Craftsman 247.37000 User manual

Operator's Manual
®
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.37000
CAUTION: using
this product, read this
manual and folmow aml
safety fumes and operating
instructions,
®SAFETY
®ASSEMBLY
®OPERATION
®MAINTENANCE
®PARTS LIST
®ESPANOL, p. 33
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769=07571
11/23/2011

WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafetyRnstructions....................................Pages3-6
SUopeGuide..............................................Page7
AssemMy..................................................Pages8-11
Operation..................................................Pages12-13
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-17
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page18
TroubUeshooting........................................Page19
PartsList...................................................Page20-29
Espa_oU.....................................................Page33
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman TwoYearFull Warranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.DefectiveproductwiiI
receivefreerepairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavaiiabb.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
, Expendabbitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerbhdes,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkpBgs.
, Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
, Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
, Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,NoffmanEstates,IL60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 15ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkHug: Champion@RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
SeriatNumber.................................................................
Dateof Purchase .............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
@SearsBrands,LLC 2

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers.Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDiTSWARNING!
CAUFORNIA PROPOSiTiON 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE NSTRUCT ONS!
GENERAL OPERATUON
, Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthemachineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfutureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donotuseitforanyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserubs of
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsatbast 75feetfrommowerwhileitis inopera-
tion.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
, Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
, Wearsturdy,rough=soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand
steePtoedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light=weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
, Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
, A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseNadecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
, Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedbyslippingor tripping.Donotholdon to
themowerifyouarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
, Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking,if
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarmsforwar&
2. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsas nee@&
, Donotoperatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor
drugs.
, DonotengagetheseBpropelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3

, Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassits operation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinoperao
fiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.
, Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
, Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
, Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
, Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
, Shuttheengineoff andwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthe
bladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.
, Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivedeo
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
, Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
, Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
, Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin thePartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocanresultin personalinjury.
, Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
, If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon a slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreater
than15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
oMowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
, Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyoutosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
, Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
, Donotmowneardrop-ells,ditchesor embankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
, Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
, Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
, Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
, Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
, Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor
smallchildren.
, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofa
childwhomayrunintothemower.
, Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineand betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
SafeHanding Of Gasolne:
, Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineisspilledon yourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
, Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
, Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefiling.
, Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueliton theground,ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
, Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4

, Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
, Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
, Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
, Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthefueltankneck.
, Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
, If gasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
, Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
, Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuel-soakeddebris.
, Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
, Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
, Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
, Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedin thePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
, Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut.Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
, Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
in safeworkingcondition.
, Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
, Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
, Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
, Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,and trailshieldare
subjectto wearand damagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
, Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
, Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
, Donotcrankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
, Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
, Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations,improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
, Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product
hasanAverage Usefu!Lifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefu/Lifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidtheproductwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking
orderbytheoperator,intheStateofCaliforniatheaboveis required
bylaw(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestor(PartNo.398067)forthemufflerisavailablethrough
yournearestSearsPartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfoIDwall instructionson themachine
beforeattemptingtoassemNeandoperate.
i
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
DANGER -- BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
DANGER-- HAND/FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER-- THROWNDEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the Made in any direction. Wear safety glasses.
DANGER -- SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15%
WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOTSURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
6

15° Slope (TO0 STEEP)
15° Slope
_, FigureI
"_ "_ _" "_ S"odn
._ line
USETHINSSLOPEGAUGETODETERJ_IiNE
iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATJONJ
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2_ Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g_a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Align either sideof theslopegaugewith the object(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or down until the left cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5. If there is agap belowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
Figure 2 b-
Slopes area majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severe injury or death. Do not operate machineon slopes
in excessof 15degrees. Allslopes requireextra caution.Always mowacrossthe faceof slopes, never mowup and downslopes.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand bft handsideoftheLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENUNG CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonvertbaiiyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeaiiiooseparts.
3. Removeioosepackingmaterial.
REMOVUNG UNUT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androiIunitoutofcarton.
2. CheckcartonthorougNyforanyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS UNCARTON
, SideDischargeCover
o
f
f
Figure2 J
Attaching The Handme
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshown
in Figure1_Donotloosenor removeadjacenthexhead
screws.
B. Whilestabilizingmowersoitdoesn'tmove,pivotupper
handleupas showninFigure2.Donotcrimpcane while
liftingthehandleuF
2. RemoveT_boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
/
\\
Figure3
Figure1 8

Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesin lowerhandle(shown
in Figure3 deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandle
allthewayout.
B. bsert theT-boltsremovedin stepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.
C. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto
lowerholesofhandleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideoftheupperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarter
ropeintotheropeguide.SeeFigure6.
C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
.,. J
Figure5
f_ N_
Figure4 Figure6
9

Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Yourmowerisshippedasa mubher.Toconverttosidedischarge,
makesuregrasscatcherisoff of theunitand reardischargedooris
dosed.
1. Onthesideof themower,lift themubhingcover.See Figure7.
2. Slidetwo hooksofsidedischargecoverunderhingepinon
mubhingcoverassembly.Lowermubhingcover.Donotremove
sidemubhingcoveratanytime,evenwhenyouarenotmubhing.
Cutting Height
Thereisa cuttingheightadjustmentbver locatedabovethefrontand
rearrightwheel.
1. PuiItheheightadjustmentbver outwardtowardswheel(unitwiiI
tendtofailwhenbver ismovedoutward).See Figure8.
2. Movebver todesiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure8.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
iMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition_For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position_Thiswillpreventyoufromcuttingthegrasstooclosetothe
ground_
f
Side Discharge
Cover
f
Side Mulching
Cover
Figure7
Figure8
10

Figure9
BLADE CONTROL
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandb ofthemower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandb tooperatetheunit.
Rebase ittostopengineandblade.
SUDE DUSCHARGE COVER
Yourmoweris shippedasa mubher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthesidedischargecover.
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.
CUTTUNG HEUGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon therightrearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesame
positiontoensurea uniformcut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.
MULCH PLUG
Themulchplugisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollecting
thegrassclippingsin agrasscatcheror usingthesidedischarge
chute,somemowermodelshavetheoptionof recirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothelawn.Thisiscalledmulching.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaon cuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelonthe unit.
RECOUL STARTER
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.Standbehind
theunitandpulltherecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
PRIMER
Theprimerislocatedinthecenteroftheair filter.See Figure9 inset.
Theprimerisusedtopumpgasintothecarburetorandaidin starting
theengine.
OIL FILL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11

GAS AND OUL FULL-UP f
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
0[[ (one 15 ounce bottmeshipped with unit)
First Time Use
1. Removeoil filldipstick(G).SeeFigure10.
2. Withthe moweron bveI ground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottb
providedintotheengineoil fill(H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroil thatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor
APIservicecategorySK SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPI
servicelabelon theoilcontainerto besureitincludesthelettersSR
SG,SH,SJor higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfortheengine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
o4 ...... _ Z
68 o
50 _ _
o
14 C
U
40
30
20
.....................t0
o
qO
20
-30
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°0)theuseof 10%30 maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. insertandtightentheoilfilldipsticL Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure10.
4. iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill
5. ReinstalltheoilfilldipsticL
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donotmixoil in
gasolineor modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmust meet these requirements:
, Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
\ J
Figure10
, A minimumof87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
, Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelina welPventilatedareawiththeenginestoppe& iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocoolfirsLNeverrefueltheengineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor spark&
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoor&Wipeupspills
immediately.
ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertotheOff SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinformao
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintand sometypesof plastic.Becareful
nottospillfuelwhenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestab orcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltanL
1. RemovethefueltankcaF
Z Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do
notfillabovethebottomofthefueltanknecL Donotoverfill
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilitclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratbast 10feet awayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclose&poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
12

TO START ENGUNE
1. Pushtheprimerthreetimes.SeeFigure11.Donotprimeto
restarta warmengine.
NOTE:Ifyoupushtheprimertoomanytimes,excessivefuelwiiIflood
thecarburetorandtheenginewiiIbedifficulttostart.
2_ Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebbde controlhandb
againstupperhandb.
& Holdingthesetwohandbstogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handb andpuiIropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpuiIwitha
rapid,continuous,fuiIarmstroke.SeeFigure11_Keepinga firm
griponthestartercordhandb,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecrank& Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresuL
TO STOP ENGUNE
1_ Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandbbde_ Figure11
Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themoweror toremovethegrasscatcher.
USUNG YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
USUNG AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethe sidedischargechutefromthemower.
Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass,if thegrasshasbeenal-
lowedtogrowin excessoffourinches,mulchingis notrecommende&
Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
13

MAUNTENANCESCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/sewice,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof
completedmaintenancetask&Tolocatethe nearest SearsService
Center or toschedule service, simply contact Searsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1stMonthor 5 hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
.
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
2.
Engineoillevel
Looseormissinghardware
Aircleaner
Unitandengine.
Engineoil
Aircleanerl-
Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
Undersideofmowerdeck
Engineoill-l-
Sparkplug
AirCleaner
Fuelsystem
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriortostorage.
)resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
1-1-Changeoil every25 hourswhenoperatingtheengineunderheavyloador in hightemperature&
14

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATUONS
, Alwaysobservesafetyrubs whenperforminganymaintenance_
, Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
, Changingofengine=governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
, Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat bast onceeachseason.
, Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetighL
ENGUNE MAUNTENANCE
Spark Pmug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeofdeposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1_ Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2_ Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethesparkplug.
NOTE:Replacewitha ChampionRC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure1£ Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).if necessary,resetthegap.
4. Installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cmeaner
A dirtyaircleanerwiilrestrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthefiltereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedtocleanthefiltermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
f
Electrode
Figure12
Neverstartor runtheenginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
Figure13
NOTE:Donotusepressurizedairor solventstocleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
Theair cleanersystemusesa foamelementthatcanbewashedand
reused.
1. Openthecover(B)and removethefoamelement(C). SeeFigure
18.
2. Washthefoamelementin liquiddetergentandwater.Squeeze
drythefoamelementina cleancloth.
3. SaturatethefoamelementwithcleanengineoikToremovethe
excessengineoil,squeezethefoamelementin acleancloth.
4. Installthefoamelementandclosethecover.
15

Check Engine O1
Checkoil levelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelis maintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththerecommendedoil
totheupperlimitmark.Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine O1
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoil afterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoroncea seasonthereafter.
Whenyoudraintheoil fromthetopoil filltube,thefueltankmustbe
emptyor fuelcanleakoutand resultin afireor explosion.Toempty
thefueltank,runtheengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theenginetocatchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoil filldipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure14.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltotheupperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththerecommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
C(ean Engine
, Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
, Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
, Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
f
Ol Fil/Dipstick
J
Figure14
\ j
Figure15
B(ade Contro(
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
15.
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
16

CLEANUNGDECK
Cban undersideofthemowerdeckonceaseasonto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsor otherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackoffuel DisconnectsparkpBg
wire.
2_ Tipmowersothat it restson thehousing,keepingthemufflerside
down_Referbackto Figure14_Holdmowerfirmly_
Nevertip themowermorethan900inanydirectionanddo notleave
the mowertippedforanylengthoftime.Oilcandrainintotheupper
partoftheenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideof thedeckwitha suitabletool
Donotspraywithwater.
iMPORTANT:Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetoclean
youruniLThesemaycausedamageto bearings,ortheengine_The
useof waterwillresultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability_
4. Putthemowerbackon itswheelsontheground.
BLADE CARE
f
Support ¢_ ................. Bolt
Figure16
Whenremovingthecuttingbladeforsharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesorusea heavyragto
holdtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobjecLReplacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowforbladeservice.
1_ Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweron its
sidemakingsurethattheair filterandthecarburetorarefacing
up.
2_ Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshafLSeeFigure16_
3_ RemovebladeandadapterfromthecrankshafL
4_ Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followtheoriginalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthebladebalanced.
An unbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds,itmaycausedamageto mowerandcouldbreakcausin(
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil Slidethebladeadapterontotheengine
crankshafLPlacethebladeon theadaptersuchthatthesideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facestheground
whenthemowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedon thebladeadapterflanges.See
Figure16inseL
6. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Alignnotchesontheblade
bellsupportwithsmallhobs in blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.ram,
600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltforcorrecttorque.
17

Neverstorelawnmowerwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly
ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark,
or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas
appliance.
PREPARUNG THE ENGUNE
Forenginesstoredover30days:
1_ Topreventgumfromforminginfuelsystemoron carburetor
parts,runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffueloradda gasoline
additiveto thegasin thetanL if youuseagasadditive,runthe
engineforseveralminutesto circulatetheadditivethroughthe
carburetor--afterwhichtheengineandfuelcanbe storedupto
24months.
2_ Whileengineisstillwarm,changetheoik
3_ Cleanengineofsurfacedebris.
PREPARUNG THE LAWN MOWER
, Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthe lubrica-
tioninstructions.
, Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetocleanyouruniL
, Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto prevent
rusting.
, RefertoPREPARINGTHE ENGINEforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
, Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosive
materials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorlyventilatedor
metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakentorust_prooftheequipmenL
Usinga lightoil orsilicone,coattheequipment,especiallycablesand
all movingpartsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
18

Enginefailstostart
Enginerunserratic
1. Bladecontroldisengaged.
2. Sparkplugbootdisconnected.
3. Fueltankemptyor stab fuel.
4. Enginenotprimed.
5. Faultysparkplug.
6. Engineflooded.
7. BIockedfuelline.
1. Sparkplugbootloose.
2. Stab fuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirtinfuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. BIockedfuelline.
1. Engineoillevellow. 1.
2. Airflowrestricted. 2.
Occasionalskips(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faulty,or gaptoowide. 1.
2. Dirtyair cleaner. 7.
Excessivevibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2.
Mowerwillnotmulchgrass 1. Wetgrass. 1.
Uneven cut
.
3. Dullblade.
1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly.
2. Dullblade.
'_
1. Engagebladecontrol.
2. Connectwiretosparkboot.
3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
4. Primeengineas instructedintheOperationsection.
5. Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
6. Waita fewminutesto restart,butdo notprime.
7. ContactyourSearsParts& RepairCenterto have
fuellinecleaned.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugboot.
2. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent
4. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. RefertoAirCleanerinEngineMaintenancesection.
6. ContactyourSearsParts& RepairCenterto have
fuellinecleaned.
Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
Cleanareaaroundandontopofengine.
Adjustgapto.030".
Resetgapto .030"or replacesparkplug.
RefertoAirCleanerinEngineMaintenancesection.
Tightenbladeandadapter.Balanceblade.
Replaceblade.
Donotmowwhengrassiswet;waituntil
laterto cut.
2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,thenmowagain
at desiredheightor makea narrowercuttingpath.
3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
1. Adjustcuttingheightleveron rightfrontandright
rearwheelto sameposition.
2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
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19

Craftsman Mower _ Modem No. 247.37000
21
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