MTD 12AE997E099 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

R 0 F E S S I 0 N A

21" SELF PROPELLED MOWER

Model No. 247.889210

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.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-03698A

• SAFETY ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE PARTS LIST

ESPAIqOL

1/21/2008

WarrantyStatement..................................Page2

SafeOperationPractices..........................Pages3-4

SlopeGuide..............................................Page5

SafetyLabels............................................Page7

Assembly..................................................Pages8-11

Operation..................................................Pages12-13

ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-19

Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20

TroubleShooting.......................................Page21

PartsList...................................................Page22-37

Espa_ol.....................................................Page41

ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover

Craftsman Professional Full Warranty

If thisCraftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectin materialor workmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,returnittoany Searsstore, SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStatesforfreerepair(or replacementif repairprovesimpossible).

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly oneyearifthis productiseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefects inmaterialand workmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor: , Expendableitemswhichcanwearout fromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas rotarymowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,

filters,or sparkplugs.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof accident,suchasbentcrankshafts,or failuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoall supplied instructions.

Preventativemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydue to improperfuelmixture,contaminatedor stalefuel.

This warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears, Roebuckand Co.,NoffmanEstates,IL 60179

EngineOilType: SAE30 EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline SparkPlug: BPR5ES(NGK)

Engine: Kawasaki

ModelNumber.................................................................

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

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber

anddateofpurchaseabove

©SearsBrands,LLC 2

which,if notfollowed,couldendangerthepersonal Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions

safetyand/orpropertyofyourselfandothers.Read andfollowallinstructionsin thismanualbefore

attemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththese instructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,

HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingto therulesfor safeoperationinthis manual.Aswithanytype ofpowerequipment,

carelessnessorerroronthepart ofthe operatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand

throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions couldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to

1cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscan occurifoperatoris notalerttopresenceofchildren.Chil- drenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowingactivity.Theydonotunderstand

thedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof a responsibleadult otherthanthe operator.

• Bealert andturn moweroffif achild entersthe area. Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,look behindanddownfor small

children.

• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs, trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof achildwhomay

runintothe mower.

,, Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns

fromahot muffler.

,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operateapowermower.

Children14years old and overshouldreadand understandoperation instructionsandsafetyrulesin this manualand shouldbe trainedand supervisedbyaadult.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyinits entiretybeforeattempting toassemblethismachine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructions

onthe machineandinthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely familiarwiththe controlsand the properuseofthis machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture and regular referenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

,, Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheir properoperation.Knowhowtostop

the machineanddisengagethem quickly.

,, Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,not aplaything.

Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.Yourunithasbeen designedto performonejob:to mowgrass. Do notuseit for anyother purpose.

• Neverallowchildrenunder 14years oldto operatethismachine.Chil- dren14yearsoldand overshouldreadandunderstandtheinstructions

inthis manualand shouldbetrainedand supervisedbyaparent.

,, Onlyresponsibleindividualswho arefamiliarwiththeserulesof safe

operationshouldbe allowedto usethismachine.

,, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawherethe equipmentisto be used. Remove

allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjectswhichcould betrippedover orpickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

,, Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,

sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial againstawall orobstructionwhich maycausedischargedmaterialto

ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

,, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayinoperator

zonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpers,andpetsat least75feetfrom mowerwhile itis inoperation.Stopmachineif anyone

entersarea.

,, Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile

performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.

,, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.

Shirtsandpantsthat coverthe arms and legsandsteel-toedshoes arerecommended.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals, slipperyorlightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

,, Donot puthandsor feet nearrotatingpartsor undercuttingdeck.

Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

,, Amissingor damageddischargecovercan causebladecontactor

thrownobjectinjuries.

,, Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthemowerbeing pulledoverthefoot

duringafall causedby slippingortripping.Donotholdon tothe mowerif youarefalling;releasethehandleimmediately.

,, Neverpull the mowerbacktowardyou whileyou arewalking.Ifyoumust

backthe mowerawayfroma wall or obstructionfirst look downand behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollow thesesteps:

a.Step backfrom mowertofullyextendyourarms. b.Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsure footing. c. Pull back slowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardsyou.

d.Repeatthesestepsas needed.

,, Donotoperatethe mowerwhile underthe influenceof alcoholordrugs. ,, Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitssoequippedwhile

startingengine.

,, Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits

operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinoperativeand mayresult in personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.The blade controlhandlemustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothedisengagedpositionwhen released.

,, Neveroperatethe mowerin wet grass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A

slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouare losing yourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandtheblade

will stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.

,, Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun. ,, Stopthe blade whencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

• If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningof

trouble.

,, Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthebladecomesto a completestop

beforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthechute. Thecuttingblade continuestorotatefor a fewseconds afterthe engine

isshut off.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyintheblade areauntilyou aresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.

,, Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass

catcher,bladecontrolhandle,or othersafetyprotectivedevicesin place andworking. Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failure todoso can resultin personalinjury.

,, Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancausea burn.Donottouch. ,, Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadefor this machinebymanufacturer.

Failureto dosocan resultin personalinjury.

,, Whenstartingengine,pull cordslowly until resistanceisfelt,then pull

rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord (kickback)willpull handand armtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go. Brokenbones,fractures, bruisesor sprainscouldresult.

,, Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecareand

goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterforassistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcanresultin severeinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas part

ofthis manualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unit on a slopedorhilly area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.

Do:

• Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.Exerciseextreme cautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

• Alwaysbesureofyour footing.A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourbalance,releasethe bladecontrol

handleimmediately,andthe bladewill stop rotatingwithin 3 seconds.

Do Not: ,, Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,whereyoucould

loseyour footingor balance.

,, Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownonthe

slopegauge.

,, Donot mowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

SERVICE

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

• Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecare in handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthe vaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineis spilledon yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskinand change

clothesimmediately.

,, Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer. ,, Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor onatruckor trailerbedwith a

plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyour vehiclebeforefilling.

,, Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerandrefueliton

theground.If this isnot possible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentona trailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom a gasolinedispensernozzle.

,, Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltank orcontainer

openingat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Donotusea nozzle

YourResponsibility: Restrictthe useofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understand,and followthewarningsand instructionsin this manualandonthe machine.

lock-opendevice.

,, Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersources

of ignition.

,, Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumu-

late inthe area.

,, Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhileengineis hotorrunning.

Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbefore refueling.

,, Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltank tono morethan 1inchbelowbottom

offiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.

,, Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely. ,, Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.Moveunit

to anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting engine.

,, Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearan openflame,spark

or pilotlightas onawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer, or othergasappliances.

,, Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,orother

debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageandremoveanyfuel

soakeddebris. ,, Allowa mowertocool atleast5 minutesbeforestoring. General Service:

• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine

exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas. ,, Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe bladeand

all movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireand

groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting. ,, Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsat frequentintervals

forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,

bent,cracked,worn) Replacebladewith theoriginalequipment

manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed inthis manual."Useof parts

whichdonot meetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmay leadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!" ,, Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorwear gloves,

anduseextra cautionwhenservicingthem. ,, Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besure theequipmentisin

safeworkingcondition. ,, Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation

regularly.

,, Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe spark

plugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe

mowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand

operatingthemower. ,, Neverattempttomakea wheelor cuttingheight adjustmentwhilethe

engineis running. ,, Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare

subjectto wear anddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor

allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck

componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment

manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useof parts

whichdonot meetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmay leadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!" ,, Donotchangethe enginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe engine.

Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedof the

engine.Donotcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved. ,, Checkfuel line,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksorleaks.

Replaceifnecessary. ,, Maintainorreplacesafetyand instructionlabels,asnecessary. ,, Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposalof

fluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

g3 C3_

C_ o3

OperateWALK-BEHNDmowersacrossthefaceofsopes,neverupanddownsopes,

Sight and h01dthis levelwith avertical tree...

15°

.o3

g) o3

Thispage left intentionallyblank.

READ OPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPBAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTROL,TRAILINGSHIELD, DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.)INPLACEAND WORKING. IFDAMAGED,REPLACEIMMEDIATELY.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroilin theengine. Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe Operationsectionbeforestartingorrunningyourmachine.

NOTE:Referencetorightand lefthandsideoftheLawnMoweris observedfromtheoperatingposition.

OPENING CARTON

1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.

2. Removeall looseparts.

3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.

REMOVING UNiT FROM CARTON

1. Liftunitfromthe reartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial androllunitoutof carton.

2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.

F m

LOOSE PARTS iN CARTON

,, GrassCatcher ,, GrassCatcherAdapter

,, SideDischargeChute ,, HardwarePack

,, EngineOil

ASSEMBLY

Attaching The Handle

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand lowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshowninFigure1.

Makecertainthelowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhile lifting thehandleup.

b. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto lowerhandle.

Makesurethateachcarriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe handle.

2. Locatethehairpinclipontheweldpinoneachsideof lower handle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usingapairof pliers,

inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosesttothe bracket. SeeFigure2.Repeaton otherside.

b. Insertacarriageboltfromthe hardwarepackintotheupper

holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithoneplastic wingnut,alsoincludedinthehardwarepack.Repeaton othersidewithremainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Figure1

j/i/

Figure2

--.,

NOTE:Makecertainthe drivecable isroutedaroundtheoutsideand abovethelowerhandlesoit doesnotinterferewithattachingthegrass

bag.The chutedoorhasbeendesignedtomovethestarterropeoutof thewayofthebagwhenthechutedoorisopened.

3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedto thesupportrod,islocated ontherightsideofthelowerhandle.SeeFigure3below.

a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasebladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

4. Attachcablestothelowerhandlewiththecabletiesalreadyon thelowerhandle.Insertpegson cabletiesintotheholeson the lowerhandle.SeeFigure4.Pullcabletiestightandcutoffthe

extra.

Attaching the Grass Catcher

The mowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffleinstalledontheunit.

Forbaggingpurposes,youwill haveto attachthegrassbagandits adapterinplaceofthemulchingbaffle.

1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthemulchingbafflein placeand removefromunit.SeeFigure5.

2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethefrontlipof adaptergoesundertheedgeofthe deck.Securewithwingnuts previouslyremoved.

3. Liftchutedooronthegrassbagadapterandslidegrassbagonto theadapter.SeeFigure6.

f --,,

Figure3

Figure5

Figure6

ADJUSTMENTS

Cutting Height Thecutting heightadjustmentleverislocatedabovetherearleft

wheel.SeeFigure7Ainsert.

1. Pullleveroutandawayfrommower.

2. Moveleverforwardorbackfor desiredcuttingheight.

3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck. Thefrontwheelcuttingheightisdeterminedbyselectingoneof six

positionsoneach casterassembly.Toadjustfrontcuttingheight,refer toFigure7Bandproceedasfollows:

1. Removewingnut fromaxlebolt. Slideaxleboltandwavewasher

fromtheassemblyandselecta cuttingheight.

2. Withwavewasheron axlebolt, reinserthardwareinthe square

holedesiredthroughwheel assemblyandsecurewithwing

nutpreviouslyremoved.

IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesamerelativeposition. Forroughor unevenlawns,movetheheightadjustmentleverto a higherposition.Thiswill stopscalpingofgrass.

Figure7

Thecasterscan be lockedina straightaheadpositionorpositionto swivelfreely.SeeFigure7Cinsert.

1. Liftlock pins.

2. Placeinlargerholestolockwheels.Placepinsinsmallerholesto allowcastersto rotatefreelyforturning.

Drive Control

Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin thedrivecontrolhandlehousing andisusedtotightenor loosenthe drivebelt.Youwill haveto adjust

thedrivecontrolifanyof thefollowinghappens:

1. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrolengaged.

2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.

If eitherof theseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust thedrivecontrol.SeeFigure8.

NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeinacomfortable position.Youcanadjustthehandlebytighteningtheadjustmentwheel.

Figure8

Control

Drive Control

Shift Lever

Recoil Starter

Oil Cap/Dil

Side Discharge_e

BLADE CONTROL

The bladecontrolis attachedto theupperhandleofthemower.See

Figure9. Depressand squeezeitagainstthe upperhandletooperate theunit.Releaseit tostopengineandblade.

........Electric Start ignition Key

Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever

Plug

Muffler

Figure9

ELECTRIC START IGNITION KEY

Theelectricstartignitionkeyis locatedontheleftsideofthehandle

panel.Itisusedonly fortheelectricstarter.

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits

operations.

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

LEVER

Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe

left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,refertothe Assemblysection.

DRIVE CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheupperhandle.Squeezethedrive

controltoengagethedrivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive system.

SHIFT LEVER

Theshiftleveris locatedon thedrivecontrolhousingonthe upper

handle.Thisleverisusedto selecttheforwardspeedof themower.

Whenchangingspeedselection,releasethedrivecontrol.

IMPORTANT:Movethe shiftleveronlywhentheengineisrunning. Changingthe shiftleversettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe

mower.

Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectionto

attachthe sidedischargechute.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaoncuttingdeck. Refer towarninglabelontheunit.

RECOIL STARTER

Therecoilstarterisconnectedto thesupportrodandislocatedon the

rightsideofthelowerhandle.Standbehindtheunit andpulltherecoil

starterropetostarttheunit.

GAS CAP

Removethe gascaptoaddfuelto thefueltank.Useclean,fresh, regularunleadedgasolinewithaminimumof87 octane.

SPARK PLUG

Referto theMaintenancesectionfor instructionsonsparkplug replacement.

OIL CAP/DIPSTICK

Referto theMaintenancesectionfor instructionsoncheckingtheoil.

GAS AND OIL FILL=UP

Oil (one bottle shipped with unit) FirstTimeUse

1. Removeoil filldipstick.

2. Withthelawnmoweron levelground,use afunnelto emptyentire contentsofoil bottleprovidedintotheengine.

3. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.

Subsequent Uses Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification SE SG,SH,or SJ.Selectthe oil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto

theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthe chartbelow.

/Colder _ 32°F _--Warrner_

Oil Viscosity Chart

Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen usedabove32°RCheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.SeeFigure9.

1. Checktheoil levelbeforeeach operationmakingcertainnot torubthedipstickalongthe insidewallsof theoilfill tubeand

withoutscrewingit in.Thiswouldresultinafalsedipstick reading.Refillto FULLmarkon dipstick,ifnecessary.Capacity

isapproximately18oz.Overfillingwillcausetheenginetosmoke profuselyandwill resultin poorengineperformance.

2. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.

3. Keepoil levelatFULL.Runningtheenginewithtoolittleoilcan resultinpermanentenginedamage.

Gasoline

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuel machineindoors or whilethe engineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,

pipes,andothersourcesofignition.

Removefuel capfromthefueltank.

2. Makesurethecontainerfromwhichyouwill pourthegasolineis cleanandfreefromrustor foreignparticles.Neverusegasoline thatmaybestalefromlongperiodsofstoragein itscontainer. Gasolinethathasbeensittingforanyperiodlongerthanfour

weeksshouldbe consideredstale.

3. Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedregulargasolineonly.Do notusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL.Replacefuelcap.

Useofalcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholorusingethanolor methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadstoseparationandforma-

tionof acidsduringstorage.Acidicgas candamagethefuelsystem

[of anengnewh e n storage.

f --,,

_,, J

Figure9

Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbeemptiedbefore storagefor30daysorlonger.Drainthegastank,start theengine

andletit rununtilthe fuellinesandcarburetorareempty.Usefresh fuelnextseason.SeeSTORAGEInstructionsforadditionalinforma-

tion.

Neveruseengineorcarburetorcleanerproductsinthefueltankor permanentdamagemayoccur.

Be surenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine indoorsor inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands, feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine

and lawnmower.

TO START ENGINE

1. Attachsparkplugwireandrubberboottosparkplug.

2. Gastankshouldbeatleast3/4full beforestarting.

3. Pushprimerbuttononce.Do notprime onhotdaysor to restarta warmengineafterashortshutdown.SeeFigure10.

4. Standingbehindthemower,depressthebladecontroland holdit againsttheupperhandle.SeeFigure10.

5. This mowerhas twoseparatestartingsystems,electricand recoil. Electric Start: Turnignitionkeytotheright tostarttheengine. Releasethekeyaftertheenginestarts. Recoil Start: Graspstarterhandleandpullropeoutslowly untilenginereachesstartofcompressioncycle(ropewillpull slightlyharderatthispoint).Lettheroperewindslowly.Pullrope witharapid,continuous,full armstroke.Keepingafirm gripon thestarter handle,lettheroperewindslowly.

TO STOP ENGINE

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditto the retainingpostto preventaccidentalstartingwhiletheequipmentisunattended.

Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon

themowerortoremovethesidedischargechute, j

USING YOUR LAWN MOWER

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently thrownbythemowerinanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonal injuryto theoperatorandothers.

1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe upperhandletopropelmower.Releaseittodisengagethedrive.

2. Usetheshift levertoselectthe forwardspeedof themower- 1 istheslowestspeed,6 isthefastest.Whenchangingspeed selection,releasethe drivecontrol.

IMPORTANT:Movethe shiftleveronlywhentheengineisrunning. Changingthe shiftleversettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe

mower.

If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforany damage,and repair damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationofmower duringoperationisanindicationofdamage.Theunitshouldbe promptlyinspectedand repaired.

f --,,

Figure10

f --,,

,,, x

USING GRASS CATCHER

Youcanusethegrasscatcherbagto collectclippingswhileyouare operatingthemower.

1. AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsintheAssembly section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe bagas yourun the mower.

2. Operatethemowertill thegrassbagis full.

3. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure thattheunithascometoa completestop.

4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthelower handle,liftthegrassbagstraightupoff theadapter.Thechute doorwillmovetheropeout ofthe wayof thebag.

5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisethe rearofthe grass bagandreleasethe lowerhandleovera properreceptacle.The grassbagwillopenandthegrassclippingswilldisperse.When replacingthegrassbag,besurethe topof thebagrestsonthe wiresupportbetweenthe handles.

USING SIDE DISCHARGE

Followstepsbelowto installthe sidedischargechute:

1. Removemulchingbaffleorgrassbagadapterfromunitby disconnectingwingnuts.

2. Attachsidedischargechutetounitandsecurewiththethreewing nuts.SeeFigure11.

Figure11

Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing thrownintotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.

USING AS MULCHER

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorthesidedischarge chutefromthe mower,andreattachthemulchingbaffle.Referto page 9 ofAssemblysection.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowinexcessoffourinches,mulching

isnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatcher to bagclippingsinstead.

f --,,

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst /

_engnebeforeperformngany typeofma ntenanceonyourmachne.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance. ,, Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave

beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas

instructedhere.

,, Changingof engine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty. ,, Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.

,, Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethesearetight.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Spark Plug Cleansparkplugandresettheelectrodegapto 0.030"atleastoncea

season;replaceevery100hoursofoperation.

• Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent.

,, Removeand inspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureit is

setat.030".SeeFigure12.

,, Replacethesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,orthe

porcelainiscracked.

Servicing the Air Cleaner Theair cleanerpreventsdamagingdirt, dust,etc.,fromenteringthe

carburetorandbeingforcedintothe engineandisimportanttoengine lifeand performance.The air cleanerconsistsofafoamelementanda paperelementthatcanbecleanedandreused.Neverruntheengine withoutanaircleanercompletelyassembled.

Electrode Porcelain

.030(.76 mm) gap

Figure12

,,.. J

Figure13

Neverusegasolineor lowflashpointsolventsforcleaningthe I

e ement.Af re orexpos on coudresut.

1. Unfastentheaircleanercasebyslidingthetwofastenerstoward therecoilstarter.

2. Withtwohands,pullingthetwolatchestowardyouandupward asshownin Figure13,separatetheaircleanercasefromtheair cleanerbody.

Foam Element

• Cleanfoamelementafterfirst8hoursofuse,thenevery25hours ofusethereafter.SeeFigure14.

• Washtheelementindetergentandwater,anddry itthoroughly.

Donotoilfoamelement.

Paper Element ,, Cleanpaperelementafterfirst8hoursof use,thenevery100

hoursof usethereafter.SeeFigure14.

,, Cleantheelementbytappinggentlytoremovedust.If verydirty,

replacetheelement.

Cover

Foam PaperElement Element

Figure14

• Replacepaperelementyearlyorevery300hours.

Donotwashpaperelement.Donotusepressurizedairtoclean or I drypapereement.

NOTE:Operatinginadustyconditionmayrequiremorefrequent maintenancethan above.

1. Reinstallthefoamelementandthenthe paperelementontheair cleanerbody.

2. Reinstalltheaircleanercaseontheaircleanerbodybyfirstfittingthe projection(A)on theedgeoftheair cleanercaseintotheslit (B) in theair cleanerbody.SeeFigure15.

3. Slidingthefasteners(C)towardtheaircleanercase,securelyfasten togetherthecaseandaircleanerbody.

Afterservicingtheaircleaner,besureall theremovedpartsare reinstalledproperlyinplace.Failuretosecurelyfastentogetherair cleanercaseandair cleanerbodymaycausedirtor otherforeign materialstoentertheenginewhileit isrunning,resultinginengine

troublesorfailures.

Check Engine Oil Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoillevelis maintained.

1. Removeoil filldipstickandwipecleanwithcloth.

2. Replacedipstickwithoutscrewingitin.Removeandcheckoil level.LevelshouldbeatFULLmark.

3. If needed,addoilslowly-recheck.Donotoverfill.

4. Installandtightendipstick.

Figure15

7. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.

8. Replacesparkplugwirebeforestarting.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoilproperly.

IDo notdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyour localauthori- Itiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

Service Muffler

,, Inspectmufflerperiodically,andreplaceifnecessary.Replace-

mentpartsforthemufflermustbe thesameand installedinthe

samepositionastheoriginalparts.

Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheengineto notstart, hardstarting,orenginesmoking.If overthe FULLmarkon the dipstick,drainoil to reduceoilleveltoFULLmarkon dipstick.

Change Engine Oil

,, Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIservice

classificationSF,SG,SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscosity gradeaccordingto theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Referto Operationsectionforviscositychart.

,, Changeengineoilafterthefirsteighthoursofoperation,and

everyfifty hoursthereafter.

To Drain Oil

1. Drainthefuelfromthe tankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefuel tankisempty.Besurethe moweris level.

2. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand keepit awayfromsparkplug.

3. Tipthemower,keepingthemufflersidedown.

4. Removethedipstickfromthe engineandpourentireoilcontents fromthecrankcaseintoan appropriatecontainer.

5. Putthemowerbacktoitsoperatingposition(onallfourwheels).

6. Refillwithapproximately18oz.offreshoil. Fillto FULLlineon dipstick.Donotoverfill.Referto GasAndOilFill-UpinOperation

section.

ofmufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150° F ITemperature

1(65C).Avod contactwth theseareas.

Clean Engine

,, Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated

debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.

Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible

debris.

,, Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine. ,, Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-

ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.

Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Usea brushordrycloth.

Carburetor Adjustment

Thecarburetoronthis engineis notadjustable.

Engine Speed

Donottamperwiththegovernorsettingorthecarburetorsettingto

ncreasetheenginespeed.Eachcarburetorisadjustedat thefactory Nitheitheracapor stopplateinstalledonthemixturescrew.Any adjustmentsmustbeperformedbya Searsorotherqualifiedservice

Jealer.

LUBRICATION

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplug,andgroundagainst /

_engnebeforeperformngany typeofmantenanceon yourmachne.J Blade Control

Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolatleastonceaseasonwith lightoil. Thebladecontrolmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See Figure16.

Wheels and Casters Lubricatethewheelsandcastersat leastoncea seasonwithlightoil

(ormotoroil).Ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,lubricatethe axle boltand innersurfaceofthewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure16.

Grass Catcher Adapter Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneachendof thegrass

catcheradapterdoorat leastoncea seasonwithlightoilto prevent rust.SeeFigure16.

Transmission Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryanddoes

notrequirelubrication.

Figure16

CLEANING DECK

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckonceaseasontopreventbuild-up ofgrassclippingsor otherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawnmowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthe gascap.

2. Tipmowersothat it restsonthe housing,keepingthemufflerside down.Holdmowerfirmly.

)artoftheenginecausinga startingproblem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwithasuitabletool.Donot spraywithwater.

IMPORTANT:Do notuseapressurewasheror gardenhosetoclean yourunit.Thesemaycausedamagetobearings,ortheengine.The

useof waterwillresultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.Ifyouhadputplastic underthegascapearlier,makesuretoremoveitnow.

Figure17

REPLACING REAR FLAP

Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:

1. Cutofftheflatendofthewirerodwhichsecuresittothedeck.See Figure17.

2. Attachthenewflapandnewrodtothedeck,bendingtheendsofthe newrodovertosecuretodeck.

ADJUSTING SHIFT LEVER CABLE

Periodicadjustmentof thesix speedshiftcablemaybe necessarydue tonormalwearon the cable.Adjustmentisneededifall sixspeedsdo notwork.Theadjustablecable bracketislocatedontheleftsideof the mowerbesidetheengine.SeeFigure18.

1. Startengineandplaceshift leverinthe sixthspeedposition.

2. Stopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainst engine.

3. Loosenhexnutwhichsecurestheadjustablecablebracket.See Figure18.

4. Pushbackonthe adjustablecablebracket.

5. Tightenhexnut.

BLADE CARE

Whenremovingthecuttingbladeforsharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesor usea heavyragto holdtheblade. Figure18

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps

belowforbladeservice.

1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitsside makingsurethattheairfilterandthecarburetorarefacingup.

2. Removethe boltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade andthebladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure19.

NOTE: Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,becarefulnot toremoveorlosepartsaboveitassociatedwiththe enginepulley.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.SeeFigure19.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe bladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto check.Removemetalfrom

theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe blade,followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedge equallyto keepthe bladebalanced.

Anunbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat highspeeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausin( personalinjury.

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurfaceof the blade adapterwithlightoil. Slidethe bladeadapterontotheengine crankshaft.Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthatthe sideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwith partnumber)facestheground whenthe mowerisintheoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe bladeisalignedand seatedonthe bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotchesonthebladebell supportwithsmallholesinblade.

7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.min.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade

boltforcorrecttorque.

• //

"BladeBell j

Support

_,, ,J

Figure19

BELT CARE

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedinordertochangethe mower'sself-propulsiondrivebelt. Seean authorizedSearsService

Centerto haveyourbelt replaced.

Bolt

REPLACING BATTERY

Batteriescontainsulfuricacidwhichmaycauseburns.Donotshort

Icircuitormutilatebatteriesinany way.Donotput batteriesinfireas [thesemayburstorreleasetoxicmaterials.

1. Loosenstarknobssecuringupperandlowerhandlesandcarefully foldthe upperhandledowntowardthelowerhandleasshownin Figure20.

2. Removethetwoscrewssecuringbatterycovertobatteryhousingand placethemtotheside.SeeFigure20.

3. Openbatterycover,removepositiveandnegativeleadsfrom battery,removeandreplacewithnewbattery.Connectthe positiveleadto thepositivesideofthebatterypack,then connect thenegativeside.

NOTE:Thebatteryyouhavemaydifferslightlyfromtheoneshownin Figure21.RefertothePartsList.

IMPORTANT:Whenreplacingbatterypackinhandlepanel,battery packmustbepositionedwiththepositiveterminaltotheleftside andthenegativeterminalto therightsideofpanel(Positiveterminal isclosesttothekeyswitch).SeeFigure21.Replacingbatterypack incorrectlywillcauseseriousdamage.

4. Reattachbatterycovertobatteryhousingbysecuringwiththe twoscrewsremovedearlier,makingsuretosnap thewire conduit ontheleft intoplaceonthe housing.

5. Foldhandlesbackup andtightenstarknobs.

remove

lDo not the fromtheelectricstarter for

anyreasonotherthanreplacement, j

Charging Battery

The batterycontainscorrosivefluidandtoxicmaterial;handlewith

careandkeepawayfromchildren.Donotpuncture,disassemble, mutilateorincineratethebattery.Explosivegasescouldbevented duringchargingordischarging.Useinawellventilatedarea,away fromsourcesof ignition.

batterypack housing

Figure20

Positive

h -. Terminal

egat,ve /

........::Term inal_ I

Figure21

NOTE:Thespecialdesignedplugon the chargerwillonlyfit intothe plugonthebatterybox.

1. Plugthebatterychargerintotheporton the undersideof the batteryhousing.SeeFigure22.

2. Insertthebatterychargerplugintoa standard120volthousehold outlet.Chargebatteryfor 8to 10hoursbeforeinitial use.Failure todoso mayresultindiminishedbatterylife.Do not charge longer than 12 hours. Thebatteryshouldonlyneedtobe chargeduponinitialsetupandafteranyotherextendedperiodsof

non-use.

3. Aftercharging,disconnectchargerplugfromoutletfirst,then disconnectchargerleadfrombattery.

Figure22

iMPORTANT:Alwaysplugchargerleadintobatterypackleadfirst, andtheninsertbatterychargerpluginto120voltstandardhousehold

outlet.Followthisorderofactioneverytimeyouchargethebattery.

Useonlythebatterychargersuppliedwiththismower.

Replacing Fuse

Theelectricstartercircuitandbatteryareprotectedbya 40 ampere

fuse.If thefuseburnsout,theelectricstarterwill notoperate.Ifthe unitfailstostartwiththeelectricstarter,performthefollowingstepsto checkthefuseinsidethe batteryhousing:

1. Openthebatterycoveras describedinReplacingBattery.See Figure20.

2. Removefusefromsocketand inspectasshowninFigure23.Ifit isburnedout, replacewithstandardautomotive40amperefuse.

3. Carefullyplacewiringbackintohousing,closebatterycover,and foldupperhandlebackintoplace.

NOTE:Theenginecanbe startedmanuallyifthefuseburnsout.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

.... J

Figure23

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo a completestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.

EachUse

1st8 hours

25 hours

50 hours Annuallyor100hours

Annuallyor300hours BeforeStorage

1. Engineoillevel

2. Looseormissinghardware

3. Unitandengine.

1. Engineoil

2. Aircleanerfoam/paperelement

1. Aircleanerfoamelement

2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

2. Aircleanerpaperelement

1. Aircleanerpaperelement

1. Fuelsystem

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof completedmaintenancetasks.To locatethe nearest SearsService Center or to schedule service, simply contactSearsat

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

= =

1. Check

2. Tightenorreplace

3. Clean

1. Change

2. Clean

1. Cleanor replace

2. Lubewith lightoil

1. Change

1. Clean,replace,re-gap

2. Clean

1. Replace

1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof fuelor adda gasolineadditivetothe gasinthetank.

NOTE:Theserviceintervalsindicatedare tobeusedasa guide.Serviceshouldbeperformedmorefrequentlyasnecessarybasedonoperating conditions.Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

Neverstorelawnmowerwithfuel intank indoorsorinpoorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark, or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas appliance.

PREPARING THE ENGINE

Enginetobe storedover30daysshouldbecompletelydrainedoffuel (gasoline)to preventgumdepositsformingon essentialcarburetor

_artsandfuelsystem.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableandcan beexplosiveundercertain conditions.Draingasolinebeforestoringtheequipmentforextended

)eriods.Draingasolinein awell-ventilatedareaawayfromany ;ourceofflameorsparks,includingany applianceswitha pilotlight.

Storegasolinein anapprovedcontainerin safelocation.

1. Removethesparkplugcap fromsparkplugtopreventaccidental startingthe engine.

2. Emptythefuelfromthefueltankwitha pumporsiphon.

3. Fittheplugcaponthesparkplugsecurely

4. Startand runtheengineat idlespeedto usedupthe fuelinthe fuelsystem.

Beforemaintainingengine,stoptheengineandallowit cool. I

5. Removethesparkplugandpourapprox.1-2mL(0.06-0.1cu.in) of newengineoilthroughtheplughole.Slowlypulltherecoil startergripseveraltimesandreinstallthesparkplug.

6. Slowlypullthe recoilstartergrip untilyoufeelcompressionand

leaveitthere.

7. Cleaneverypartofthe engine.

8. Afterperiodofstorage,changeengineoil. (Referto"OilChange" sectionin "MAINTENANCE"section).

PREPARING THE LAWN MOWER

,, Cleanand lubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrica-

tioninstructions. ,, Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetocleanyour unit. ,, Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto prevent

rusting.

,, Referto PREPARINGTHEENGINEforcorrectenginestorage

instructions.

,, Storemowerinadry,cleanarea.Do notstorenextto corrosive

materials,suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringany typeofpowerequipmentinapoorlyventilatedor

metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakentorust-prooftheequipment. Usinga lightoil orsilicone,coatthe equipment,especiallycablesand

all movingpartsofyour lawnmowerbeforestorage.

Battery

Thebatterymustbestoredwitha fullcharge.Extendedstorageofa dischargedbatterywillreducelifeandcapacityofthebattery.

l Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeofgasolineproperly.Contact

yourlocal authoritiesfor approveddisposalmethods.

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