o4
20
10
°30
• A minimumof 87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewithupto 10%ethanol(gasohol)orupto 15%MTBE
(methyltertiarybutylether)is acceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocool first.Neverrefuelthe engineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor sparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineandkeep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
Ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertothe Off SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfuel deterioration.
Figure10
e
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 willresultinhardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoil fill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightenthe oilfilldipstick.Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure10.
4. Iftheoil levelis nearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthe dipstick,
removetheoilfilldipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoilto the
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchas E85.Do notmixoil in
Igasolineor modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
_theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
• Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintandsometypesof plastic.Becareful
notto spillfuelwhenfilling yourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.
1. Removethefuel tankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthe fuel,do
notfill abovethe bottomofthefuel tankneck.Do notoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthe fueltankcapandtightenituntil itclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feetawayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartsonengine
andlawnmower.
14
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethe bladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntil resistanceisfelt, thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,full armstroke.SeeFigure11.Keepinga firm
griponthestartercordhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
NOTE:Ifenginefloods,waita fewminutesto restart.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethegrasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
tothe operatorandothers.
Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcan damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.
1. Oncethe engineis running,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe
upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseittodisengagethedrive.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorthesidedischarge
chutefromthemower,and reattachthemulchingbaffle.Foreffective
mulching,donot cutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrow
in excessoffourinches,mulchingisnot recommended.Usethegrass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
Figure11
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanuse thegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyou are
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe Assembly
section.Grassclippingswill automaticallycollect inthebagas
yourunthe mower.
2. Operatethemowertillthegrassbagisfull.
3. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthe bladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunit hascometo a completestop.
4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthe lower
handle,liftthe grassbagstraightupoffthe adapter.Thechute
doorwillmovethe ropeoutof thewayof thebag.
5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisethe rearofthe grass
bagand releasethelowerhandleovera properreceptacle.The
grassbagwillopenandthe grassclippingswilldisperse.When
replacingthe grassbag,be surethetop ofthe bagrestsonthe
wiresupportbetweenthehandles.
If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthe spark
plugwire,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunit shouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest Sears Service
Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annuallyor200hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Unitandengine.
1. Engineoil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideof mowerdeck
4. EngineOil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
4. Change
1. Change
1. Replace
1. Runengineuntil itstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriorto storage.
)resent.
16
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnot coveritemsthathave
beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,the sparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeof deposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthe capfromthe sparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchto removethe sparkplug.
f
Electrode
Porcelain
Figure12
Fastener
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure12.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugto therecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthe sparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwill restrictairflowtothe carburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthe filtereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedto cleanthe filtermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery50hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runthe enginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Do notuse pressurizedairor solventstocleanthe filter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Removethefastenerandair cleanercover.SeeFigure13.
2. Removethepre-cleanerandfilter.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filterona hardsurface,iffilteris
excessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
Cover
Air Filter
Figure13
4. Washthe pre-cleanerin liquiddetergentandwaterandallowit to
thoroughlyair dry.Donot oilthe pre-cleaner.
5. Assemblethedrypre-cleanerto thefilter.
6. installthefilterandpre-cleanerintothe base.Makesurefilterfits
securelyin the base.
7. installair filtercoverand securewithfastener.Makesurethe
fasteneristight.
17
Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoillevelismaintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedandlevel.
2. Removetheoil fill dipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthe dipstick,
removetheoilfillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththerecommendedoil
tothe upperlimitmark.Do notoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsordeath.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoronce a seasonthereafter.
DU Fill/Dipstick
AirFilter
J
J
Figure14
you top
emptyor fuel canleak outand resultinafire or explosion.Toempty
lWhen draintheoil fromthe oilfill thefueltankmustbe
thefuel tank,runthe engineuntilitstopsfromlackof fuel.
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theengineto catchthe usedoil.
3. Removetheoil fill dipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure14.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterfor safedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltothe upperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththe recommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donot usewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor dry cloth.
tube,
Figure15
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
15.
Wheels
Lubricatethewheelsat leastoncea seasonwithlight oil (ormotoroil).
Ifwheelsare removedforany reason,lubricatetheaxleboltandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil. SeeFigure15.
Grass Catcher Adapter
Lubricatethetorsionspringand pivotpointon eachendofthe grass
catcheradapterdooratleastonce a seasonwith lightoiltoprevent
rust.SeeFigure15.
Transmission
Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryanddoes
notrequirelubrication.
18
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