Craftsman 247.370320 User manual

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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN°
21" Mulching/Side-Discharge
PUSH LAWN MOWER
Model No.
247.370320
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.
Printed in U.S.A. 770-0751M

Content Page Content Page
Warranty Information 2 Maintenance 12
Safe Operation Practices 3 Service & Adjustment 15
Slope Gauge 6 Storage 17
Assembly 7 Trouble-Shooting 19
Operation 9 Parts List 20
Two-Year Warranty on Craftsman Lawn Mower
For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman lawn mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned
up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defects in material or
workmanship. If this lawn mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days
from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover:
1. Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters,
belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
2. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to
maintain equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER TO THE
NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
These accessories were
available when the lawn
mower was purchased, They
are also available at most
Sears retail outlets, and
service centers. Most Sears
stores can order repair parts
for you when you provide the
model number of your lawn
mower.
AirFilter Spark Plug Muffler _--_ " _.,._ Wheels
Engine Oil Stabilizer Gas Can Blade Grass Catcher
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Horsepower:
Engine Oil
Fuel Capacity:
Spark Plug
5.5 H.P.
27 oz. SAE 30 oil
1.5 quarts
J19LM
Gap .030 inches
,Please record model number, serial number, and
date of purchase here for future reference, You will
find this information on the model plate located on
the cutting deck of your mower.
Model Number .........................................................
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
2

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, ifnot followed, could endanger the per-
sonal safety and/orpropertyof yourselfand others.Read and follow all instructionsin this manualbefore
attemptingto operate yourlawn.mower.Failureto complywiththese instructionsmay resultin personal
injury.When yousee this symbol--heed its warning.
rYourlawn mower was builtto be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
I,_ nANnER- manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or erroron the part oftheoperator
I_.- -- ' can resultin seriousinjury.If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
lu yourself or others.
This unitis equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester iSused, it should be
maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above isrequired by law (Section 4442 of the Califomia Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. Aspark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section
of this manual.)
WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicalsknownto the State of California to
cause cancer,birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
GENERAL OPERATION
Read this owner'sguide carefully in itsentirety
before attempting toassemble this machine.
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual(s) before
operation. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before
operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference, and for ordering
replacement parts.
Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything.Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to performone job: to mow grass. Do not
use itfor any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
apower mower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individualswho are
familiar withthese rules of safe operationshould
be allowedto useyourmower.
Keep the area ofoperationclear ofall persons,
particularlysmallchildrenand pets. Stop engine
when they are inthe vicinityofyour mower tohelp
prevent bladecontactorthrown objectinjury.
Althoughthe area ofoperation should be
completelycleared offoreign objects, an object
may have been overlookedand couldbe
accidentallythrownby the mower inany direction
and causeserious personalinjurytothe operator
or any others allowed in the area.
Thoroughlyinspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys and other foreign objects which could
be picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause serious personal injury to the
operator or any others allowed in the area. Plan
your mowing pattern to avoid dischargeof material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.
To help avoid a thrown object's injury, keep
children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet
from the mower while itis in operation.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction,
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times
as the rotatingblade can cause injury.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to
the mower ifyou are falling; release the handle
immediately.
Never pull the mower toward you while you are
3

walking. Ifyou must back the mower away from a
waltor obstruction first look down and behind, and
then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend
your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than
half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return
to the disengaged position when released.
Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are
losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE
CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATLEY and the
blade will stop rotating within three seconds.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks
or roads.
If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration isgenerally a
warning of trouble.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting
blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after
the engine is shut off. Never place any part of the
body in the blade area until you are sure the blade
has stopped rotating.
Never operate mower without proper guards,
grass catcher, plates or other safety protective
devices in place.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
Only use accessories approved for this machine
by the manufacturer. Read, understand, and
follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory.
If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact
your dealer for assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Foryour safety, usethe slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes beforeoperating this uniton
a slopeorhillyarea. If theslope isgreater than15 degrees
as shownontheslopegauge(page6),do notoperatethis
unitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult.
DO:
• Mow across the face ofslopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Always be sure ofyour footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less
than 3 seconds.
• ON MODELS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Lock
both front wheels so they do not pivot while
mowing on the face of slopes. To turn the mower,
depress the handle and raise the front wheels
slightly.
DO NOT:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
ON MOWERS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Do Not
mow on slopes with casters unlocked since the
mower has a tendency to drift down hill.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidents canoccur fftheoperator isnot alerttothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children willremain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.
Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual.
Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child or hazard.
SERVICE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.

Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
Never removegas capor add fuel whilethe
engine isrunning.Allowengine tocoolat least
two minutesbefore refueling.
Replace gasolinecap securelyand wipe offany
spilled gasolinebefore startingthe engine as it
may cause a fire or explosion.
Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipes and other
sourcesof ignition.
Never refuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammable
vaporswillaccumulatein thearea.
Never storethe machineorfuel containerinside
where there isan openflame or spark suchas a
gaswater heater, space heater, orfurnace.
Never runan engine insidea closedarea.
To reducefire hazard, keep mower free ofgrass,
leaves, orotherdebris build-up.Clean upoilor
fuel spillage.Allowmower tocoolat least5
minutesbeforestoring.
Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,make
certainthe blade and all movingpartshave
stopped.Disconnectthe spark plugwire, and
keepthewire away from the sparkplugtoprevent
accidental starting.
Check the bladeand engine mountingboltsat
frequent intervalsfor propertightness.Also,
visuallyinspectbladefor damage (e.g., bent,
cracked orworn). Replace withblade which
meets originalequipmentspecificationslistedin
thismanual.
Keep all nuts,bolts,and screwstightto be sure
the equipmentisinsafe workingcondition.
Never tamper withsafety devices.Check their
properoperation regularly.
After striking aforeign object, stopthe engine,
removethe wire from the spark plug,and
thoroughlyinspectthe mower for anydamage.
Repair the damage beforestartingand operating
the mower.
Never attempttomake awheel or cuttingheight
adjustmentwhiletheengine isrunning.
Grass catchercomponentsare subjecttowear,
damage and deterioration,whichcouldexpose
moving partsor allowobjectsto bethrown.For
safety protection,frequently check components
and replacewithmanufacturer'srecommended
parts,when necessary.
Mower blades are sharpand can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves,and use extracaution
when servicingthem.
Do notchangethe engine governorsettingor
overspeedthe engine. Excessiveengine speeds
are dangerous.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Restrict theuse ofthispower machineto
persons who read, understand and follow the
warnings and instructions in this manual and
on the machine.
Following are representations ofthe safety labels on
your lawn mower. Maintain safety while operating the
mower. Please have the part number ready when re-
ordering safety labels.
DANGER
Part no. 777-1584
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Part no. 777-5270
Part no. 777-1595C
5

_) m_ SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
Z!
Ii.q A POWER POLE
_._ : '_ A CORNER OF A BUILDING_" _ _. _. I I _ OR A FENCE POST
_li_ '- : '
_" ,, -._: - __Okoo_
; il ',, -
,_ .
°II::
_ 6
,_ 411i,m,,/ill, iu_
u.I U.I
a. _ Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-112 feet every 10 feet).
--__- A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Ifoperating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it
_ _ is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
"' "' Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
€/)a.
O Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to
open carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
owner's manual, etc.). See Figure 1.
1. Remove manuel & loose parts
mower and/or front or behind the mower is observed
from the operating position.
LOOSE PARTS
a. Side Discharge Chute
b. Owner's Manual
c. A Bottle of Engine Oil
TOOLS REQUIRED
a. Pair of Pliers
b. Funnel
DISCONNECTING SPARK PLUG
2. Roll unit out
Figure 1
• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
• Remov_ packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts. See Figure 1.
Note: Make sure not to crimp the cables while
removing the loose parts or the entire unit from the
carton.
• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and
ground itagainst the engine. See Figure 2.
• Attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to
ground.
I
Spark
Plug__
Wire
Rubber BootF_"
Figure 2 Plug
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline
or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with
gasoline and oil before operating your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
ASSEMBLING HANDLE
Raise the lower handle in the direction shown in
Figure 3A, The lower handle should snap into
place.
Weld Pin
Figure 3
7

Note: Make sure to route the cables inside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while rifting the
handle up,
For shipping purposes, the hairpin clip isplaced in the
outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.
•Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of
the weld pin,
•Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into
the inner hole in the weld pin. Repeat on other
side. See Figure 3 inset.
• Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 3B. Tighten the wing nuts which are
already on the handle.
• Attach the cables to the lower handle with the
two cable ties already on the lower handle. Pull
tight the cable ties and cut off the extra.
ATTACHING STARTER ROPE
The rope guide isalready attached to the right side of
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 4.
• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the
engine.
• Slip the rope through the rope guide. Tighten the
wing nut holding the rope guide to the upper
handle.
mulching cover to the deck. See Figure 5A.
Keep the cover in a safe place for future use.
Save the wing nuts.
Ptace the side discharge chute on the deck in
place of the mulching cover so that the top
flange of the discharge chute goes under the
deck. See Figure 5B.
Align the three slots on the chute with the
hardware slots on the deck.
Secure with the wing nuts earlier removed.
Tighten the wing nuts.
Mulching
Cover
Recoil
Starter
Rope Guide
Lower Handle
Wing Nut
/
_Hendle
Figure 4
ATTACHING DISCHARGECHUTE
Your lawn mower was shipped as a mulcher.
Remove the mulching cover and attach the side
discharge chute for discharging grass clippings.
• Remove three plastic wing nuts holding the
Top
Side Discharge
Chute
IAlign the slot
here (only two
shown)
Figure 5
8

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
(Refer to Figure 6.)
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrationsin Figure
6 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the locationof various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the operator's
eyes and causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the
mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Recoil Starter
Blade Control Handle
Engine
Caster Lock
Oil Fill Gas Tank
Thr_
Control Primer
Mulching
Cover
Chute
Plug
Figure 6
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start
the unit.
Primer
The primer isused to pump gas intothe carburetor.
Use itto start a cold engine, but do not use itto
restart a warm engine after short shutdown.
Blade Control Handle
,_ WARNING: This control mechanism isa
safety device. Never attempt to bypass
itsoperations.
The blade control handle is located on the upper
handle of the mower. The blade control handle must
be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is used to regulate engine speed. It
cannot be used to stop the engine.
Caster Wheels
Your mower is equipped with caster wheels in front.
The casters can be locked in a straight ahead position
for mowing on hills, or can be left unlocked to swivel
freely on level ground.
MEETS CPSC BLADE SAFETY STANDARDS
Craftsman Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers conform to the safety standardsof theAmerican National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
9

STOPPING ENGINE
Release blade control handle to stop the
engine and the blade.
Disconnect spark plug wire and move away
from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
WARNING: Before using your lawn mower,
again refer to the safety rules on pages 3-5
of this manual. Always be careful.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
(Referto Figure 7)
Oil (Packed with unit)
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SF, SG or SH. Select
the oil's viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature. Follow the
chart below.
Colder _ll-- 32°F _ Warmer
5W30 I SAE 3O
Oil Viscosity Grade Chart
Use SAE30 oil; do not use 10W40 oil.
Fill oil sump and check the oil level. See Figure 7.
a. Position the mower on level ground.
b. Clean area around oil fill plug.
c. Remove oil fill plug and dipstick.
d. Wipe dipstick clean, insert it intooilfillhole
and tighten securely.
e. Remove dipstick and check oil level. If the
oil is not upto FULL mark on the dipstick,
pour recommended oil through the oil fill
and check the level again.
Install oil fill plug and dipstick, tighten securely.
Fill oil here
Fill gas here
Figure 7
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils(5W30, 10W30,
etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these
multiviscosityoils willresult in increased oil
consumption when used above 32°F. Check the oil
level more frequently toavoid possible engine
damage from running low on oil.
Gasoline
Never fill fuel tank indoors, or when engine
is running or hot. Do not smoke when filling
fuel tank.
• Clean area around fuel cap. Remove cap. See
Figure 7.
• Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
• Pour approximately 1.5 quarts of fresh, regular
grade, unleaded gasoline slowly to the fuel tank.
IMPORTANT: Never mix engine oil with gasoline.
Fill tank to 1/2" below the bottom of the filler
neck. Wipe any fuel spillage. Do not fill fuel tank
completely. Provide space for fuel expansion.
STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Be sure no one other than
the operator is standing near the lawn
mower while starting or operating.
NOTE: To prevent the unit from sliding, place your
foot firmly against the tire.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make
certain the metal cap on the end of the spark
plug wire isfastened securely over the metal tip
on the spark plug.
&Never run engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine and
lawn mower.
Move throttle control to FAST position.
Push primer three times. See Figure 8. Wait
about two seconds between each push. In cold
weather around 55 ° F or below, prime five
times. Do not prime to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly
until engine reaches the start of compression
cycle (rope willpull slightlyharder at this point).
See Figure 8. Letthe rope rewind slowly.
Pull ropewith a rapid, continuous, full arm
10