Craftsman 247.379990 User manual

CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all safety
rules and operating instructions.
•SAFETY
•ASSEMBLY
• OPERATION
•MAINTENANCE
• ESPANOL
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-10780
(May28,2015)

WarrantyStatement.............................. Page2
SafetyInstructions............................ Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..................................... Page7
Assembly.................................... Pages8-11
Operation.................................. Pages12-14
ServiceandMaintenance.................... Pages15-17
Off-SeasonStorage.............................. Page18
Troubleshooting............................ Page19-20
Espa_ol........................................ Page23
ServiceNumber............................. BackCover
CRAFTSMANLIMITEDWARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofsale,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsin materialorworkmanship.
WITHPROOFOFSALE,adefectiveproductwillreceivefreerepairorreplacementatoptionofseller.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com/warranty
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
•Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,
andoilfilters.
•Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
•Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
•Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,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 importantsafety instructionswhich,ifnot
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orproperty of
yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructionsinthismanual
beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethissymbol,HEED
ITSWARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,and certainvehiclecomponents
containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand
birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.
Thismachinewasbuilt tobeoperatedaccordingto thesafeoperation
practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe part oftheoperatorcanresultinseriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableof amputating fingers, hands,toesandfeetand
throwingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowing safety instructionscould
resultinseriousinjuryor death.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsandinstructionsin
thismanualandonthe machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyinitsentiretybeforeattemptingto
assemblethismachine.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthe
machineandinthemanualsbeforeoperation.Keepthismanualinasafe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts
Becompletelyfamiliarwith thecontrolsandtheproperuseofthismachine
beforeoperatingit.
Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,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.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,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.If youmust
backthemowerawayfromawallorobstructionfirstlookdownandbehind
toavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
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
stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
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.Themachineisheavyandcan
speedupwhengoingdownhill.Bepreparedtomaintaincontrolofthemachine.
Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usetheslopegauge
includedaspartofthismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineon
aslopedorhillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do_"
Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddowntoavoidlossofcontrol.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes;turnuphillnot
down.
Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,orbumpswhichcancauseyou
tosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.Aslipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethebladecontrol
handleimmediatelyandthebladewill stoprotatingwithinthree(3)
seconds.
Do Not:
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,becauseyoucould
loseyourfootingor balance.
Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheslopeguide.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicacddentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalertto thepresenceofcNIdren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothemowerandthemowingactivity.Theydonot
understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmoweroff ifachildentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees,
orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe
mower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom
ahotmuffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandbetrainedandsupervised
byanadult.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecareinhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.
Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyour
clotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith a plastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerandrefuelit on
theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
with a portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwith therimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulatein
thearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineishotorrunning.Allow
enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donotfill above
thebottomofthefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingengine.
4

Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,sparkor pilot
lightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoo[atleast5minutesbeforestoring.
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(0.E.M.)blade
only,listedinthe Partspagesofthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproperperformance
andcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisin safe
workingcondition.
Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldaresubjectto
wearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobe
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(0.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,or 140hoursofoperation.AttheendoftheAverage
UsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyaSearsorotherqualified
servicedealertoensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyandnotwornexcessively.Failureto dosocanresultin accidents,
injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do not modifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with the governorsettingcanleadto arunawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factorysettingof engine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhkh arecertified to complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA
emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)arecertified
to operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayincludethefollowing
emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),OxidizingCatalyst(OC),
SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould
not beusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brushcoveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeeting applicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestorisused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworkingorder
bythe operator.Inthe Stateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough yournearestSearsParts
andRepairService(:enter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispage depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read,understand, and follow all instructionson 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. The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill. Be
prepared to maintain control of the machine. To avoid loss of control, operate across slopes, not up
and down. When turning, turn uphill, not down. Do not operate on 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. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneithersideoftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or downuntil theleft cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5.
O. daShed.fine
If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
Figure2
Slopesare a major factor relatedto tip-over and roll-overaccidentswhich can resultin severeinjury ordeath.
The machine is heavy and can speed upwhen goingdownhill. Bepreparedto maintaincontrol ofthe machine.To avoid loss of control, operateacross
slopes, not upand down. When turning,turn uphill, notdown. Do not operatemachine on slopes in excessof 15 degrees.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithout gasolineoroil intheengine.Becertainto
serviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedintheOperationsectionbefore
startingorrunningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referencetorightandlefthandsideofthe LawnMowerisobservedfromthe
operatingposition.
OPENINGCARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtoptobottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVINGUNITFROMCARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterialandroll
unitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LoosePartsIn Carton
SideDischargeCover
GrassCatcher
EngineOil
Assembly
Attaching TheHandle
I. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperandlower
handles.
a. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshownin FigureI.
Donotloosenor removeadjacenthexheadscrews.
b. Whilestabilizingmowersoit doesn'tmove,pivotupperhandleupas
shownin Figure2. Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
Figure1
Figure2
Figure3
,,J
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. Usecabletiesprovidedtosecurebladecontrolanddrivecablesto
lowerhandleasshownin Figure6.
iMPORTANT:Toreducewearandallowforproperoperation,makesureto
leavesomeslackintheupperportionofthecable(s).
F
f
Figure5
Figure6
Figure4
9

Attaching the GrassCatcher
I. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertainbagisturned
rightsideout beforeassembling(warninglabelwill beontheoutside).
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticsideisatthebottom.
b. 51ipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.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.
I. Onthesideofthemower,lift themulchingcover.SeeFigure9.
2. Slidetwo hooksofsidedischargecoverunderhingepinonmulchingcover
assembly.SeeFigure9.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremovesidemulching
coveratanytime,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
f
Figure8
J
Cover
J
Figure9
Figure7
10

Adjustments i
CuttingHeight
Thereisacuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovetherearleftwheel.
I. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill tendto
fallwhenleverismovedoutward).SeeFigure10.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionforachangeincuttingheight.SeeFigure10.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
HandlePitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchofthe handleasfollows:
I. Removestarknobsandcarriageboltsfromhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Positionthehandleinoneofthethreepositionsthat ismostcomfortable.
SeeFigure11inset.
3. Secureintopositionwithstarknobsandcarriageboltsremovedearlier.
DriveControl
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedinthedrivecontrolhandlehousingandisused
totightenorloosenthedrivebelt.Youwill needtoadjustthedrivecontrolif the
mowerdoesnotpropelitselfwith thedrivecontrolengagedorif themower's
wheelshesitatewith thedrivecontrolengaged.If eitheroftheseconditionsoccur,
rotateadjustmentwheelclockwisetotightencableorcounterclockwisetoloosen
thecable.SeeFigure12.
NOTE:Foreaseofadjustment,thespeedcontrolshouldbeinthesecondorthird
speed.
F 0 her
Figure11
f
\
Figure12
11

Speed Drive Control
Control
Drive
Recoil Starter
Deck Wash
Side Discharge
Chute_
BladeControl
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleofthemower.Depressand
squeezeitagainstthedrivecontroltooperatetheunit.Releaseittostopengine
andblade.
Thisbladecontrolisasafety device.Neverattempt to bypassitsoperation.
DriveControls
Thedrivecontrolsarelocatedontopoftheupperhandleandareusedtoengage
thedrive.Squeezetheright,left,orbothrightandleftcontrolsagainsttheupper
handletoengagethedrive;releaseit/themtoslowdownorstopmowerfrom
propelling.
SpeedControl
Thespeedcontrolislocatedonthevariablespeedcontrolhousingontheupper
handle.Thiscontrolisusedto selecttheforwardspeedofthemower.SeeFigure13
inset.
iMPORTANT:Movethespeedcontrolonlywhentheengineisrunning.Changing
thespeedcontrolsettingwith theengineoffcandamagethemower.
J
Figure13
Cutting HeightAdjustment[ever
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe leftrearwheel.Toadjust
thecuttingheight,refertotheAssemblySection.
DeckWash
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwith a waterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsdeck
washsystem.Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside.
SideDischargeCover
Yourmowerisshippedasamulcher.Todischargethegrassclippingstotheside
instead,followtheinstructionsintheAssemblysectiontoattachthesidedischarge
cover.
Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the chuteareaoncutting deck.Referto
warning labelonthe unit.
RecoilStarter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.Standbehindtheunitand
pulltherecoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
MeetsANSISafety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
12

Besurenooneother than theoperatorisstandingnearthelawnmower
while starting engineor operating mower.Neverrunengineindoorsor
inenclosed,poorlyventilated areas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,feet, hairand loose
clothingawayfrom anymovingpartson engineandlawn mower.
TOSTARTENGINE
Standingbehindthemower,pullthebladecontrolhandlebackagainstthe
drivecontrol.
2. Whileholdingthe bladeanddrivecontrolstogetherfirmly,grasptherecoil
starterhandleandpullropeoutwith arapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.
SeeFigure14.Keepingafirm griponthestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Keepafirm griponthestarter cordhandletopreventrapidretractionof
startercord(kickback).Rapidretraction canpull handandarmtoward
enginefasterthanyoucanlet go,andresultinbrokenbones,fractures,
bruisesor sprains.
TOSTOPENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthe bladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkonthe
mowerorto removethe grasscatcher.
UsingYourLawnMower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhichcoulddamage
lawnmowerorengine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemowerin
anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytotheoperatorandothers.
1. Oncetheengineisrunningandwhilecontinuingto holdthebladecontrol
down,squeezeeither(orboth)drivecontrolsagainstthe upperhandleto
propelmower.SeeFigure15.
2. Tochangespeed,movespeedcontroltothedesiredspeed.
NOTE:Whenselectingadrivespeed,usethefirst speeduntilyouare
comfortableandfamiliarwith theoperationof themower.
IMPORTANT:Ifyouareshiftingspeedswhilethemowerisstationaryitmay
bedifficulttoshiftintofirst speedundercertainconditions.Thisiseasily
remediedbybrieflyengagingthedrivelever.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrown intothe eyes,which candamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhile operating the mower,orwhile performing any
adjustmentsor repairsonit.
E
Figure14
Figure15
NOTE:Yourmowerisequippedwith anadvancedinternaldrivesystemforeaseof
useandsmoothshifting.Whenturningorpullingthe unitrearward,youmaynotice
higherthannormalresistanceintherearwheelsundercertainconditions.Thisis
perfectlynormalandcanberemediedbyallowingtheunitto rollforwardslightly
withoutthedrivelever(s)engagedbeforepullingbackwards.
13

UsingasMulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorsidedischargechutefromthe
mower.Whenyouremovethegrasscatcherfromthemower,thereardischarge
doorwill close.Whenyouremovethesidedischargechute,themulchingcoverwill
close.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto
growinexcessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatcher
tobagclippingsinstead.
UsingGrassCatcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouareoperatingthe
mower.
I. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"section.Grass
clippingswill automaticallycollectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemower
untilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesurethatthe
unithascometoacompletestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthemowerto
removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsandreinstallthebagwhen
complete.
NOTE:Makesuretocleananyexcessgrassfromaroundtherearopeningof
themower,especiallybetweenthetransmissioncoverandsidewallonthe
lefthandsideandalongthe bottom,toensuretight fit ofbagontomower.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject, stopthe engine.Disconnectthe sparkplug
wire,thoroughly inspectmowerforanydamage,andrepairdamage
beforerestarting andoperating.Extensivevibration of mowerduring
operationisanindicationof damage.Theunit shouldbepromptly
inspectedandrepaired.
14

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
EachUse
Beforeperforming anytype ofmaintenance/service,disengageall controls
andstoptheengine.Wait until all movingpartshavecometo acomplete
stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireand grounditagainstthe engineto
preventunintendedstarting.
Annuallyor25hours
Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice
guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackofcompleted
maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,
callthefollowingtollfreenumber:l-888-331-4%9.
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Aircleaner
4. Unitandengine
I. Aircleaner$
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck
I. Sparkplug
2. AirCleaner
I. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenorreplace
3. Check
4. Clean
1. Clean
2. Lubewith lightoil
3. Clean
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel,or
addstabilizertoafull tankoffreshfuelprior
tostorage.
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisispresent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
Alwaysstopengine,allow enginetocool,disconnectsparkplug wire,and
groundagainstenginebeforeperforming anytype ofmaintenanceonyour
machine.
GeneralRecommendations
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthat havebeen
subjectedtooperatorabuseornegligence.Toreceivefull valuefrom
warranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
Changingofengine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
Lubrication
Blade
1.
2.
3.
Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladeanddrivecontrolatleastonceaseason
with lightoil.Thesecontrolsmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure16.
Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryanddoesnot
requirelubrication.
Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualfor lubricationscheduleand
instructionfor enginelubrication.
Figure16
15

Engine Maintenance f
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,deangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsdean.Keepareaaroundand
behindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducethe riskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donot usewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
MowerMaintenance
DeckWash
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwith a waterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsdeck
washsystem.
Usethedeckwashtorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sundersideandprevent
thebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.CompletethefollowingstepsAFTEREACH
MOWING:
Pushthemowertoalevel,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenoughfor your
gardenhoseto reach.Removethegrassbagif attached.
///
S
/
!
/
/
Figure17
Makecertainthe mower'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfromyour
house,garage,parkedcars,etc.
2. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwith yourmower'sOperator'sManual)
ontotheendofyourgardenhose.
3. Attachthehosecouplertothewaterportonyourdeck'ssurface.SeeFigure
17.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Turnthewateron.
Starttheengineasdescribedinthe Operationsection.
Runtheenginefor aminimumoftwo minutes,allowingtheundersideofthe
cuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.
Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewaterportonyour
deck'ssurface.
Aftercleaningyourdeck,restartthemower.Keeptheengineandbladerunning
foraminimumoftwo minutes,allowingtheundersideofthecuttingdeckto
thoroughlydry.
16

BladeCare _
Whenremovingthe cutting bladefor sharpeningorreplacement,protect
yourhandswith apair ofheavyglovesoruseaheavyragto holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyoustrikeaforeign
object.Replacewhennecessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitssidemaking
surethat theairfilter andthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdthebladeandthe
bladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure18.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethebladeona
roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntil
itbalancesevenly.Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangleof
grind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
Anunbalancedbladewill causeexcessivevibration when rotating at high
speeds.Itmaycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausingpersonal
injury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceofthebladeadapter
with lightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placethe
bladeontheadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked"Bottom"(or
with partnumber)facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedandseatedonthe bladeadapter
flanges.SeeFigure18inset.
6. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotchesonthebladebell
supportwithsmallholesinblade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.min.,600in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallycheckthebladeboltforcorrect
torque.
Belt Care
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedinordertochangethemower's
self-propulsiondrivebelt.SeeanauthorizedSearsServiceCenterto haveyourbelt
replaced.
Blade
BladeBellSupper_ .........8 _i_:____i_ __ Bolt
Figure18
17

Neverstorelawnmowerwith fuelintank indoorsor inpoorlyventilated
areaswherefuel fumesmayreachanopenflame,spark,orpilot light ason
afurnace,water heater,clothesdryer,orgasappliance.
Preparin9TheEngine
Forenginesstoredover30days:
Topreventgumfromforminginfuelsystemoron carburetorparts,run
engineuntilit stopsfromlackoffueloraddagasolineadditivetothegas
inthetank.Ifyouuseagasadditive,runtheengineforseveralminutesto
circulatetheadditivethroughthecarburetor--afterwhichtheengineand
fuelcanbestoredupto24months.
Whileengineisstillwarm,changetheoil.
Cleanengineofsurfacedebris.
PreparingTheLawnMower
Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication
instructions.
Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewith chassisgreaseto preventrusting.
Referto PreparingtheEngineforcorrectenginestorageinstructions.
Storemowerinadry,deanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials,
suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentinapoorlyventilatedormetalstorage
shed,careshouldbetakentorust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil orsilicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandallmovingpartsofyourlawnmower
beforestorage.
18

Disconnectthesparkplug wireandgrounditagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting. Beforeperforming anytype of maintenance/service,
disengageall controlsandstopthe engine.Waituntilall movingparts
havecometo acompletestop.Alwayswearsafety glassesduring operation
orwhile performinganyadjustmentsorrepairs.
Thissection addressesminor serviceissues.Tolocatethe nearestSearsServiceCenteror to scheduleservice,callthe following toll free number:1-888-
331-4569.
EngineFailstostart
Enginerunserratic
1. Bladecontroldisengaged.
2. Sparkplugbootdisconnected.
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel.
4. Enginenotprimed(Ifequippedwith primer).
5. Faultysparkplug.
6. Engineflooded.
7. Blockedfuelline.
1. Sparkplugbootloose.
2. Stalefuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirtinfuelsystem.
5. Dirtyairdeaner.
6. Blockedfuelline.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1.
2. Airflow restricted. 2.
Occasionalskips(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faulty,orgaptoowide. 1.
2. Dirtyaircleaner. 2.
Excessivevibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseorunbalanced. 1.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2.
1. Engagebladecontrol.
2. Connectwiretosparkboot.
3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
4. PrimeengineasinstructedintheOperationsection.
5. Clean,adjustgap,orreplace.
6. Waitafewminutestorestart.
7. ContactyourSearsParts&RepairCentertohavefuelline
cleaned.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugboot.
2. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. RefertoAirCleanerinEngineMaintenancesection.
6. ContactyourSearsParts&RepairCentertohavefuelline
cleaned.
Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
Cleanareaaroundandontopofengine.
Adjustgap.RefertoSparkPluginEngineMaintenancesection.
Resetgaporreplacesparkplug.
RefertoAirCleanerinEngineMaintenancesection.
Tightenbladeandadapter.Balanceblade.
Replaceblade.
19

Mowerwillnotmulchgrass
3.
Unevencut 1.
2.
Mowerwillnotselfpropel 1.
2.
3.
Wetgrass.
Excessivelyhighgrass.
Dullblade.
Dullblade.
Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly.
Debriscloggingdriveoperation.
Damagedorwornbelt.
Drivecontroloutofadjustment.
1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;wait until
latertocut.
2. Mowonceatahighcuttingheight,thenmowagainatdesired
heightormakeanarrowercuttingpath.
3. Sharpenorreplaceblade.
1. Sharpenorreplaceblade.
2. Adjustcuttingheightleveronleftfrontandleftrearwheelto
sameposition.
1. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplugboot,andcleanoutdebris.
2. HavebeltreplacedbyaSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.
3. Adjustdrivecontrol.SeeAssemblysection.
20