Craftsman 247.37440.1 User manual

Operator's Manual
CRRFr MRN
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.37440.1
CAUTION" Before using this
product, read this manual and
follow all safety rules and operating
instructions.
o SAFETY
o ASSEMBLY
o OPERATION
o MAINTENANCE
o ESPANOL
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-09471
(January6,2014)

WarrantyStatement.............................. Page2
SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..................................... Page7
Assembly.................................... Pages8-11
Operation.................................. Pages12-13
ServiceandMaintenance.................... Pages14-16
Off-SeasonStorage.............................. Page17
Troubleshooting............................. Page18-19
Espa_ol........................................ Page22
ServiceNumber............................. BackCover
CRAFTSMANTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY
Fortwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwillreceivefreerepair
orfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
,Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,orsparkplugs.
,Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
,Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
,Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,NoffmanEstates,IL60179
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Engine: Briggs & Stratton
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Record the model number, serial number,
and date of purchase above.
© Sears Brands, LLC 2

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnot
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructionsinthismanual
beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,HEED
ITSWARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someofits constituents,andcertainvehiclecomponents
containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand
birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.
Thismachinewasbuilt tobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeoperation
practicesinthis manual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe part ofthe operatorcanresultinseriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and
throwingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowing safetyinstructionscould
resultinseriousinjuryor death.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsand instructionsin
thismanualandonthe machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybeforeattemptingto
assemblethismachine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthe
machineandinthemanualsbeforeoperation.Keepthismanualinasafe
placefor futureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts
Becompletelyfamiliarwith thecontrolsandtheproperuseofthismachine
beforeoperatingit.
Thismachineisaprecisionpieceofpowerequipment,notaplaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.Thismachinehasbeen
designedtoperformonejob:tomowgrass.Donotuseitforanyother
purpose.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyanadult.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwith theserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Removeall
stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbe
trippedoverorpickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awallorobstruction,whichmaycausedischargedmaterialtoricochetback
towardtheoperator.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayinoperatorzone
behindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75
feetfrommowerwhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsandsteel-toedshoesare
recommended.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor
light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsorunderthecuttingdeck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesandfeet.
Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown
objectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringafall causedbyslippingortripping.Donotholdontothemowerif
youarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.Ifyoumust
backthemowerawayfromawallorobstructionfirstlookdownandbehind
toavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrom mowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwith surefooting.
c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donotoperatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismonmachinessoequipped
whilestartingengine.
Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresultin
personalinjurythroughcontactwith therotatingblade.Thebladecontrol
handlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothe
disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureofyourfooting. A
slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
footing,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewill
stoprotatingwithin threeseconds.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.

Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand
checkimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoacompletestopbefore
removingthegrasscatcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthebladecontrolisreleased.
Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthebladeareauntilyouaresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass
catcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceand
working.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
socanresultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachinebythemanufactureras
listedinthePartspagesofthisOperator'sManual.Failuretodosocanresult
inpersonalinjury.
Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull
rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor
sprainscouldresult.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareandgood
judgement.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtoslipandfall accidents,whichcanresultinsevere
injury.Operationonslopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do
notmowit.Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonaslopedor hillyarea.Iftheslope
isgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectiononslopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,orbumpswhichcancauseyou
tosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.Aslipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethebladecontrol
handleimmediatelyandthebladewill stoprotatingwithinthree(3)
seconds.
Do Not:
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,becauseyoucould
loseyourfootingor balance.
Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopeguide.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothemowerandthemowingactivity.Theydonot
understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmoweroff ifa childentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees,
orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe
mower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom
ahotmuffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandbetrainedandsupervised
byanadult.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecareinhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsare explosive.
Seriouspersonalinjury canoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your
clotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith aplastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on
theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
with a portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulatein
thearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow
enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill above
thebottomofthefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingengine.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkorpilot
lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
Toreducefire hazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
4

General Service:
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeandall
movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsforproper
tightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn).
Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade
only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproperperformance
andcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisin safe
workingcondition.
Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldaresubjectto
wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobe
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.EM.)partsonly,
listedinthePartspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.The
governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor leaks.Replace
if necessary.
Donotcrankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improperdisposaloffluids
andmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andtheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverageUseful
Lifeofseven(7)years,or140hoursofoperation.AttheendoftheAverage
UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyaSearsorotherqualified
servicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,
injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with thegovernorsettingcanleadtoarunawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factory settingofengine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhkh arecertified to complywith Californiaandfederal EPA
emissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)arecertified
to operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayincludethefollowing
emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),OxidizingCatalyst(OC),
SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould
not beusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brusbcoveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeeting applicablelocalor state laws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestorisused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworkingorder
bythe operator.Inthe Stateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredby law(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough yournearestSearsParts
andRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispage depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read,understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
attempting toassembleandoperate.
• ®
imI
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 blade 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-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow
the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6

(OK) 15° Slope X (TOO STEEP)
15° Slope
_- _. Figure1
USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateavertical objecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole, building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneithersideoftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or down until the left cornertouchesthe slope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5.
_O._daShed._fine
If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslope istoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
Figure2
Slopesare a major factor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severe injury or death. Do notoperate machine onslopes
in excessof 15 degrees.All slopes requireextracaution. Always mowacrossthe face of slopes, nevermow upand downslopes.

IMPORTAN_Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin theOperationsectionbefore
startingorrunningyourmachine.
flOTE:Referencetorightandlefthandsideofthe LawnMowerisobservedfromthe
operatingposition.
OPENINGCARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtoptobottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVINGUNITFROMCARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterialandroll
unitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LooseParts In Carton
SideDischargeCover
EngineOil
Assembly
Attaching TheHandle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperandlower
handles.
a. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshownin Figure1.
Donotloosenor removeadjacenthexheadscrews.
b. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupperhandleupas
shownin Figure2. Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
2.
Figure2
Figure3
,,J
Figure1
8

3. Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
a. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesinlowerhandle(shownin
Figure3deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandlebracket.See
Figure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandleallthe
wayout.
b. InserttheT-boltsremovedinstepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelytosecurethehandle
inplace.SeeFigure4.
c. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierintolower
holesofhandleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideoftheupperhandle.Loosenthe
wingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto Figure6.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarterropeinto
theropeguide.SeeFigure6.
c. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
d. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
Figure5
Figure4
Figure6
9

Attaching the GrassCatcher
I. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertainbagisturned
rightsideout beforeassembling(warninglabelwill beontheoutside).
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticsideisatthebottom.
b. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsasshownin
Figure8.Letgoofdischargedoorsothat it restsonthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,lift reardischargedooronthemower.Liftgrasscatcherup
andoffthe slotsinthehandlebrackets.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit to
closerearopeningofmower.
Attaching SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoffof theunitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
3. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeFigure9.
4. Slidetwo hooksofsidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulchingcoveratany
time,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
Adjustments
Cutting Height
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontandrearright
wheel.
I. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill tendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure10.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthesameposition.Forroughoruneven
lawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoahigherposition.Thiswillpreventyou
fromcuttingthegrasstooclosetotheground.
/
f
Figure8
SideMulchingCover
\\
J
ii ii
\
Figure9
J
Figure7
\
10 Figure10

fBlade Control
Drive Control
Recoil Starter Primer
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Chute Mulching
Cover
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Figure11
BLadeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedto theupperhandleofthemower.Depressand
squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.Releaseittostopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrolisasafetydevice.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
DriveControl
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideoftheupperhandleandisusedto
engagethedrive.Squeezeit againsttheupperhandletoengagethedrive;releaseit
toslowdownorstopmowerfrompropelling.
Cutting HeightAdjustmentLever
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedontherightrearwheelandoneislocatedonthe
rightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesamepositiontoensureauniform
cut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,refertotheAssemblySection.
Primer
Mulching Cover
Themulchingcoverisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollectingthegrass
clippingsinagrasscatcherorusingthesidedischargechute,somemowermodels
havetheoptionofrecirculatingtheclippingsbackto thelawn.Thisiscalled
mulching.
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingstotheside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectionto attachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the chuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warning labelonthe unit.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedto therightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
Theprimerislocatedinthecenteroftheairfilter.SeeFigure11inset.Theprimeris
usedtopumpgasintothecarburetorandaidinstartingtheengine.
MeetsANSISafety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11

Besurenooneother than the operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
while starting engineoroperating mower.Neverrunengine indoorsor
inenclosed,poorlyventilated areas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hair andloose
clothingawayfromanymovingpartsonengineandlawnmower.
TOSTARTENGINE
1. Pushtheprimerthreetimes.SeeFigure12.Donotprimetorestartawarm
engine.
NOTE:Ifyoupushtheprimertoomanytimes,excessivefuelwill floodthe
carburetorandtheenginewill bedifficulttostart.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainstupper
handle.
3. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarterhandleand
pullropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha rapid,continuous,full
armstroke.SeeFigure12.Keepingafirm griponthestartercordhandle,let
theroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
Keepafirm grip onthe startercordhandleto preventrapidretractionof
starter cord(kickback).Rapidretractioncanpullhandand armtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanletgo,and resultinbrokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprains.
TOSTOPENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthe bladetostopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkonthe
moweror to removethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto theoperatorandothers.
1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe upper
handletopropelmower.
Theoperationof anylawnmowercanresultinforeign objectsbeing
thrown intotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wear safetyglasseswhile operating the mower,orwhile performingany
adjustmentsor repairson it.
f
J
Figure12
UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorsidedischargechutefromthe
mower.Whenyouremovethegrasscatcherfromthemower,thereardischarge
doorwill close.Whenyouremovethesidedischargechute,themulchingcoverwill
close.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto
growinexcessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatcher
tobagclippingsinstead.
UsingGrassCatcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouareoperatingthe
mower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"section.Grass
clippingswill automaticallycollectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemower
untilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthe bladecontrol.Makesurethatthe
unithascometoacompletestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthemowerto
removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsandreinstallthebagwhen
complete.
Ifyoustrikeaforeign object,stopthe engine.Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughly inspectmowerfor anydamage,andrepairdamage
beforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mowerduring
operationisanindicationof damage.Theunit shouldbepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
12

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
EachUse
Beforeperforming anytype ofmaintenance/service,disengageall controls
andstoptheengine.Wait until all movingpartshavecometo acomplete
stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireand grounditagainstthe engineto
preventunintendedstarting.
1stMonthor5hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Aircleaner
4. Unitandengine
1. Engineoil
1. Aircleanerf
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck^
1. Engineoilff
1. Sparkplug
2. AirCleaner
1. Fuelsystem
Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice
guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackofcompleted
maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,
callthefollowingtollfreenumber:l-888-331-4569.
1. Check
2. Tightenorreplace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewith lightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel,or
addstabilizertoafull tankoffreshfuelprior
tostorage.
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisispresent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
ff Changeoilevery25hourswhenoperatingtheengineunderheavyloadorinhightemperatures.
^ Checkandcleanmoreoftenifmoweristypicallyusedinthemulchingconfiguration.
Alwaysstopengine,allow enginetocool,disconnectsparkplugwire, and
groundagainstenginebeforeperforming anytype of maintenanceonyour
machine.
GeneralRecommendations
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthat havebeen
subjectedtooperatorabuseornegligence.Toreceivefull valuefrom
warranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
Changingofengine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
Lubrication
BladeControl
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladeanddrivecontrolatleastonceaseasonwith
lightoil.Thesecontrolsmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure13.
Figure13
J
13

EngineCare
RefertotheEngineOperator'sManualpackedwith yourmowerforadetailed
descriptionofallengine-relatedservicespecifications.
MowerCare
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducethe riskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donot usewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
CleaningDeck
Cleanundersideofthemowerdeckonceaseasontopreventbuild-upofgrass
clippingsorotherdebris.Checkandcleanmoreoftenifmoweristypicallyusedin
themulchingconfiguration.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.Disconnectsparkplugwire.
2. Tipmowersothatitrestsonthehousing,keepingthemufflersidedown.
Holdmowerfirmly.
4.
Nevertip the mowermorethan900in anydirection anddonot leavethe
mowertipped foranylengthof time. Oilcandrainintothe upperpart of
the enginecausingastarting problem.
Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwith asuitabletool.Donotspray
with water.
IMPORTANT:Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Thesemaycausedamagetobearings,ortheengine.Theuseofwaterwill
resultinshortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.
BladeCare
Whenremovingthe cutting bladefor sharpeningorreplacement,protect
yourhandswith apairof heavyglovesor usea heavyragto holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyif youstrikeaforeign
object.Replacewhennecessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitssidemaking
surethat theairfilter andthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhichholdthebladeandthe
bladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure14.
f
Blade
/
/
\J
Figure14
Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe bladeona
roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntil
itbalancesevenly.Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangleof
grind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
Anunbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhen rotatingathigh
speeds.Itmaycausedamageto mowerandcouldbreakcausingpersonal
injury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurfaceofthebladeadapter
with lightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placethe
bladeontheadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked"Bottom"(or
with partnumber)facesthegroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedandseatedonthebladeadapter
flanges.SeeFigure14inset.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotchesonthebladebell
supportwith smallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.min.,600in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallycheckthebladeboltforcorrect
torque.
BeltCare
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedinordertochangethemower's
self-propulsiondrivebelt.SeeanauthorizedSearsServiceCentertohaveyourbelt
replaced.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
14

Neverstorelawnmowerwith fuelin tank indoorsor in poorlyventilated
areaswherefuel fumesmayreachanopenflame, spark,orpilot light ason
afurnace,water heater,clothesdryer, orgasappliance.
PreparingTheEngine
Forenginesstoredover30days:
Topreventgumfromforminginfuelsystemoroncarburetorparts,run
engineuntilit stopsfromlackoffueloraddagasolineadditivetothegas
inthetank.Ifyouuseagasadditive,runtheenginefor severalminutesto
circulatetheadditivethroughthecarburetor--afterwhichtheengineand
fuelcanbestoredupto24months.
Whileengineisstillwarm,changetheoil.
Cleanengineofsurfacedebris.
PreparingTheLawnMower
Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication
instructions.
Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewith chassisgreaseto preventrusting.
Referto PreparingtheEngineforcorrectenginestorageinstructions.
Storemowerinadry,deanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials,
suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentinapoorlyventilatedormetalstorage
shed,careshouldbetakento rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil orsilicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandallmovingpartsofyourlawnmower
beforestorage.
15

Disconnectthe sparkplug wireand grounditagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting. Beforeperforming anytype of maintenance/service,
disengageallcontrolsandstopthe engine.Waituntil all movingparts
havecometo acompletestop.Alwayswear safetyglassesduring operation
or while performing anyadjustmentsor repairs.
Thissectionaddressesminor serviceissues.Tolocatethe nearestSearsServiceCenteror to scheduleservice,callthe following toll free number:1-888-
331-4569.
EngineFailstostart
Enginerunserratic
I. Bladecontroldisengaged.
2. Sparkplugbootdisconnected.
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel.
4. Enginenotprimed(Ifequippedwith primer).
5. Faultysparkplug.
6.
7.
I. Engagebladecontrol.
2. Connectwiretosparkboot.
3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
4. PrimeengineasinstructedintheOperationsection.
5. Clean,adjustgap,orreplace.
Engineflooded.
Blockedfuelline.
1. Sparkplugbootloose.
2. Stalefuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirtinfuelsystem.
5. Dirtyaircleaner.
6. Blockedfuelline.
6.
7.
I.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1.
2. Airflowrestricted. 2.
Occasionalskips(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faulty,orgaptoowide. 1.
2. Dirtyaircleaner. 2.
Excessivevibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseorunbalanced. 1.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2.
Waitafew minutestorestart.
ContactyourSearsParts&RepairCentertohavefuelline
cleaned.
Connectandtightensparkplugboot.
Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
Clearvent.
Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackoffuel.Refillwith freshfuel.
RefertoAirCleanerMaintenanceintheEngineManual.
ContactyourSearsParts&RepairCentertohavefuelline
cleaned.
Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
Cleanareaaroundandontopofengine.
Adjustgap.RefertoSparkPlugMaintenancein EngineManual.
Resetgaporreplacesparkplug.
RefertoAirCleanerMaintenanceintheEngineManual.
Tightenbladeandadapter.Balanceblade.
Replaceblade.
16

Mowerwillnotmulchgrass
Unevencut
Mowerwillnotselfpropel
1. Wetgrass.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass.
3. Dullblade.
1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly.
2. Dullblade.
1. Beltnotinstalledproperly.
2. Debriscloggingdriveoperation.
3. Damagedorwornbelt.
1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;waituntil
latertocut.
2. Mowonceatahighcuttingheight,thenmowagainatdesired
heightormakeanarrowercuttingpath.
3. Sharpenorreplaceblade.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
Adjustcuttingheightleveronrightfrontandrightrearwheelto
sameposition.
Sharpenorreplaceblade.
Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstallationand
movement.
Stopengine,disconnectsparkplugboot,
andcleanoutdebris.
Inspectand,ifnecessary,seeyourSearsParts&RepairCenterto
havebeltreplaced.
managemylife
17

18

(ThispageapplicableintheU.S.A.andCanadaonly.)
Sears Brands Management Corporation (Sears),the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U,S, EPA)
EmissionControl System Warranty Statement (Owner's Defect Warranty Rights and Obligations)
EMISSIONCONTROLWARRANTYCOVERAGEISAPPLICABLETOCERTIFIEDENGINES ANDTOCERTIFIEDMODELYEAR1997ANDLATERENGINESWHICHAREPURCHASEDAND
PURCHASEDINCALIFORNIAIN1995ANDTHEREAFTER,WHICHAREUSEDINCALIFORNIA,USEDELSEWHEREINTHEUNITEDSTATES(ANDAFTERJANUARY1,2001INCANADA).
California and United States Emission Control Defects Warranty Statement
TheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard(CARB),U.S.EPAandSearsarepleasedtoexplainthe
EmissionControlSystemWarrantyonyourmodelyear2000andlatersmalloff-road
engine(SORE).InCalifornia,newsmalloff-roadenginesmustbedesigned,builtand
equippedto meettheState'sstringentanti-smogstandards.Elsewhereinthe United
States,newnon-road,spark-ignitionenginescertifiedformodelyear1997andlater
mustmeetsimilarstandardssetforthbytheU.S.EPA.Searsmustwarranttheemission
controlsystemonyourenginefortheperiodsoftimelistedbelow,providedtherehas
beennoabuse,neglectorimpropermaintenanceofyoursmalloff-roadengine.Your
emissioncontrolsystemincludespartssuchasthecarburetor,aircleaner,ignition
system,mufflerandcatalyticconverter.Alsoincludedmaybeconnectorsandother
emissionrelatedassemblies.Whereawarrantableconditionexists,Searswill repair
yoursmalloff-roadengineatnocosttoyouincludingdiagnosis,partsandlabor.
Sears Emission Control Defects Warranty Coverage
Smalloff-roadenginesarewarrantedrelativetoemissioncontrolpartsdefectsfora
periodofoneyear,subjecttoprovisionssetforthbelow.Ifanycoveredpartonyour
Owner's Wa rra nty
Asthesmalloff-roadengineowner,youareresponsiblefortheperformanceofthe
requiredmaintenancelistedinyourOperatingandMaintenanceInstructions.Sears
recommendsthat youretainallyourreceiptscoveringmaintenanceonyoursmall
off-roadengine,butSearscannotdenywarrantysolelyforthelackofreceiptsorfor
yourfailuretoensurethe performanceofallscheduledmaintenance.Asthesmall
off-roadengineowner,youshouldhoweverbeawarethatSearsmaydenyyouwarranty
coverageifyoursmalloff-roadengineoraparthasfailedduetoabuse,neglect,
engineisdefective,thepartwill berepairedorreplacedbySears.
Responsibilities
impropermaintenanceorunapprovedmodifications.Youareresponsibleforpresenting
yoursmalloff-roadenginetoanAuthorizedSearsServiceDealerassoonasaproblem
exists.Theundisputedwarrantyrepairsshouldbecompletedinareasonableamount
oftime,nottoexceed30days.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingyourwarrantyrights
andresponsibilities,youshouldcontactaSearsServiceRepresentativeat1-800-469-
4663.Theemissionwarrantyisadefectswarranty.Defectsarejudgedonnormalengine
performance.Thewarrantyisnotrelatedtoanin-useemissiontest.
Soars Emission Control Defects Warranty Provisions
ThefollowingarespecificprovisionsrelativetoyourEmissionControlDefectsWarranty
Coverage.ItisinadditiontotheSearsenginewarrantyfornon-regulatedenginesfound
in theOperatingandMaintenanceInstructions.
1. WarrantedParts
Coverageunderthiswarrantyextendsonlytothepartslistedbelow(the
emissioncontrolsystemsparts)totheextentthesepartswerepresentonthe
enginepurchased.
a. FueIMeteringSystem
• Coldstartenrichmentsystem
• Carburetorandinternalparts
• FuelPump
b. AirlnductionSystem
• Aircleaner
• Intakemanifold
c. IgnitionSystem
• Sparkplug(s)
• Magnetoignitionsystem
d. CatalystSystem
• Catalyticconverter
• Exhaustmanifold
•Airinjectionsystemor pulsevalve
e. MiscellaneousItemsUsedinAboveSystems
• Vacuum,temperature,position,timesensitivevalvesandswitches
•Connectorsandassemblies
2. LengthofCoverage
Searswarrantstotheinitialownerandeachsubsequentpurchaserthat the
WarrantedPartsshallbefreefromdefectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipwhich
causedthefailureoftheWarrantedPartsforaperiodofoneyearfromthedate
theengineisdeliveredtoaretailpurchaser.
3. NoCharge
RepairorreplacementofanyWarrantedPartwill beperformedatnochargeto
theowner,includingdiagnosticlaborwhichleadsto thedeterminationthata
WarrantedPartisdefective,if thediagnosticworkisperformedatanAuthorized
SearsServiceDealer.Foremissionswarrantyservicecontactyournearest
AuthorizedSearsServiceDealeraslistedin the"YellowPages"under"Engines,
Gasoline,""GasolineEngines,""LawnMowers,"orsimilarcategory.
4. ClaimsandCoverageExclusions
Warrantyclaimsshallbefiledinaccordancewith the provisionsof theSears
EngineWarrantyPolicy.Warrantycoverageshallbeexcludedforfailuresof
WarrantedPartswhicharenotoriginalSearspartsorbecauseofabuse,neglect
orimpropermaintenanceassetforth intheSearsEngineWarrantyPolicy.Sears
isnotliabletocoverfailuresofWarrantedPartscausedbytheuseofadd-on,
non-original,ormodifiedparts.
5. Maintenance
AnyWarrantedPartwhichisnotscheduledforreplacementasrequired
maintenanceorwhichisscheduledonlyforregularinspectiontotheeffectof
"repairorreplaceasnecessary"shallbewarrantedastodefectsforthewarranty
period.AnyWarrantedPartwhichisscheduledfor replacementasrequired
maintenanceshallbewarrantedastodefectsonlyfortheperiodoftimeup
tothefirstscheduledreplacementforthat part.Anyreplacementpartthatis
equivalentin performanceanddurabilitymaybeusedin theperformanceof
anymaintenanceorrepairs.Theownerisresponsiblefortheperformanceof
all requiredmaintenance,asdefinedintheSearsOperatingandMaintenance
Instructions.
ConsequentialCoverage
Coveragehereundershallextendtothefailureofanyenginecomponentscaused
bythefailureofanyWarrantedPartstillunderwarranty.
Inthe USAandCanada,a24hourhotline,1-800-469-4663,hasamenuofpre-recordedmessagesofferingyouenginemaintenanceinformation.
19 GDOC-100188Rev.B

Congratulationsonmakingasmartpurchase.YournewCraftsman®productisdesignedandmanufacturedforyearsof
dependableoperation.Butlikeallproducts,it mayrequirerepairfromtimetotime.That'swhenhavingaRepairProtection
Agreementcansaveyoumoneyandaggravation.
Here'swhat the RepairProtectionAgreement_includes:
[] Expertservicebyour10,000professionalrepairspecialists
[] Unlimitedserviceand nocharge forpartsandlaboronallcoveredrepairs
[] Productreplacementupto $1500ifyourcoveredproductcan'tbefixed
[] Discountof 25%fromregularpriceofserviceandrelatedinstalledpartsnotcoveredbytheagreement;also,25%off
regularpriceofpreventivemaintenancecheck
[] Fasthelpby phone- wecallitRapidResolution- phonesupportfromaSearsrepresentative.Thinkofusasa"talking
owner'smanual."
OnceyoupurchasetheRepairProtectionAgreement,asimplephonecallisallthatit takesforyoutoscheduleservice.You
cancallanytimedayornight,orscheduleaserviceappointmentonline.
TheRepairProtectionAgreementisarisk-freepurchase.Ifyoucancelforanyreasonduringtheproductwarrantyperiod,
wewill provideafull refund.Or,aproratedrefundanytimeaftertheproductwarrantyperiodexpires.PurchaseyourRepair
ProtectionAgreementtoday!
Somelimitations and exclusionsapply. Forpricesand additional informationinthe U.S.A.call 1-800-827-6655.
_Coveragein Canadavariesonsomeitems.Forfull detailscall SearsCanadaat 1-800-361-6665.
SearsInstallationService
ForSearsprofessionalinstallationofhomeappliances,garagedooropeners,waterheaters,andothermajorhomeitems,in
theU.S.A.orCanadacall1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
2O