Craftsman 247.388250 User manual

Owner's Manual
19" Mulching/Rear Discharge
PUSH LAWN MOWER
Model No.
247.388250
CAUTION: Before
using this product,
read this manual and
follow all safety rules
and operating
instructions.
•Safety
• Assembly
•Operation
• Service
• Maintenance
• Espafiol
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our Sears website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Printed in U.S.A. 770-10186B
(3/99)

Content Page
Warranty Information ................................... 2
Safe OpePptibnPractices................ i.._......... 3
Slope Gauge ..................... i.......................... 6
Assembly..................................................... 7
Operation..................................................... 9
Maintenance ................................................ 12
Content Page
Service & Adjustment .................................... 15
Storage ......................................................... 17
Trouble-Shooting .......................................... 19
Parts List ....................................................... 20
Espan61......................................................... 26
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
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Horsepower: 4.0
Engine Oil 21 oz. SAE 30 oil
Fuel Capacity: ! .5 quarts
Spark Plug J19LM
Gap .030 inches
Please record model number, serial number, and
date of purchase of the lawn mower here for future
reference. You willfind this information on the
model plate located on the mower cutting deck.
Model Number .........................................................
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
2

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to operate your lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.
DANGER:
Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
yourself or others.
This unit is 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 is used, it should be
maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark 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 chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
GENERALOPERATION
Read this owner's guide carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble 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 perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individuals who are
familiar with these rules of safe operation should
be allowed to use your mower.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help
prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
Although the area of operation should be
completely cleared of foreign objects, an object
may have been overlooked and could be
accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction
and cause serious personal injury to the operator
or any others allowed in the area.
Thoroughly inspect 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 discharge of 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 it is 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 rotating blade can cause injury.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during afall. Do not hang on to
the mower if you are falling; release the handle
immediately.
Never pull the mower toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a

wall or 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. Ifyou 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 is generally 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.
Do not adjust the throttle control with the engine
running.
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
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on
a slope or hilly area. Ifthe slope is greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge (page 6), do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow across the face of slopes; 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 of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause senous personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less
than 3seconds.
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
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain 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 only an approved gasoline container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.

Replacegasolinecapsecurelyandwipeoffany
spilledgasolinebeforestartingtheengineasit
maycauseafireorexplosion.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandother
sourcesofignition.
Neverrefuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammable
vaporswillaccumulateinthearea.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside
wherethereisanopenflameorsparksuchasa
gaswaterheater,spaceheater,orfurnace.
Neverrunanengine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked or worn). Replace with blade which
meets original equipment specifications listed in
this manual.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before starting and operating
the mower.
Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's recommended
pads, when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
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.
Following are representations of two of the safety labels on your lawn mower. Maintain safety while operating the
mower. Over prolonged use of the mower, these labels may become hard to read and should be replaced.
DANGER
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,

i _ SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
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L '_. i '91 A POWER POLE
"_ _" i _ i_ A CORNER OF A BUILDING
'_ _ _. ! OR A FENCE POST
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WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it
is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
w w Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
o_a.
"_ OOperate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
t.o

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 owner's manual from the carton.
Remove any loose parts, if included with unit.
See Figure 1.
_1. Remove manual
& loose parts
2. Roll unit out
Figure I
• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
• Remove packing material.
•Roll or slide unit out of carton. See Figure 1.
Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.
Note: Make sure not to crimp the cable while
removing unitorparts from the carton.
IMPORTANT: This unitis shipped without gasoline
or oil in the engine. Becertainto service engine with
gasoline and oilbefore operating yourmower.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
mower and/or front or behind the mower is observed
from the operating position.
Loose Parts
a. Owner's Manual
b. A Bottle of Engine Oil
c. Grass Catcher
Disconnecting Spark Plug
• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and
ground it against the post on the engine. See
Figure2.
Post Rubber Boot
Wire
Figure 2
Assembling Handle
•Remove carriage boltand wing nutfrom the
lower handle. See Figure 3. Repeat on the
other side.
Wing_ ,._/-_ / _/
Lower
_Handle
Figure 3
Raise the lower handle in the direction A shown
in Figure 4. The lower handle should snap into
place.
Note: Make sure to route the cable inside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cable while lifting the
handle up. BUpper Handle A
Figure 4
Reinsert carriage bolt in the upper hole of the
handle bracket and the lower handle as shown
in Figure 3.
7

•Lift the chute door on the mower. Remove the
•mulching plug as shown in Figure 6.
Secure with wing nut. Repeat on other side.
Raise the upper handle in the direction B shown
in Figure 4. Tighten the wing nuts which are
already on the handle.
Route the control cable to the inside of the lower
handle.
Attach control cable to the lower handle with the
two cable ties provided on the lower handle.
Place posts on cable ties into the holes on the
lower handle as shown below. Pull the cable
ties tight and cut off extra. See Figure 5.
Cable Tie
m hole here
Figure 5
Mulching Plug
Your lawn mower was shipped with the mulching
plug already installed on the unit. If you want to mulch
the lawn, leave it in place. For bagging purposes,
remove the mulching plug and attach the grass
catcher to the mower. Follow directions to remove the
mulching plug.
Plug
Figure 6
Attaching Grass Catcher to Mower
• Holding the grass bag firmly, place the bag on
the mower as shown in Figure 7.
" e_ Place
bag
"" )hooks
here
ChuteDoor
Pivot Rod
Figure 7
Place hooks, located on two sides of the grass
catcher frame, over the chute door pivot rod on
the back of the unit. See Figure 7. Release the
chute door.
AWarning: Never operate the mower unless
the grass catcher frame is firmly seated on
the chute door pivot rod, rear discharge door
rests firmly on top of the grass catcher or the
mulch plug is securely installed.

Know Your Lawn Mower
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrationsin Figure
8 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
,_ WARNING: 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 whileoperating the
mower, or whileperforming any adjustments or repairson it.
Recoil
Gas Blade Control
Handle
Oil FilePlu
Front Height
Adjustment Lever
Grass Catcher
Spark Plug Wire
--Primer
Lever
Figure 8
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 is used to pump gas into the carburetor.
Use it to start a cold engine, but do not use itto
restart a warm engine after short shutdown.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper
handle of the mower. The blade control handle must
be depressed inorder to operate the unit. Release
blade control handle to stop engine and blade.
,_ WARNING: This blade control mechanism
isa safety device. Never attempt to bypass
itsoperations,
Height Adjustment Lever
These leversare located on each wheel and are used
to adjustthe cuttingheight.All four levers have to be at
the same relativepositionto ensure uniformcut.
Engine Speed
Your mower'sengine speed has been set at the
factory. Do not attempt toincrease engine speed or it
may resultinpersonal injury.Ifyou thinkthatthe
engine isrunningtoofast ortoo slow, take your unit to
aSears service center near you
Meets CPSC Blade Safety Standards
Craftsman Walk-BehindLawn Mowers conformtothesafety standards oftheAmerican NationalStandards Institute
and the U.S.Consumer ProductSafetyCommission.

Stopping Engine
Release blade control handle to stop the
engine and the blade.
Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire 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
Engine Oil
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 _ 32°F_ Warmer
5W30 SAE 30
Oil Viscosity Grade Chart
•UseSAE3Ooil;donotuselOW40oil.
•Filloil sump and check the oil level as follows:
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 into oil fill hole
and tighten securely.
e. Remove dipstick and check oil level. If the
oil is not up to FULL mark on the dipstick,
pour recommended oil through the oil fill
and check the level again.
•Install oil fillplug and dipstick, tighten securely.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30,
etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these
multiviscosity oils will result in increased oil
consumption when used above 32°F. Check the oil
level more frequently to avoid possible engine
damage from running low on oil.
Gasoline
WARNING: Never fillfuel tank indoors, or
when engine is running or hot. Do not
smoke when filling fuel tank.
IMPORTANT: Never mix engine oil with gasoline.
Clean area around gas tank cap. Forlocation
of gas tank cap, see Figure 9. Remove cap.
Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
Pour approximately 1.5 quarts of fresh, regular
grade, unleaded gasoline slowly to the fuel
tank.
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
(Refer to Figure 9.)
,_ WARNING: Be sure no one other than
the operator isstanding near the lawn
mower whilestarting oroperating.
Attach spark plug wire and ground to post on
engine. Make certain the metal cap on the end
of the spark plug wire is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug. See Figure 2.
&WARNING: Never runengine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas, Engine
exhaust containscarbon monoxide, an
odorlessand deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts
on engine and lawn mower.
Push primer five times. Wait about two seconds
between each push.Do not prime to restart a
warm engine after a shortshutdown.
Hold bladecontrolhandle against the upper
handle. Grasp recoilstarter and pull rope out
slowly untilengine reaches the start of
compressioncycle (rope willpull slightly harder
at this point). See Figure 9 inset. Letthe rope
rewind slowly.
Pullropewith arapid,continuous, full arm
stroke. Keeping a firm gripon the recoilstarter,
let the ropereturnto the starter slowly.
Hold handles firmly
Pull recoil starter
_il
Fillgasoline
Attach
plug wire _rime 5 times
Figure 9
10