Craftsman 247.887210 User manual

Operator's Manual
PRO E S S I 0 N A
21" SELF PROPELLED MOWER
Model No. 247.887210
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORM1/0. 769-03781
4/14/2009

WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafeOperationPractices..........................Pages3-4
SlopeGuide..............................................Page5
SafetyLabels............................................Page7
Assembly..................................................Pages8-11
Operation..................................................Pages12-13
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
TroubleShooting.......................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-32
Espa_ol.....................................................Page37
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
CraftsmanTwoYearLimited Warranty
Ifthis Craftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectinmaterialor workmanshipwithintwo yearsfromthedateof purchase,returnittoanySearsstore,
SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStatesforfreerepair.
Thiswarrantydoesnotinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas rotarymowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,air
cleaners,andsparkplug.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuseor negligence,includingbentcrankshaftsandthefailuretooperateor maintaintheequip-
mentaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90daysifthis productiseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisusedinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuckand Co.,Hoffman Estates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,LLC 2

__IL hissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions
which,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonal
safetyand/orpropertyofyourselfandothers.Read
andfollowall instructionsin thismanualbefore
attemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththese
instructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,
HEEDITSWARNING!
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingto therulesfor
safeoperationinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe partoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand
throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions
couldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
__ate ofCaliforniatoI
causecancerandbirthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presenceofchildren.Chil-
drenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowingactivity.Theydo notunderstand
thedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
,, Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadult otherthanthe operator.
,, Bealertandturnmoweroff if a childentersthe area.
,, Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor small
children.
,, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof a childwhomay
runintothemower.
,, Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns
fromahot muffler.
,, Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operateapowermower.
Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandoperation
instructionsand safetyrulesin thismanualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyaadult.
GENERAL OPERATION
•Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentirety beforeattempting
toassemblethismachine.Read,understand,andfollow all instructions
onthe machineandinthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely
familiarwiththe controlsand the properuseofthismachinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfutureandregular
referenceand for orderingreplacementparts.
,, Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowtostop
themachineanddisengagethemquickly.
,, Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not aplaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatall times.Yourunithasbeen
designedto performonejob:to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyother
purpose.
,, Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethismachine.Chil-
dren14yearsoldand overshouldreadand understandthe instructions
inthis manualand shouldbetrainedandsupervisedby aparent.
,, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbe allowedto usethismachine.
,, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Remove
allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjectswhichcould
betrippedoveror pickedupand thrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects
cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
,, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersand the like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
,, To helpavoid bladecontactor a thrownobject injury,stayin operator
zonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpers,and petsat
least75feet frommowerwhile itis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyone
entersarea.
,, Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
,, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoes
arerecommended.Neveroperatethis machinein barefeet, sandals,
slipperyor lightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
,, Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor undercuttingdeck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
,, A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontactor
thrownobjectinjuries.
,, Manyinjuriesoccuras aresultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.Do notholdon tothe mowerif
youarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.
,, Neverpull the mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.If youmust
backthe mowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirst lookdownand
behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollow thesesteps:
a.Step backfrom mowertofully extendyourarms.
b.Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pull backslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardsyou.
d.Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
,, Donotoperatethe mowerwhile underthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.
,, Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitssoequippedwhile
startingengine.
,, Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits
operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinoperativeandmayresult
inpersonalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.The blade
controlhandlemustoperateeasilyin both directionsand automatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhen released.
,, Neveroperatethe mowerin wet grass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A
slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouare losing
yourfooting, releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe blade
will stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
,, Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
,, Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
3

• Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand
checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationisgenerallya warningof
trouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a completestop
beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror uncloggingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuestorotatefora fewsecondsafterthe engine
isshut off.Neverplaceanypartofthe bodyinthe bladearea untilyou
aresurethe bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass
catcher,bladecontrolhandle,orothersafety protectivedevicesin place
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failure
todoso can resultin personalinjury.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancausea burn.Do nottouch.
• Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthismachinebymanufacturer.
Failureto dosocanresultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pull cordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull
rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpullhandand
armtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,usecareand
goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterforassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcanresultin
severeinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon
aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas part
ofthismanualtomeasureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.
Do:
• Mowacrossthefaceofslopes; neverupanddown. Exerciseextreme
cautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcancause
youto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
• Alwaysbe sureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethe bladecontrol
handleimmediately,andthe bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,whereyoucould
loseyourfootingor balance.
• Do notmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe
slopegauge.
• Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
SERVICE
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
•Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilledon
yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskinand change
clothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailerbedwith a
plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe groundawayfromyour
vehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand refueliton
theground.Ifthis isnot possible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentona trailer
witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or container
openingatalltimesuntilfueling iscomplete.Donot usea nozzle
lock-opendevice.
• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandother sources
of ignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumu-
latein the area.
• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhile engineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfuel tank.Fill tanktono morethan 1 inchbelowbottom
offiller neckto provideforfuel expansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineand equipment.Moveunit
toanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainernearan openflame,spark
or pilotlightason awaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer,
or othergasappliances.
• To reducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,or other
debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageandremoveanyfuel
soakeddebris.
• Allowa mowerto coolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
•Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorlessand deadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe bladeand
all movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
• Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
for propertightness.Also,visually inspectbladefor damage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn) Replacebladewiththe originalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthis manual."Useofparts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
• Mowerbladesaresharpand cancut.Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,
anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
• Keepallnuts, bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equipmentis in
safeworkingcondition.
• Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe spark
plugwireand groundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingand
operatingthe mower.
• Neverattempttomakea wheelor cuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjecttowear anddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor
allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useof parts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingoroverspeedthe engine.
Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe
engine.Do notcrankenginewithspark plugremoved.
• Checkfuel line,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor cracksor leaks.
Replaceif necessary.
• Maintainor replacesafetyand instructionlabels,asnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposalof
fluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
YourResponsibility:Restrictthe useofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understand,andfollowthe warningsand instructionsin thismanualandonthe
machine. 4

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05
(D
05
IDonotmowoninclineswitha slopein excessof 15degrees(ariseof approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).
OperateWALK-BEHINDmowersacrossthefaceof slopes,neverup anddownslopes.
Sight and holdthis levelwith averticaltree...
or a fence post
15°
|
15°

This pageleft intentionallyblank.
6

READOPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTROL,TRAILINGSHIELD,
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.)IN PLACEANDWORKING.IFDAMAGED,REPLACEIMMEDIATELY.
7

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideoftheLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• GrassCatcherAdapter
• SideDischargeChute
• HardwarePack
• EngineOil
Figure1
f
J
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
a. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshownin Figure1.
Makecertainthe lowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe
handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhilelifting
thehandleup.
b. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandletolowerhandle.
Makesurethateachcarriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe
handle.
2. Locatethehairpinclipontheweldpinon eachsideof lower
handle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthishole.Usinga pairof pliers,
inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosestto thebracket.
SeeFigure2. Repeaton otherside.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackintotheupper
holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plastic
wingnut,alsoincludedin thehardwarepack.Repeaton
othersidewith remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
NOTE:Makecertainthedrivecableisroutedaroundtheoutsideand
abovethelowerhandlesoitdoesnotinterferewithattachingthegrass
bag.Thechutedoorhasbeendesignedtomovethestarterropeoutof
thewayofthebagwhenthechutedoorisopened.
/. f
Figure2
8

3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedtothesupportrod,islocated
onthe rightsideofthelowerhandle.See Figure3.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasebladecontrol.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
4. Attachcablestothelowerhandlewiththecabletiesalreadyon
thelowerhandle.Insertpegson cabletiesintotheholeson the
lowerhandle.SeeFigure4. Pullcabletiestightandcutoff the
extra.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
Themowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffleinstalledontheunit.
Forbaggingpurposes,youwillhavetoattachthegrassbagandits
adapterin placeofthemulchingbaffle.
1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthemulchingbafflein placeand
removefromunit.SeeFigure5.
2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethefrontlipof
adaptergoesundertheedgeofthedeck.Securewithwingnuts
previouslyremoved.
3. Liftchutedooronthegrassbagadapterand slidegrassbagonto
theadapter.SeeFigure6.
Figure 3
(
Figure6
9
Figure4
/
Figure5 ,J

ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe rearleft
wheel.SeeFigure7Ainsert.
1. Pullleveroutandawayfrommower.
2. Moveleverforwardor backfordesiredcuttingheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Thefrontwheelcuttingheightisdeterminedbyselectingoneof six
positionsoneachcasterassembly.Toadjustfrontcuttingheight,refer
toFigure7Bandproceedasfollows:
1. Removewingnutfromaxlebolt.
Slideaxleboltandwavewasher
fromtheassemblyandselecta
cuttingheight.
2. Withwavewasheron axlebolt,
reinserthardwareinthesquare
holedesiredthroughwheel
assemblyandsecurewithwing
nutpreviouslyremoved.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe samerelativeposition.
Forroughor unevenlawns,movetheheightadjustmentlevertoa
higherposition.Thiswillstopscalpingof grass.
Thecasterscanbelockedina straightaheadpositionor positionto
swivelfreely.SeeFigure70 insert.
1. Liftlock pins.
2. Placeinlargerholestolockwheels.Placepinsinsmallerholesto
allowcasterstorotatefreelyforturning.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin thedrivecontrolhandlehousing
andis usedtotightenor loosenthedrivebelt.Youwillhaveto adjust
thedrivecontrolifanyofthefollowinghappens:
1. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrolengaged.
2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.
Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel
clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust
thedrivecontrol.SeeFigure8.
f
Figure8
NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeina comfortable
position.Youcanadjustthehandlebytighteningtheadjustmentwheel.
10

DriveControl
Control
ElectricStartIgnitionKey
ShiftLever
RecoilStarter.....................
CuttingHeight
AdjustmentLever
0il Cap/Dipstick
Y
Gas Cap
Side Discharge Chute
Air Cleaner
Spark Plug
Primer Bulb
J
Figure9
BLADE CONTROL ELECTRIC START IGNITION KEY
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthemower.See
Figure9. Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletooperate
theunit.Releaseitto stopengineand blade.
Theelectricstartignitionkeyislocatedontheleft sideofthehandle
panel.Itisusedonlyfortheelectricstarter.
SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthesidedischargechute.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto the
Assemblysection.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheupperhandle.Squeezethedrive
controltoengagethedrivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive
system.
SHIFT LEVER
Theshiftleverislocatedonthedrivecontrolhousingontheupper
handle.Thisleverisusedto selecttheforwardspeedofthemower.
Whenchangingspeedselection,releasethedrivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Movetheshiftleveronlywhentheengineis running.
Changingtheshiftleversettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe
mower.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaoncuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelontheunit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarterisconnectedtothesupportrodandis locatedon the
rightsideofthelowerhandle.Standbehindtheunitandpulltherecoil
starterropetostarttheunit.
GAS CAP
Removethegascaptoaddfueltothefueltank.Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof87 octane.
SPARK PLUG
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
11

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTimeUse
1. Removeoil filldipstick.
2. Withthe lawnmoweron levelground,usea funneltoemptyentire
contentsofoil bottleprovidedintotheengine.
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SF,SG,SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil's SAEviscositygradeaccordingto
theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.
'Colder -'_ 32°F _Warmer
,.._ Oi!Viscosity Chart J
Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W30,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen
usedabove32°E Checkyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowon oil.SeeFigure9.
1. Checktheoil levelbeforeeachoperationmakingcertainnot
torubthedipstickalongtheinsidewallsoftheoilfilltubeand
withoutscrewingit in.Thiswouldresultina falsedipstick
reading.Refillto FULLmarkon dipstick,ifnecessary.Capacity
isapproximately18oz. Overfillingwillcausetheenginetosmoke
profuselyandwillresultin poorengineperformance.
2. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
3. Keepoil levelatFULL.Runningtheenginewithtoolittleoil can
resultinpermanentenginedamage.
Gasoline
l Use care handlinggasoline, extremely
extreme when Gasolineis
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors
or whiletheengineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
pipes,andothersourcesofignition.
1. Removefuelcapfromthefueltank.
2. Makesurethecontainerfromwhichyouwillpourthegasolineis
cleanandfreefromrustor foreignparticles.Neverusegasoline
thatmaybestalefromlongperiodsofstoragein itscontainer.
Gasolinethathasbeensittingforanyperiodlongerthanfour
weeksshouldbeconsideredstale.
3. Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedregulargasolineonly.Do
notusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL.Replacefuelcap.
Useof alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor usingethanolor
methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadsto separationandforma-
tionofacidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethefuelsystem
[of anengnewh e n storage.
o0
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0
Q
Figure9
Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbeemptiedbefore
storagefor30daysorlonger.Drainthegastank,starttheengine
andletit rununtilthefuellinesandcarburetorare empty.Use
freshfuelnextseason.See STORAGEInstructionsforadditional
information.
Neveruseengineorcarburetorcleanerproductsinthefueltankor
permanentdamagemayoccur.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
2
TO START ENGINE
1. Attachsparkplugwireand rubberboottosparkplug.
2. Gastankshouldbeatleast3/4fullbeforestarting.
3. Pushprimerbutton3 times.Donotprimeon hotdaysor torestart
a warmengineaftera shortshutdown.See Figure10.
4. Standingbehindthemower,depressthebladecontroland holdit
againsttheupperhandle.SeeFigure10.
5. This mowerhastwoseparatestartingsystems,electricand recoil.
Electric Start: Turnignitionkeytothe righttostarttheengine.
Releasethekeyaftertheenginestarts.
Recoil Start: Graspstarterhandleandpullropeoutslowly
untilenginereachesstartofcompressioncycle(ropewillpull
slightlyharderatthis point).Lettheroperewindslowly.Pullrope
witha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepinga firmgrip on
the starterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.

TO STOP ENGINE f
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundittothe retainingpostto ,--__5./
preventaccidentalstartingwhiletheequipmentisunattended.
Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themoweror toremovethesidedischargechute.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonal
injurytotheoperatorandothers.
1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe
upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseittodisengagethedrive.
2. Usetheshiftlevertoselecttheforwardspeedofthemower- 1
istheslowestspeed,6 isthefastest.Whenchangingspeed
selection,releasethedrivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Movetheshiftleveronlywhentheengineis running.
Changingtheshiftleversettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe
mower.
If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationofmower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanusethegrasscatcherbagtocollectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsin theAssembly
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin thebagas
yourunthe mower.
2. Operatethemowertillthegrassbagisfull.
3. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunithascometoa completestop.
4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthelower
handle,lift thegrassbagstraightupoff theadapter.Thechute
doorwillmovetheropeoutofthewayofthebag.
5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisetherearof thegrass
bagandreleasethelowerhandleovera properreceptacle.The
grassbagwillopenandthegrassclippingswilldisperse.When
replacingthegrassbag,besurethetopof thebagrestsonthe
wiresupportbetweenthehandles.
USING SIDE DISCHARGE
Followstepsbelowto installthesidedischargechute:
1. Removemulchingbaffleorgrassbagadapterfromunitby
disconnectingwingnuts.
2. Attachsidedischargechutetounitandsecurewiththethreewing
nuts.SeeFigure11.
Figure11
Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultin foreignobjectsbeing
thrownintotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.
USING AS IVlULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcheror thesidedischarge
chutefromthe mower,andreattachthemulchingbaffle.Refertopage
9 ofAssemblysection.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.If
thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessoffourinches,mulching
isnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatcher tobagclippingsinstead.
13

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
•Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethesearetight.
f
Electrode Porcelain
--* .030 (.76 mm) gap
Figure12
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Spark Plug
Cleansparkplugandresettheelectrodegapto0.030"atleastoncea
season;replaceevery100hoursofoperation.
Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark
plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing
andwashingwitha commercialsolvent.
Removeand inspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureit is
setat .030".SeeFigure12.
Replacethesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,or the
porcelainiscracked.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Donotusepressurizedair or solventstocleantheaircleaner
cartridge.
Theair cleanerpreventsdamagingdirt, dust,etc.,fromenteringthe
carburetorandbeingforcedintotheengineandisimportanttoengine
lifeand performance.Neverruntheenginewithoutan aircleaner
completelyassembled.
Cleanor replacetheair cleanerevery25hoursofoperation.
1. Loosenscrewsthatholdtheairfiltercover.
2. Opencoverandremovecartridge.See Figure13.
3. Installnewaircleanercartridge.Cartridgemustfit securelyin
base.
4. Placecoveroveraircleaner.
5. Tightenscrews.
NOTE:If thefilteristornordamagedin anyway,replaceit.
fScrews
Cover
Air Cleaner
Cartridge
Base
Figure13
Afterservicingtheair cleaner,be surealltheremovedpartsare
reinstalledproperlyin place.Failuretosecurelyfastentogetherair
cleanercaseandaircleanerbodymaycausedirtorotherforeign
materialstoentertheenginewhileitisrunning,resultinginengine
troublesor failures.
14

Check Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperation.Be sureoillevelismaintained.
1. Removeoilfilldipstickandwipecleanwithcloth.
2. Replacedipstickwithoutscrewingitin.Removeandcheckoil
level.LevelshouldbeatFULLmark.
3. If needed,addoil slowJy-recheck.Donotoverfill.
4. Installandtightendipstick.
Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheenginetonotstart,
hardstarting,orenginesmoking.If overtheFULLmarkonthe
dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.
Change Engine Oil
•Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIservice
classificationSF,SG,SH,orSJ. Selecttheoil'sSAEviscosity
gradeaccordingtotheexpectedoperatingtemperature.Referto
Operationsectionforviscositychart.
• Changeengineoil afterthefirsteighthoursofoperation,and
everyfifty hoursthereafter.
To Drain Oil
1. Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefuel
tankisempty.Besurethemowerislevel.
2. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromsparkplug.
3. Tipthemower,keepingtheaircleanerabovetheoil fill.See
Figure14.
4. Removethedipstickfromtheengineandpourentireoilcontents
fromthecrankcaseintoanappropriatecontainer.
5. Putthemowerbacktoitsoperatingposition(onall fourwheels).
6. Refillwithapproximately18oz.offreshoil.Fillto FULLlineon
dipstick.Donotoverfill.Referto GasAndOil Fill-Upin Operation
section.
7. Replaceoilfilldipstickandtighten.
8. Replacesparkplugwirebeforestarting.
Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly.
Donotdiscardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
Oil Fill/Dipstick
Air
Figure14
Service Muffler
•Inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replace-
mentpartsforthemufflermustbethesameandinstalledinthe
samepositionastheoriginalparts.
Temperatureofmufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F
(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.
Clean Engine
•Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundand behindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
•Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.
•Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-
ingandignitionof accumulateddebris.
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushordrycloth.
Carburetor Adjustment
Thecarburetoronthisengineisnotadjustable.
Engine Speed
Donottamperwiththegovernorsettingorthecarburetorsettingto
increasetheenginespeed.Eachcarburetorisadjustedatthefactory
witheithera caporstopplateinstalledonthemixturescrew.Any
adjustmentsmustbe performedbya Searsor otherqualifiedservice
dealer.
15

LUBRiCATiON
lAIwaysstopengine, sparkplug, groundagainst
disconnect and
enginebeforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thebladecontrolmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure15.
Wheels and Casters
Lubricatethewheelsandcastersatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil
(ormotoroil).Ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,lubricatetheaxle
boltand innersurfaceofthewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure15.
Grass Catcher Adapter
Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneachendof thegrass
catcheradapterdooratleastoncea seasonwithlightoiltoprevent
rust.See Figure15.
Transmission
Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthefactoryanddoes
notrequirelubrication.
CLEANING DECK
Cleanundersideof themowerdeckaftereachuseto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsor otherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawnmoweror
placea pieceofplasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing,keepingthemufflerside
down.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertipthemowermorethan90oinanydirectionanddo notleave
Ithemowertippedforanylengthoftime.Oilcandrainintotheupper
partof theenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha suitabletool.
Donotspraywithwater.
IMPORTANT:Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetoclean
yourunit.Thesemaycausedamagetobearings,ortheengine.The
useofwaterwillresultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyouhadput
plasticunderthegascapearlier,makesuretoremoveitnow.
\
J
Figure15
f
Figure16
REPLACING REAR FLAP
Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:
1. Cutoff theflatendofthewirerodwhichsecuresit tothedeck.
See Figure16.
2. Attachthenewflapandnewrodto thedeck,bendingtheendsof
thenewrodovertosecuretodeck.
16

ADJUSTING SHIFT LEVER CABLE
Periodicadjustmentofthesixspeedshiftcablemaybe necessarydue
tonormalwearon thecable.Adjustmentisneededifall sixspeedsdo
notwork.Theadjustablecablebracketislocatedontheleftsideofthe
mowerbesidetheengine.SeeFigure17.
1. Startengineandplaceshiftleverinthesixthspeedposition.
2. Stopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwireandgroundit against
engine.
3. Loosenhexnutwhichsecurestheadjustablecablebracket.See
Figure17.
4. Pushbackon theadjustablecablebracket.
5. Tightenhexnut.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthecuttingbladeforsharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesor usea heavyragto
holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikeaforeignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronits
sidemakingsurethat theair filterand thecarburetorarefacing
up.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure18.
NOTE: Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,becarefulnot
toremoveor losepartsaboveitassociatedwiththeenginepulley.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.SeeFigure18.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthebladebalanced.
An unbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotating
at highspeeds.It maycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreak
causingpersonalinjury.
f
J
Figure17
Support Bolt
Figure18
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftand theinnersurfaceof theblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthatthesideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwith partnumber)facestheground
whenthemowerisintheoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeis alignedandseatedonthebladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebell supportontheblade.Alignnotcheson theblade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltand tightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,
600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltforcorrecttorque.
BELT CARE
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedinordertochangethe
mower'sdrivebelt.SeeanauthorizedSearsServiceCentertohave
yourbeltreplaced.
17

REPLACING BATTERY
Batteriescontainsulfuricacidwhichmaycauseburns.Donotshort
Icircuitormutilatebatteriesinanyway.Donotputbatteriesinfireas
_thesemayburstorreleasetoxicmaterials.
1. Loosenstarknobssecuringupperandlowerhandlesand
carefullyfoldtheupperhandledowntowardthelowerhandleas
showninFigure19.
2. Removethetwo screwssecuringbatterycovertobatteryhousing
andplacethemtotheside.See Figure19.
3. Openbatterycover,removepositiveandnegativeleadsfrom
battery,removeandreplacewith newbattery.Connectthe
positiveleadtothepositivesideofthebatterypack,thenconnect
thenegativeside.
NOTE:Thebatteryyouhavemaydifferslightlyfromtheoneshownin
Figure20.RefertothePartsList.
iMPORTANT:Whenreplacingbatterypackinhandlepanel,battery
packmustbepositionedwiththepositiveterminaltotheleft side
andthenegativeterminaltotherightsideof panel(Positiveterminal
isclosesttothekeyswitch).SeeFigure20.Replacingbatterypack
incorrectlywillcauseseriousdamage.
4. Reattachbatterycoverto batteryhousingbysecuringwiththe
twoscrewsremovedearlier,makingsureto snapthewireconduit
ontheleftintoplaceon thehousing.
5. Foldhandlesbackupandtightenstarknobs.
Donotremovethebatterypackfromtheelectricstarterhousingfor
anyreasonotherthanreplacement.
Charging Battery
Thebatterycontainscorrosivefluidandtoxicmaterial;handlewith
careandkeepawayfromchildren.Donotpuncture,disassemble,
mutilateorincineratethebattery.Explosivegasescouldbevented
duringchargingordischarging.Useina wellventilatedarea,away
fromsourcesofignition.
NOTE:Thespecialdesignedplugon thechargerwillonlyfit intothe
plugonthebatterybox.
1. Plugthebatterychargerintotheporton theundersideof the
batteryhousing.SeeFigure21.
2. Insertthebatterychargerplugintoa standard120volthousehold
outlet.Chargebatteryfor8to 10hoursbeforeinitialuse.Failure
todo somayresultindiminishedbatterylife.Do not charge
longer than 12 hours. Thebatteryshouldonlyneedtobe
chargeduponinitialsetupandafteranyotherextendedperiodsof
non-use.
3. Aftercharging,disconnectchargerplugfromoutletfirst,then
disconnectchargerleadfrombattery.
Figure19
+
Positive
-Terminal
Negative
rminal
f
Figure20 ,J
18 Figure21 J

IMPORTANT:Alwaysplugchargerleadintobatterypackleadfirst,
andtheninsertbatterychargerpluginto120voltstandardhousehold
outlet.Followthisorderofactioneverytimeyouchargethebattery.
Useonlythebatterychargersuppliedwiththismower.
Replacing Fuse
Theelectricstartercircuitandbatteryareprotectedbya 40 ampere
fuse.If thefuseburnsout,theelectricstarterwill notoperate.Ifthe
unitfailsto startwiththeelectricstarter,performthefollowingstepsto
checkthefuseinsidethebatteryhousing:
1. Openthebatterycoverasdescribedin ReplacingBattery.See
Figure19.
2. Removefusefromsocketandinspectasshownin Figure22.If it
isburnedout, replacewith standardautomotive40amperefuse.
3. Carefullyplacewiringbackintohousing,closebatterycover,and
foldupperhandlebackintoplace.
NOTE:Theenginecanbe startedmanuallyifthefuseburnsout.
f
Blown Fuse
Figure22 J
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
X
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocatethe nearest SearsService
Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5-8 hours
25 hours
50 hours
Annuallyor 100hours
BeforeStorage
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseor missinghardware
3. Unitandengine.
1. Engineoil
1. Aircleaner1
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
1. Engineoilff
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Cleanor replace
2. Lubewith lightoil
1. Change
1. Clean,replace,re-gap
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof
fuelor adda stabilizerto thegasin the
tank.
1 Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsorwhenairbornedebrisis present.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
ff Changeoil every25 hourswhereoperatingtheengineunderheavyloador in hightemperatures.
19

Neverstorelawnmowerwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly
ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark,
or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas
appliance.
PREPARING THE ENGINE
Equipmentstoredwithfuelcanbecomestalewhenstoredover30
days.Stalefuelcausesacidandgumdepositstoformin fuelsystem
or onessentialcarburetorparts.Mixfuelstabilizerwithfuelin tankor
storagecontainer.Runenginefora shorttimetocirculatestabilizer
throughcarburetorandengine.Engineandfuelwithstabilizercanbe
storedupto24months.
IMPORTANT:Iffuelstabilizerisnotused,youneedtodraingasoline
fromequipmentpriortostorage.
Performthefollowingbeforelong-termstorageofequipment:
1. Whileengineis stillwarm,changeoil.
2. Removesparkplugand pourapproximately1/2oz.(15ml)of
newengineoilintosparkplugcavitywhichputsoil intocylinder.
Replacesparkplugsecurely.
3. Pullstarterropeslowly.Thisturnstheengine'scrankshaftand
distributesoil throughtheengine.
4. Addfuelstabilizeror drainfuelfromengine.
5. Cleandirtanddebrisfromtopandall areasaroundengine.
6. Storein a clean,dryarea.
PREPARING THE LAWN MOWER
• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthe lubrica-
tioninstructions.
• Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetocleanyourunit.
• Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto prevent
rusting.
• Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosive
materials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorlyventilatedor
metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakentorust-prooftheequipment.
Usinga lightoil orsilicone,coattheequipment,especiallycablesand
all movingpartsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
Battery
Thebatterymustbestoredwitha fullcharge.Extendedstorageofa
dischargedbatterywillreducelifeandcapacityofthebattery.
20