Craftsman 247.887330 User manual

perator's Manual
£RnFrSMRN°
33-inch Wide Cut Mower
Model No. 247.887330
For answers to your questions about this product,
call 1-800-659-5917.
CAUTION: BEFORE USING THiS
PRODUCT, READ THiS MANUAL
AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES
AND OPERATING iNSTRUCTiONS.
,, SAFETY
,, ASSEMBLY
,, OPERATION
,, MAINTENANCE
,, PARTS LIST
,, ESPAIf,IOL R 44
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman FormNo.769-04610A
(December16,2009)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3
Slope Guide ....................................................................... 5
Safety Labels .................................................................... 6
Assembly ........................................................................... 8
Know your Lawn Mower .................................................. 10
Operation ........................................................................ 12
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifthis Craftsmanproductfailsduetoa defectin materialorworkmanship
withintwoyearsfromthedateorpurchase,call1-800-4-MY-HOME®toarrangeforfreerepair(or replacementif repairprovesimpossible).
Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90 daysfromthedateof purchaseifthisproductis everusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor:
• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,andoil filters.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthat bendtheframeor
crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper
storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe
equipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.
Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused
within30 daysof itspurchasedate.
Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductiswithinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuckand Co.,Hoffman Estates,IL 60179
GrossHP: 10.5
EngineOil: SAE30
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& StrattonPowerBuiltTM
Model Number
Serial Number
Dateof Purchase
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber,
anddateof purchaseabove.
© SearsBrands,LLC 2

__IL hissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions
which,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonal
safetyand/orpropertyofyourselfandothers.Read
andfollowall instructionsinthismanualbefore
attemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththese
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,
HEEDITSWARNING!
Your Responsibility: Restricttheuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understand,andfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsinthis manualandonthemachine.
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.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
,, Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
,, Bealert andturnmoweroff if achildentersthe area.
,, Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,look behindanddownforsmall
children.
,, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionof achildwhomay
runintothemower.
,, Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns
fromahot muffler.
,, Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operateapowermower.
Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadandunderstandoperation
instructionsand safetyrulesin thismanualand shouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
GENERAL OPERATION
,, Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentirety beforeattempting
toassemblethismachine.Read,understand,andfollowall instructions
onthe machineandinthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely
familiarwiththe controlsand the properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture andregular
referenceand for orderingreplacementparts.
,, Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not a plaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatall times.Yourunithasbeen
designedto performonejob:to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyother
purpose.
,, Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethismachine.
Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand understandthe instruc-
tionsinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbe allowedto usethismachine.
,, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Remove
allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjectswhichcould
betrippedoveror pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects
cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.
Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wallorobstructionwhichmay
causedischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
,, To helpavoid bladecontactor a thrownobject injury,stayin operator
zonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystanders,helpers,andpetsat
least75feet frommowerwhile itis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyone
entersarea.
,, Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationand while
performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
,, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsand pantsthat coverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoes
arerecommended.Neveroperatethismachinein barefeet,sandals,
slipperyor lightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
,, Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor undercuttingdeck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
,, A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontactor
thrownobjectinjuries.
,, Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.Do notholdon tothe mowerif
youarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.
,, Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.Ifyoumust
backthe mowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst lookdownand
behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a.Stepbackfrom mowerto fully extendyourarms.
b.Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pull backslowly,nomorethanhalfwaytowardsyou.
d.Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
,, Donotoperatethe mowerwhile underthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.
,, Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitsso equippedwhile
startingengine.
,, Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits
operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinoperativeand mayresult
inpersonalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.The blade
controlhandlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhen released.
,, Neveroperatethe mowerin wetgrass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A
slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouare 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.
Thecuttingbladecontinuestorotatefor afewsecondsafterthe 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.
• Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachinebymanufacturer.
Failureto dosocanresultin personalinjury. Forrecommendedacces-
sories,call 1-800-659-5917.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredinthis manual,usecareand
goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterforassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcanresultin
severeinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon
aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usethe slopeguideincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitonaslopedor 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 youfeelyouarelosingyour balance,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.
• Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailerbedwith a
plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe groundawayfromyour
vehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand refueliton
theground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentona trailer
witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or container
openingatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea nozzle
lock-opendevice.
• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulate
inthe area.
• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhile engineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfuel tank.Fill tanktono morethanV2inch belowbottom
offiller neckto provideforfuel expansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipe it offthe engineand equipment.Moveunit
toanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainernearan openflame,spark
or pilotlightason a waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer,
or othergasappliances.
• To reducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,or other
debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageandremoveanyfuel
soakeddebris.
• Allowamowerto coolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
• Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe bladeand
all movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
• Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsfor
propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,
cracked,worn)Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufac-
ture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedin this manual.Use ofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,
anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
• Keepallnuts, bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equipmentis in
safeworkingcondition.
• Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
• 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.Use of parts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceand compromisesafety!
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingoroverspeedthe engine.
Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe
engine.
• Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposalof
fluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
4

Usethispageasa guidetodetermineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafely.Donot operatethelawnmoweron suchslopes.
!
l
I
I
!
!
!
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyofyourselfand
others.Readandfollowallinstructionsinthis manualbeforeattemptingtooperatethis machine.Failureto complywiththeseinstructionsmay
resultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

WARNING
This symbol pointsout importantsafety instructions
which,if not followed,could endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property ofyourself and others.Read and
followall instructionsin this manual beforeattempting
to operatethis machine. Failureto comply withthese
instructionsmay result in personalinjury.Whenyou see
thissymbol HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe useof this power machineto personswho
read, understand,and followthe warnings and instruc-
tionsin this manualand on the machine.
6

Thispageleftintentionallyblank.
7

IMPORTANT:Thisunitis shippedwithoilin theengine.After
assembly,seepage12forfuelandoil details.
IMPORTANT:Referencetorightor leftsideofthemowerisobserved
fromtheoperatingposition.
Themowingdeckiscapableofthrowingobjects.Failuretooperate
themowerwithoutthedischargechuteintheproperoperatingposi-
tioncouldresultinseriouspersonalinjuryand/orpropertydamage.
Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto
preventunintendedstarting.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
Thefollowingitemsare packagedina bag:
Operator'sManual,Oildrainhose,Waterhosecoupler,EngineManual
TOOLS NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY
A setofadjustablewrenchesandtiregauge
REMOVING THE UNIT FROM THE CRATE
1. Cutstraps,ifpresent,securingunittopallet.Leaveuniton pallet
duringhandleassembly.
2. Removeanyprotectivepackagingandplastictiestraps.
3. Usethedeckheightlever(see"KnowyourMower"section)to
raisethecuttingdeckto itshighestposition.
ASSEMBLING THE HANDLE
1. Removelowerstar knobsandcarriagescrewsfromlowerhandle,
Figure1.
Figure1
2. Pivotupperhandleintooperatingposition,Figure2. Becareful
nottobendorkinkthecableswhenpivotingthehandle.
J
Figure2
3. Installcarriagescrewsand knobsremovedearlier.
4. Tightentheupperandlowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsto
securetheupperhandletothelowerhandle,Figure2.
5. Afterassemblingthehandle,to safelyremoveunitfrompallet,first
cut offcardboardandremovescrewstofreethemowerfromthe
crate.
REMOVING THE CHUTE HOLDER
Thechuteholdermustbe removedanddiscardedbeforeoperating
themower.
1. Locatethechuteholderwhichsecuresthedischargechutein a
verticalposition,Figure3.
f
8
Figure3

2. Pullchutebacktowardstheengine.Whileholdingthechutewith
onehand,removethechuteholderusingyourotherhand.
3. Carefullylowerthechuteagainstthedeckanddiscardtheholder.
INSTALLING THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER
1. Removethe5/16-18screwandthelock nutthatholdtheshift
levertotheshiftleverplate,Figure4.
f
4
/
Figure4
J
2. Removetheremainingscrewandnutfromthelowershiftlever
plate,Figure4.
3. Positiontheuppershiftleverintoa verticalpositionaligningthe
holesin thelevertotheholesin theshiftplate,Figure5.
4. Securethelevertotheplateusingthetwoscrewsandtwonuts
removedearlier,Figure5.
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
Rear Tire Pressure
Neverexceedthemaximuminflationpressureshownon thesidewall
oftire.
Therecommendedoperatingreartirepressureisapproximately20
psiforthereartires.Checkthetirepressureperiodicallyand maintain
equalpressurein bothreartiresatall times.
IMPORTANT:Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's
recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventirepres-
surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.
/
Figure5
9

f
Throttle/Choke Blade
ControlLever Control
GasCap
_--. Deck
Height
Lever
DriveControl
GearShiftLever
Figure6
Befamiliarwithall thecontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
to stopthemachineand disengagethecontrols.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,orwhileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER
iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthemowerwiththe
cuttingdeckengaged,becertainthatthethrottle/
chokecontrolleverisalwaysinthefastposition.
Thisleverisusedtoadjustenginespeeds,toapply
theenginechoke,andtostoptheengine.Always
runengineatfastspeedsettingforbestmower
performance.
CHOKE:Usewhenstartinga coldengine
FAST:Useduringmoweroperation.
SLOW:Usewhenidlingengine.
STOP:Stopstheengine.
Choke Fast Slow/Idle EngineOff
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
GAS CAP
Removethegascaptoaddfueltothefueltank.
Useclean,fresh,regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof85
octane.
Turntheengineoffandlettheenginecoolatleasttwo minutes
beforeremovingthegascap.
DECK HEIGHT LEVER
Usethis levertoadjustthecuttingheight.Touse,move
thelevertotheleft,thenplacetheleverinthenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
10

BLADE CONTROL
Thebladecontrolis usedto engagethe
mowerdeck.Toengagethiscontrol,press
andholdtheleveragainstthehandlebar
grip.Tostoptheblades,releasetheblade
control.Alwaysdisengagetheblade
controlbeforestartingtheengine.This
helpstoensurethatthebladeswillnot
startturningwhentheenginestarts.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolisusedtoengage
anddisengagedriveto thewheels.To
engagethiscontrol,squeezethedrive
controlagainstthehandlebargrip.To
stopthedrive,releasethedrivecontrol.
IMPORTANT:Alwaysreleasethedrive
controlbeforechangingspeeds.
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Usethislevertoselectanyoffourforwardgroundspeeds,neutral,or
reverse.
Oil Cap/
Dipstick
RecoilStarter
Cleaner
Handle
OilDrain
Valve Mufflerand SparkPlug
MufflerGuard
SparkPlug
Wire
Figure7
ENGINE CONTROLS
RefertoFigure7forlocationsoftheenginecontrols.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarteris usedto pull-starttheengine.
Oil Drain Valve
Usetheoil drainvalvetodrainoil fromtheengine.Refertothe
Maintenancesectionforinstructions.
Air Cleaner Handle
Theaircleanerhandleisusedtogainaccesstotheair cleaner.Theair
cleanercartridgecanberemovedandcleanedor replaced.Referto
theMaintenancesectionfordetails.
Forward
Therearefourforwardspeeds.Positionone(1)istheslowestand
positionfour(4) isthefastest.
Reverse
Toselectreverse,puttheleverin theReverse(R)position.
Neutral
Placetheleverinneutral(N)beforestartingthemower,andwhenthe
mowerisnotinuse.Inaddition,themowercanbe manuallypushed
orpulledbyplacingthegearshiftleverintoN(neutral)positionand
pressingthedrivecontrolagainstthehandlebargrip.
Ifcartridgeor coverareinstalledincorrectly,seriousinjuryordeath
couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattempttostartyourenginewith
them removed.
Spark Plug/Spark Plug Wire
RefertotheMaintenancesectionforinstructionson sparkplug
replacement.
Oil Cap/Dipstick
RefertotheMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
Toavoiddamagingthetransmission,do notshiftgearswhenthe
mowerismoving.Releasedrivecontrolbeforeshiftinggears.
Lookbehindthemowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop
the mowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.
11

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,orwhileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors
orwhiletheengineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
pipes,andothersourcesof ignition.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Gas Fill
Useof Alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor usingethanolor
methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadsto separationandforma-
tionofacidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethefuelsystem
ofanenginewhilein storage.
Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbeemptiedbefore
storagefor30 daysor longer.Drainthegastank,starttheengine
and letitrununtilthefuellinesandcarburetorareempty.Usefresh
Ifuelnextseason.SeeSTORAGEInstructionsforadditionalinforma-
[tion.
)ermanentdamagemayoccur.
IMPORTANT:Themowerisshippedwithoutgasinthefueltank.
• Neverfillthefueltankcompletely.Fillthetankto nomorethan
1/2-inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoprovidespaceforfuel
expansion.
• Alwaysuseclean,fresh,unleadedgradeautomotivegasoline.
Fillthefueltankoutdoorsand usea funnelor spouttoprevent
spilling.Makesurethatthecontainerfromwhichyoupourthe
gasolineiscleanandfreefromrustorotherforeignparticles.
Makesuretowipeoffanyspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
• Attheendofthejob,emptythefueltankifthe mowerisnot
goingto beusedfor30daysor longer.Storegasolineina clean
containerandkeepthecapin placeon thecontainer.SeeSTOR-
AGEinstructionsforadditionalinformation.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineor operatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsor inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas. Keephands,
feet,hair,andlooseclothingawayfromanymovingparts
Oil Fill
IMPORTANT:Themowerisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine;
however,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Oil shouldbe
changedonceafterthefirsttwohoursofoperationandevery25 hours
ofoperationthereafter.Usethegradeofengineoil specifiedinthe
Maintenancesection.
.
2. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoil filltube.
Checkthatthelevelofoil isuptotheFULLmarkonthedipstick.
Ifneeded,pouroil slowlyintotheoilfill tubeuntila FULLoil level
is achieved.
3. Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.
STARTING THE MOWER
1. Releaseallcontrolsonthemowertopreventwheelsor blades
fromrotating.
2. Movegearshiftlevertoneutral(N)position.
3. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverfullyupwardtochokesetting
I',1tostarta coldengineortofast(rabbit)setting_ to starta
warmengine.
4. Tostartengineusingrecoilstarter:
a. Standon leftside(asviewedfrombehindhandlebars)of ma-
chine.Besureyourfeetare safelyawayfromtheunderside
ofthemowerdeckandall mowercontrolsarereleased.
b. Graspstarterropehandleandpullslowlyuntilropepulls
slightlyharder.Letroperewindslowly.Thenpullropewitha
rapid,fullarmstroke.Letropereturnslowly.Ifenginefailsto
startafterthreepulls,repeatinstructions(try settingthrottle
atfastsetting).
c. Whenenginestarts,operateinfastthrottlesetting_lf
(movethrottle/chokecontrolleverfromchokesettingtofast
setting).
Lookbehindthemowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop
themowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.
Ifyoustrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Removewirefromthe
sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof
mowerduringoperationisanindicationofdamage.Theunitshould
bepromptlyinspectedandrepaired.
12

Lookbehindthemowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop
themowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.
USING THE MOWER
IMPORTANT:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechanging
speeds.Referto"KnowyourMower"sectionformowercontroldetails.
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrassand
nevercut off morethanone-thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
1. Oncetheengineis running,slowlysqueezethedrivecontrol
againsttheupperhandletopropeltheunit.Toactivatethecutting
blades,squeezethebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.
2. Tochangegears,releasethedrivecontrolleverandmovethe
gearshiftlevertothedesiredsetting.Whenfirstpracticingwith
themower,puttheleverin No.1position.Selectforwardspeeds
accordingtomowingconditionsand terrain.Useslowerspeeds
on roughterrainor whengrassisheavyor thick.Theforward
speedcanbe increasedon smoothterrainor ifthegrasscoveris
light.Allowthewheelsto stopcompletelybeforeshiftingfromone
speedintoanother.
IMPORTANT:Beawarethatwhenengagingthedrivecontrol
leverwiththegearshiftleverin3rd or4thgear,thepowerand
torquegeneratedmaycausetheunitto lurchforward.Toavoid
this,slowlysqueezethedrivecontrolleveragainsttheupper
handle.
.Tostoptheblades,releasethebladecontrol.Tostopthedrive
controltothewheels,releasethedrivecontrol.
STOPPING THE MOWER
.
2.
Releasebladeanddrivecontrolto stopwheelsanddeckblades.
Movethrottle/chokecontrolleverdowntoslow(turtle)
position.Wheneverpossible,graduallyreduceenginespeed
beforestoppingengine.
3. Movethrottle/chokecontrolleverallthewaydowntostop
position.
4. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugandgroundagainst
theengine.
MOVING THE MOWER WITHOUT
ENGINE POWER
Themowercanbemanuallypushedor pulledbyplacingthegearshift
leverintoN(neutral)positionandpressingthedrivecontrolagainstthe
handlebargrip.
MULCHING OR SIDE-DISCHARGE MOWING
Youcanusethemowereitherasa mulchingmoweror asa side-
dischargemower.Tousethemulchingfeature,insertthemulchplug
asdescribedbelow.Removethemulchplugtoside-dischargegrass
clippings.
Themulchplugisdesignedto keepthedischargechuteraisedup
whilemowing.Whentheplugis removed,thedischargechutewill
loweritselfforside-dischargemowing.
Beforeinstallingor removingmulchplug,stopengine,waitforparts
to stopmoving,anddisconnectsparkplugwire.
Toinstallor removemulchplug:
1. Stoptheengineandwaitforall partstostopmoving.
2. Disconnectthesparkplugwirefromthesparkplug.
Figure8
3. Toinstallthemulchplug,inserttheright-sidetab(A)oftheplug
intothebracketonthedeck,Figure8.
4. Insertthecoverintothedischargeopening(B), Figure8.
5. Afterthemulchplughasbeenplacedintothedeckopening,push
theplugtowardstherearofthemower(C)tofit theplugproperly
intotheopening,Figure8.
6. Toremovetheplug,slidethecovertothe right(frontof mower)to
disengagetheslotfromthemowerdeckandthenprytheleft-side
ofthecoveroutandoff.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecutting
deck.
13

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplug,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeof maintenanceonthemower.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganytypeof
maintenanceon themower.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedin thismanual.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesuretheyare tight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Spark Plug
Cleansparkplugandresettheelectrodegapto0.030"atleastoncea
season;replaceevery100hoursofoperation.
1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark
plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing
andwashingwitha commercialsolvent
2. Removeand inspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureit is
setat .030".SeeFigure9.
3. Replacethesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,or the
porcelainiscracked.
Electrode
lPorcelain
.030inch(.76ram)gap
Figure9 J
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Iffilters,or coversare notinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath
couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto starttheenginewith
themremoved.
Donotusepressurizedairor solventsto cleantheair cleaner
cartridge.
Cleanor replacetheaircleanerevery25 hoursof operation.
1. Pulluponair cleanerhandle,Figure10,andpullbacktowardsthe
engine.
Removetheaircleanercover,Figure10.
.
f
Air CleanerCover Air CleanerCartridge
\
AirCleanerHandle
Figure10
3. Carefullyremoveaircleanercartridgeandpre-cleaner(if
equipped)fromtheblowerhousing.
4. Cleanthebaseoftheaircleanercartridgecarefullytoprevent
debrisfromenteringtheengine.
5. Placethepre-cleaner,ifequipped,andcartridgebackintothe
blowerhousing.Thecartridgemustbeplacedsecurelyinto
position.
6. Aligntabsoncoverwithslotsin blowerhousingand replacethe
cover.
14

Changing the Engine Oil
Theoil intheengineshouldbe changedevery25 hoursofoperation.
1. Togainaccesstotheoildrainvalveon theengine,theright
handlebracetubeshouldbe pivotedforward.
a. Removetheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewonthe right
sideofthehandle,Figure11.
b. Pivotthebracetubetowardsthefrontofthemowertoallow
roomtoconnecttheoil drainhosetotheoil drainvalve,
Figure11.
\\
DrainValve
Figure
2. Popofftheprotectivecapontheendoftheoil drainvalveto
exposethedrainport, Figure12.
FOilFillCap/
_':.............Dipstick
_::;> Protective
......DrainCap
drainport. Routetheoppositeendofthehoseintoan appropriate
oil collectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenoughtocollectthe
usedoil.
5. Releasethevalvebypressingthetwotabsinwardwhilepulling
thevalveout.Theoil willbegintodrainoutoftheengine.
6. Aftertheoil hasfinisheddraining,pressthetwotabsinwardand
pushtheoil drainvalvebackintolockthevalveclosed.Remove
thehose,and re-captheendoftheoil drainvalvetokeepdebris
fromenteringthedrainport.
7. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthe
dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoil fillcap/dipstick.
8. Pivottherighthandlebracetubebackintoposition.Alignthe
middleholein thebracetubewiththeholeinthehandle.Secure
withthestarknobandcarriagescrewremovedearlier.
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclas-
sificationSForSG.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccording
toyourexpectedoperatingtemperature,Figure13.Although
multi-viscosityoils(5W30,10W30etc.)improvestartingincold
weather,thesemulti-viscosityoilswillresultin increasedoilcon-
sumptionwhenusedabove32°ECheckyourengineoil levelmore
frequentlytoavoidpossibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.
IColder <------_ 32°F > Warmer
Oil Viscosity Chart
Figure 13 1
................::_
Figure12 J
3. Removetheoil fillcap/dipstickfromtheoil filltube,Figure12.
4. Pushtheoil drainhose(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoil
15

Beforeperforminganytype ofmaintenanceon themachine,waitfor
allpartstostopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failure
Itofollowthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryor property
[damage.
REMOVING THE BELT COVER
Thebeltcovermustbe removedtoperformseveralmaintenanceand
serviceprocedures.Followtheinstructionsbelowto removethebelt
cover.
1. Stopengine,waitforall partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect
sparkplugwire.
2. Removethethreescrewsandwashersholdingthecovertothe
frame,Figure14.
Figure14
3. Removethe beltcover.
4. Toreinstallthebeltcover,placethecoverinpositionandfasten
usingthreescrewsandwashersremovedearlier.
Donotoperateunitwithoutbeltcoverinstalled.Failureto followthis
instructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor propertydamage.
REMOVING THE MOWER DECK
Whenservicingtheundersideofthe mowerdeckforanyreason,the
cuttingdeckshouldfirstbe removed.Followtheinstructionsbelowto
removethecuttingdeck:
1. Stoptheengine,waitforall partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect
sparkplugwire.
2. Releaseall mowercontrols.
3. Removebeltcoveras instructedunder"Removingthe
BeltCover."
4. Usethedeckheightlevertomovethecuttingdecktoits
highestposition.
5. Placesmallwoodenblocksunderthedeck.
6. Usethedeckheightlevertolowerthedecksothat itrestsupon
thewoodenblocks.
7. Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthemower,locate
thehairpinclipthatsecuresthedecksupportrodon therearIdt
sideofthedeck,Figure15.
8. Removethehairpinclipthatsecuresthesupportrod,andcare-
fully removethedeck supportfromthedecklift arm,Figure15.
Figure15
9. Repeatsteps7 and8 onthemower'srightside.Whencomplete,
all fourhairpinclipsshouldbe removed.
10. Pushthecuttingdecktothelefttounhooktheliftassemblyfrom
thedeck.
11.
12.
13.
Usethedeckheightleverto raisethecuttingdeckto itshighest
position.
Removethewoodenblocksfromunderthedeck.
Removethedrivebeltasinstructedunder"ReplacingtheDrive
Belt"instructions.
14. Slidethecuttingdecktowardstherearoftheunit.
15. Unhookthedrivespringcablefromtheidlerarmassembly,
Figure16.
f
16.
17.
16
J
Figure16
Removethecuttingdeck.
Toinstallthecuttingdeck,followtheabovestepsin reverseorder.

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor
allpartstostopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failure
tofollowthisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryorproperty
damage.
LUBRICATION
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrivesystemandlift linkageat
leastoncea season,orevery25hoursofoperation,withlightoil.
Rear Wheels
Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesoncea season.
Lubricatetheaxlesandtherimswellwithanall-purposegreasebefore
reinstallingthem.
Front Wheel Bearings
Greasefittingsarelocatedoneachcasterwheelandontheframe
aboveeachfrontcasterwheel,Figure17.Lubricatetheseareasusing
a greasegunafterevery50 hoursofmoweroperation.
F
Grease
fittingon
wheel
/
Aligngreasefittingwith
notchinwheelbracket
Figure17
Tolubricateacasterwheelbearing,rotatethewheelsothatthegrease
fittingis inalignmentwiththenotchinthebracket,Figure17- doing 3.
thiswillallowroomtoconnectthegreaseguncouplerontothegrease 4.
fitting.Youwillnotneedtousethegreasefittingontheoppositeside
ofthewheel. 5.
CLEANING THE ENGINE AND DECK
Donotusea pressurewashertocleanthemower.It maycause
damagetoelectricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,bearings,orthe
engine.
Anyfuelor oil spilledon themachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do
notallowdebristoaccumulatearoundanycomponentson themower.
Cleaning the Engine
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheating
and ignitionofdebris.Thisisespeciallyimportantif cuttingtallgrass.
Cleaning the Cutting Deck
DeckWash System
Usethe DeckWashSystemto rinsegrassclippingsfromtheunder-
sideofthedeckandtopreventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.
1. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedin a bagwiththeOperator's
Manual)ontotheendofyourgardenhose,Figure18.
GardenHose_
HoseCoupler
WaterPort
/y
Figure18
Attachthehoseandcouplerto thewaterporton thedecksurface,
Figure18.
Turnthewateron.
Pointthedischargechuteawayfromanyobjectsorpersons.
Startthemowerandengagetheblades(pressandholdtheblade
controlagainstthehandlebargrip)fora minimumof twominutes.
Donotengagethedrivecontrol.
Whencomplete,disengagethebladecontrol(releasetheblade
control)andturntheengineoff.
Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewater
port.
17

Neverexceedthemaximuminflationpressureshownon thesidewall
oftire.
REAR TIRE PRESSURE
Therecommendedoperatingreartirepressureisapproximately20
psiforthe reartires.Checkthetirepressureperiodicallyandmaintain
equalpressurein bothreartiresatall times.
IMPORTANT:Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's
recommendedor maximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventirepres-
surecouldcausethecuttingdecktomowunevenly.
REPLACING THE TRAILING SHIELD
.
Ifa screwis presentateachsideofthetrailingshield,removethe
twoscrews.
Bend(bow)thetrailingshieldinwardon eachsidetoreleasetabs
fromtheholesin themowerframe,Figure19.
.
.
\_ ii
Figure19
Replacewith newtrailingshieldbybendingtheshieldtoallow
eachtabtofit intoholesin mowerframe.
Replacethetwo screws(ifscrewswereusedtoholdthetrailing
shieldtothemowerframe).
SERVICING THE CUTTING BLADES
Besureto shuttheengineoff anddisconnectthesparkplugwire
andgroundagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstartingbefore
removingthecuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protect
yourhandsbyusingheavyglovesora ragtograspthecuttingblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladespindlesforcracksordamage,espe-
ciallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replaceimmediatelyifdamaged.
Mowerbladesaresharp.Whenworkingnearblades,wearheavy
leatherglovesorwrapbladesin thickragsto protectyourselffrom
thesharpedges.
Blade Removal
F
.
Removethedeckfrombeneaththemowerandgentlyflipthe
deckovertoexposeits underside.Referto"RemovingtheMower
Deck"forinstructions.
Placea 2x4blockofwoodapproximately8.5"longbetweenthe
deckhousingandthecuttingbladetoactasa stabilizer,
Figure20. \
Removeflangenuttoreleaseblade
Useblockofwoodtostabilizeblade.
Figure20
J
3. Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthebladetothespindle
assembly,Figure20.
18

Blade Sharpening
iMPORTANT:Ifanymetalseparationispresent,replacetheblades
withnewones.
Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamountsof
metalfrombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,parallelto
thetrailingedge,ata 250to 300angle,Figure21.
J
Figure21
It isimportantthateachcuttingbladeedge begroundequallyto
maintainproperbladebalance.A poorlybalancedbladewillcause
excessivevibrationandmaycausedamagetothemowerandresult
in personalinjury.Thebladecan betestedbybalancingit ona round
shaftscrewdriver.Grindmetalfromtheheavysideuntilit balances
evenly.
Blade Installation
1. Wheninstallinga blade,placethesideofthebladewitha part
numberstampedin itfacingthegroundwhenthemowerisin the
operatingposition.
2. Useatorquewrenchtotightenthespindleflangenutto between
70-90foot-pounds.
REPLACING BELTS
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor
allpartsto stopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failureto
followthisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryorpropertydamage
Avoidthepossibilityofa pinchinginjury.Donotplaceyourfingers
betweenbeltsand pulleys.
Themowerusesthreebelts:1)drivebelt,2)deckengagementbelt,3)
bladetimingbelt.Beforereplacinga belt,observehowthebeltis routed
aroundthepulleysandbracketstohelpwheninstallinga replacement.
IMPORTANT:Thebeltson themowerare speciallydesignedto
engageanddisengagesafely.Fora properworkingmachine,use
factoryapprovedbelts.
Replacing the Drive Belt
1. Stopengine,waitforall partstostopmoving,anddisconnect
sparkplugwire.
Releaseall mowercontrols..
3.
4.
Removebeltcoverasinstructedearlierinthissection.
Loosenbeltkeeper(A).Thebeltkeeperisattachedto the
undersideofthemowerframe,Figure22.
Figure22
5. Loosentheidlerpulley(B) bylooseningboltandnut, Figure22.
6. Removebelt(C)fromaroundpulleys,Figure22.
7. Routenewbeltaroundthepulleysmakingsuretotightennuts,
bolts,and beltkeeper.
8. Replacethebeltcover.
19

Replacing the Deck Engagement Belt
1, Stopengine,waitforall partsto stopmoving,anddisconnect
sparkplugwire,
2. Releaseallmowercontrols,
3. Removebeltcoveras instructedearlierinthis section,
4. Loosentheboltandnutholdingbeltkeeperrodtoframe,
Figure23.
f
.
6.
7.
\
i!
/
Figure23
Loosenidlerpulley(A)bylooseningthenutand bolt,Figure24.
Loosenidlerpulley(B) bylooseningnut, Figure24.
Removebelt(C)fromaroundpulleys,Figure24.
0
Figure24
8. Routenewbeltaroundthepulleysmakingsuretotightennuts,
bolts,andbeltkeeper.
Replacing the Blade Timing Belt
1. Stopengine,waitforall partstostopmoving,anddisconnect
sparkplugwire.
2. Releaseall mowercontrols.
3. Removebeltcoverasinstructedearlierin thissection.
RemovingtheTimingBelt
4. Removespring(A)fromtimingbracketand deck,Figure25.
f
\
.
f
Figure25
Loosen3/8-16screwandnutattachedtodeckmount,Figure26.
Figure26
6. Pivottheidlertimingbracket(B) toroutebeltaroundidlerpulley,
Figure25.
7. Pivotidlerarmassembly(C)andremovebelt(D)fromspindle
assemblies,Figure25.
9. Replacethebeltcover.
2O