Craftsman 247.889980 User manual

perator's
PROFESSIONAL
33-inch Wide Cut Mower
Model No. 247.889980
For answers to your questions about this product,
call 1-800-4MY=HOME.
CAUTION: Before using this
product, read this manual and
follow all safety rules and operating
instructions.
, SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
ESPANOL R 48
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman FormNo.769-04684A
(December21,2009)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3
Slope Guide ....................................................................... 5
Safety Labels .................................................................... 6
Assembly ........................................................................... 8
Know your Lawn Mower .................................................. 11
Operation ........................................................................ 14
Service and Maintenance .............................................. 16
Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 26
Accessories and Attachments ........................................ 26
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 27
Parts List ......................................................................... 28
Espa_ol ............................................................................ 48
Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL FULL WARRANTY
Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifthis CraftsmanProfessionalproductfailsduetoa defectin materialor
workmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateor purchase,call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®toarrangeforfreerepair(orreplacementif repairproves
impossible).
Thiswarrantyappliesforonlyone yearfromthedateof purchaseifthis productiseverusedforcommercialor 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.,Noffman Estates,IL 60179
GrossHP: 12.5
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
responsibleadult otherthanthe operator.
,, Bealertandturnmoweroff if a childentersthe area.
,, Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor small
children.
,, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthat mayobscureyourvisionof a childwhomay
runintothemower.
,, Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns
fromahot muffler.
,, Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatea powermower.
Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand understandoperation
instructionsand safetyrulesin this manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
GENERAL OPERATION
,, Readthis operator'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 fororderingreplacementparts.
,, Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not aplaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatall times.Yourunithasbeen
designedto performonejob:to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyother
purpose.
,, Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis machine.
Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand understandthe instruc-
tionsinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbe allowedto usethismachine.
,, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Remove
allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjectswhichcould
betrippedoveror pickedupand thrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects
cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.
Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmay
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 pantsthatcoverthe 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 to the 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-propelledmechanismonunitssoequippedwhile
startingengine.
,, Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits
operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinoperativeand mayresult
inpersonalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.The blade
controlhandlemustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhen released.
,, Neveroperatethe mowerin wet grass.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
checkimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationisgenerallya warningof
trouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto acompletestop
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 doso canresult in 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 slopeguideincludedas partof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.
Do:
• Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown. Exerciseextreme
cautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcancause
youto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
• Alwaysbe sureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourbalance,releasethe bladecontrol
handleimmediately,andthe bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,whereyoucould
loseyourfootingor balance.
• Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownonthe
slopegauge.
• Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
SERVICE
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
•Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare in
handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilledon
yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.
• Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailerbedwith a
plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe groundawayfromyour
vehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerand refueliton
theground.Ifthis isnot 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.Wait5minutesbeforestarting engine.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainernearan openflame,spark
or pilotlightason awaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer,
or othergasappliances.
• Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,or other
debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageandremoveanyfuel
soakeddebris.
• Allowamowerto 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 bladeand enginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsfor
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.
• Afterstrikinga foreignobject,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
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual.Use ofparts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsetting oroverspeedthe engine.
Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe
engine.
• Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
• 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,couldendangerthe personal
safetyand/or property ofyourself and others.Read and
followall instructionsin this manual beforeattempting
to operatethis machine. Failureto complywith these
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.
Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto
preventunintendedstarting.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
Thefollowingitemsare packagedina bag:
Operator'sManual,Oildrainhose,Waterhosecoupler,EngineManual
TOOLS NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY
A setofadjustablewrenchesandtiregauge
MOWER SET-UP
Shipping Brace Removal
Makesurethelawnmower'sengineisoff.Removetheignitionkey
beforeremovingtheshippingbrace.
1. Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,foundon therightsideof
thecuttingdeck.SeeFigure1.
.
Figure1
Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourlefthand,removethe
shippingbracewithyourrighthandbygraspingit betweenyour
thumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative
batteryterminalismarkedNeg.(-).
Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothepositivebattery
terminal(+)witha hexboltandhexnutat thefactory.
Thenegativecable(heavyblackwire)maybe securedtothenegative
batteryterminalatthefactory.If ithasn'tbeenattached,proceedas
follows:
.
f
Removethecarriageboltandhexnutfromthepositivecable
(heavyredwire).
Removetheredplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebattery
terminalandattachthepositivecabletothepositivebattery
terminal(+)withtheboltandhexnut.See Figure2.
Figure2
3. Removethecarriageboltandhexnutfromthenegativecable
(heavyblackwirel
4. Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebat-
tery terminalandattachthenegativecabletothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltand hexnut.SeeFigure2.
5. Makecertainthehold-downrodisin positionoverthebattery,
securingit inplaceandmakecertainthattheredrubberbootcov-
ersthepositivebatteryterminaltohelpprotectit fromcorrosion.
NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthedateshown
on top/sidedbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructedinthe
Maintenancesectionof thismanualpriortooperatingthemower.
Theshippingbraceisusedforpackagingpurposesonly.Remove
anddiscardtheshippingbracebeforeoperatingyourlawnmower.
Themowingdeckiscapableofthrowingobjects.Failuretooperate
Ithemowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperatingposi-
ltion couldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orpropertydamage.
8

Unfolding the Handle
1. Removethestar knobsandcarriagescrewsfromthelower
handle.SeeFigure3.
.
Figure3
Pivottheupperhandleintooperatingposition.Becarefulnotto
crimpcables.SeeFigure4.
Figure4
3. Reinstallthecarriagescrewsandknobsremovedearlier.
4. Tightentheupperandlowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsto
securetheupperhandletothelowerhandle,See Figure4.
5. Thehandleheightcanbeadjustedtoanyofthreepositions.
Forinstructions,refertoHandleHeightin theMaintenanceand
Adjustmentssectionofthis manual.
Attaching the Shift Lever
1. Removethescrewandthe locknutthatsecurestheshiftleverto
theshiftleverplate.SeeFigure5.
f
Figure5
2. Removetheremainingscrewandnutfromthelowershiftlever
plate.SeeFigure5.
3. Positiontheuppershiftleverintoa verticalpositionaligningthe
holesintheleverwith theholesintheshiftplate.SeeFigure6.
f
..t'
Figure6
Securethelevertothe plateusingthetwo screwsandtwo nuts
removedearlier.SeeFigure6.
9

Checking Tire Pressure
Maximumtirepressureunderanycircumstancesis30 psi.Equaltire
pressureshouldbemaintainedatalltimes.
Thereartiresonyourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.
Reducethetirepressurebeforeoperatingthemower.Recommended
operatingtirepressureisapproximately20 p.s.i.Checkthesidewallof
tireformaximump.s.i.
Gas and Oil
Thefueltankhasa capacityoftwogallons.Removethefuelcapby
turningitcounterclockwise.Useonlyclean,fresh(nomorethan30
daysold),unleadedgasoline.Fillthetankno higherthanfourinches
belowthetopofthefillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthemachine
indoorsor whiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars,pipesandothersourcesofignition.
NOTE:Yourlawnmoweris shippedwithoil intheengine.However,
youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.RefertotheService
andMaintenanceSectionforCheckOil instructions.
Alwayschecktheengineoil levelbeforeeachuse.Addoilasneces-
sary.Failuretodo somayresultinseriousdamagetoyourengine.
10

Deck Height
Lever ===='_
Fuel Tank Ca
ignition Switch
Systems indicator Monitor
Drive Control
Gear Shift Lever
Figure7
f
oil
Dipstick
Air
-- Cleaner
Handle
_,, J
Figure8
ENGINE CONTROLS
Referto Figure8forlocationsoftheenginecontrols.
Oil Drain Valve
Usetheoil drainvalvetodrainoilfromtheengine.Refertothe
Maintenancesectionforinstructions.
Air Cleaner Handle
Theair cleanerhandleis usedtogainaccesstotheaircleaner.Theair
cleanercartridgecanbe removedandcleanedor replaced.Referto
theMaintenancesectionfordetails.
Spark Plug
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
Oil Cap/Dipstick
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
MOWER CONTROLS
Referto Figure7 forlocationsofthemowercontrols.
Throttle/Choke Control
NOTE:Whenoperatingthemowerwiththe
cuttingdeckengaged,becertainthatthe
throttle/chokecontrolis inthefastposition.
THEthrottle/chokecontrolisusedtoadjust
enginespeeds,toactivatetheenginechoke
andto stoptheengine.Alwaysrunengine
withthethrottle/chokecontrolleverinthe
fastpositionforbestmowerperformance.
CHOKE:Usewhenstartinga coldengine.
FAST:Useduringmoweroperation.
SLOW:Usewhenidlingengine.
STOP:Stopstheengine.
REFERtoStartingTheEngineinthe
Operationsectionofthismanualfordetailed
startinginstructions.
Choke==_
Fast
Slow ==_
Stop
11

Deck Height Lever
Usethislevertoadjustthemowingdeck'scuttingheight.Touse,move
thelevertotheleft,thenplacetheleverin thenotchbestsuitedfor
yourapplication.
ignition Switch
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysdisengage
blades,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
Drive Control
Thedrivecontrolisusedtoengageand
disengagedrivetothewheels.Toengage
this control,squeezethedrivecontrol
againstthehandlebargrip.Tostopthedrive,
releasethedrivecontrol.
f
@
The four-position switch is used to start and stop the engine on
electric-start models, To start the engine, insert the key into the
switch and turn clockwise to the START (;_
ignition position,
Release key into the RUN _ position<,:_once the engine has started,
Move the key into the RUN/LIGHT _)_ position to run the mower
to'STOP
with the headlight on, Turn the key 0 to stop the engine,
See Figure 9,
Run/Light
Stop 1
Position _ Run
Figure9
NevermovethekeyintotheStartpositionwhiletheengineisrunning;
doingsomaycausedamagetotheengine'sstarter.
Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.Failureto
do somayresultin seriousdamagetoyourtransmission.
Blade Control
Locatedonthe right-handhandle,theblade
controlisusedtoengagethemowingdeck.
Tooperate,pressand holdtheleveragainst
thehandlebargrip.Tostoptheblades,
releasethebladecontrol.
,ik
@
Neverattempttostarttheenginewiththe bladecontrolengaged.
Alwaysreleasethebladecontrolwhenstartingtheengine.Failureto
do somayresultinprematureweartoyourengine'selectricstarter.
12

GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Usethislevertoselectanyoffourforwardgroundspeeds,neutral,or
reverse.
Forward
Fourforwardspeedsareavailable.Positionone (1)istheslowestand
positionfour(4) isthefastest.
Reverse
Toselectreverse,puttheleverin theReverse(R)position.
SYSTEMS INDICATOR MONITOR/HOUR METER
jf
BATTERY
42.0
/// HOURS 1/10 \\\
jJ
j j/
Figure10
Lookbehindthemowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stopthe
mowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse.
Neutral
Placetheleverinneutral(N)beforestartingthemowerandwhenthe
mowerisnotinuse.Inaddition,themowercanbe manuallypushed
orpulledbyplacingthegearshiftleverintoN(neutral)positionand
pressingthedrivecontrolagainstthehandlebargrip.
Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.Failureto
dosomayresultin seriousdamagetoyourtransmission.
LCD
WhentheignitionkeyisrotatedoutoftheSTOPpositionbutnot
intotheSTARTposition,thesystemsindicatormonitordisplaysthe
battery'soutput,involts,onits LCDforapproximatelyfiveseconds,
afterwhichit displaysan hourglassandthehoursofmoweroperation.
Oncetheengineis started,themonitorcontinuallydisplaysan hour
glassandthehoursof moweroperationon its LCD.SeeFigure10.
NOTE:Hoursofmoweroperationarerecordedanytimetheignition
keyis rotatedoutoftheSTOP_i _position,regardlessofwhetherthe
engineisstarted.
TheIndicatorMonitorwillalsoremindtheoperatorofmaintenance
intervalsforchangingtheengineoil.TheLCDwillalternatelyflashthe
recordedhours,"CHG"and"OIL'forfive minutes,afterevery50 hours
of recordedoperationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallastsfortwo
hours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).TheLeD willalsoflash
asdescribedaboveforfiveminuteseverytimethemower'sengine
hasbeenstartedduringthismaintenanceinterval.Beforetheinterval
expires,changetheengineoilasinstructedintheMaintenancesection
ofthis Operator'sManual.
Battery
Itis normalfortheBatterylighttoilluminatewhiletheengineis
crankingduringstart-up,butifit illuminatesduringoperation,whilethe
engineisrunning,thebatteryisin needofa chargeor theengine's
chargingsystemisnotgeneratingsufficientamperage.Chargethe
batteryasinstructedin theServicesectionof thismanualor havethe
chargingsystemcheckedbySearsor anotherqualifiedservicedealer.
13

STARTING THE ENGINE
RefertotheServiceand Maintenancesectionof thismanualfor
GasolineandOilfill-upinstructions.
1. Disengageallcontrolsonthemower.
2. Movethegearshiftleverintotheneutral(N)position.
3. Insertthekeyintotheignitionswitch.
4. If startinga coldengine,placethethrottle/chokecontrolallthe
wayforward,intotheCHOKE1'_,1position.If restartinga warm
engine,placethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheFast'_ position.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTART___position.After
theenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returntotheRUN(_q)
position.
6. MovethekeytotheRUN/LIGHT_-:i'_i:positiontooperatethe
mowerusingtheheadlight.
Totravelin REVERSE,
a. Checkthattheareabehindisclear.
b. PlacethegearshiftleverinReverse(R).
c. SlowlysqueezetheDriveControlagainstthelefthandlegrip
andthemowerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.
DoNOTattempttochangethedirectionoftravelwhenthemoweris
in motion.Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolandbringthemowertoa
completestopbeforerepositioningthegearshiftleverfromaforward
gearintoReverse.Failuretodo somayresultin seriousdamageto
rourtransmission.
Donotleavetheoperator'spositionwithoutfirstreleasingtheBlade
Control.Ifleavingthe mowerunattended,alsoturntheengineoffand
removetheignitionkey.
DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthanfive
secondsata time.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine's
electricstarter.
7. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheFAST_ position.
NOTE:Neverleavethethrottle/chokecontrolintheCHOKEI_,1
positionwhileoperatingthemower.Doingsowillresultin a "rich"fuel
mixtureandcausetheengineto runpoorly.
Stopping the Engine
e beforerestartinc
ENGAGING THE BLADES
Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand-
lets,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthemachinewhile
lit isinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontroltotheFAST_ position.
2. SlowlysqueezetheBladeControlagainsttherighthandlegrip
andthebladeswillengage.Releaseit andthebladeswillstop.
OPERATING ON SLOPES
RefertotheSLOPEGUIDEon page5 tohelpdetermineslopeswhere
youmayoperatethemowersafely.
1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,releasethe BladeControl.
2. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheSTOPI_ position.
3. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP0 position.
4. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended
starting.
ENGAGING THE DRIVE
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
Starttheengineasinstructedearlierin thissectionandmovethe
throttle/chokecontrolintotheFAST'_ position.
TotravelFORWARD:
a. Placethegearshiftleverinanyofthefourforwardground
speeds.Selecta speedappropriatefortheconditionsanda
paceyou'recomfortablewith.
b. SlowlysqueezetheDriveControlagainstthelefthandlegrip
andthemowerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.
Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a rise
ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery 10feet).Themowercouldoverturn
andcauseseriousinjury.
•Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.
•Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
•Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyoutosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
•Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
•Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,youcould
loseyourfootingor balance.
•Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopegauge.
•Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
14

USING THE DECK HEIGHT LEVER
Toraiseor lowerthecuttingdeck,movethedeck heightlevertothe
left,thenplaceit inthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.
MOWING
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenoperatingyourmower.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialstoward
roads,sidewalks,bystanders.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againstawallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
• Donotmowatfastgroundspeeds,especiallyifa mulchkitor
grasscollectorisinstalled.
• Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassispronetoweed
growthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather.
• Alwaysoperatethemowerwiththethrottle/chokecontrolinthe
FAST_ positionwhilemowing.
• Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthefirsttwolapsbecut
withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo
laps,reversethedirectiontothrowthedischargetotheoutside
forthebalanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe
lawn.
DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsor extremelytall
grass.Yourmowerisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush.
Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.
Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
mowerforanydamage.AlwaysInspectthebladetimingbeltas
instructedin theMaintenancesectionof thismanual.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
MULCHING
TheCraftsmanProWideCutmowerisequippedwitha mulchkit(sup-
pliedwiththemower),whichusesspecialbladesto recirculategrass
clippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fineclippings
arethenforcedbackintothelawnwheretheyact asa naturalfertilizer.
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhenmulching.
• Neverattempttomulchifthe lawnisdamp.Wetgrasstends
tosticktotheundersideof thecuttingdeckpreventingproper
mulchingoftheclippings.
DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotalheightofthe
grass.Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpupbeneaththe
deckandnotbemulchedeffectively.
• Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrassclippingsmore
timetoeffectivelybe mulched.
• AlwayskeepthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST,_ position
whilemowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottleplaces
strainon themower'sengineanddoesnotallowthebladesto
properlymulchthegrassclippings.
INSTALLING/REMOVING MULCH BAFFLE
Beforeinstallingor removingthemulchbaffle,disengageblades,sto
theengineand removekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Stoptheengineandwaitforall partstostopmoving.
Installing the Mulch Baffle
1. Insertthe right-sidetab(A)ofthebaffleintothebracketonthe
deck.SeeFigure11.
2. Insertthe mulchbaffleintothedischargeopening(B).See
Figure11.
3. Onceit'spositionedin thedeckopening,pushthebaffletowards
therearofthemower(C)tosecureit inplace.
SeeFigure11.
Figure11
Removing the Mulch Baffle
Slidethebaffleto theright(towardthefrontofthemower)todisen-
gagetheslotfromthe mowerdeckandthenprythe left-sideofthe
baffleoutward.
15

MAINTENANCE
Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengageblades,
stopengineand removekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganytypeof
maintenanceon themower.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedinthismanual.
•Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
•Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
•Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesuretheyare tight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Engine Oil
Checkoil levelbeforeeachuse.Stopengineandwaitseveralminutes
beforecheckingoil level.Withengineon levelground,
theoil mustbe toFULLmarkondipstick.
1. Removethe OilCap/Dipstickand wipewitha
cleancloth.
2. ReplaceandtightenOilCap/Dipstick.Remove
OilCap/Dipstickandcheckoil level.Level
shouldbeat FULLmark.
3. If needed,addoil slowlyintotheengineoilfill. Recheckoil level.
Donotoverfill.
4. ReinsertOil Cap/Dipstickandtighten.
Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maymaketheenginehardtostart,
ornottostart.If overtheFULLmarkon thedipstick,drainoil levelto
FULLmarkondipstick.
Changing the Engine Oil
Iftheenginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur-
roundingmetalsurfaceswillbe hotandcancauseburnstotheskin.
Exercisecautionto avoidburns.
Theoil intheengineshouldbechangedafterthefirsttwohoursof
operationand every25 hoursof operation.
1. Runtheenginefora fewminutestoallowtheoilin thecrankcase
towarmup.Warmoilwillflowmorefreelyandcarryawaymoreof
theenginesedimentwhichmayhavesettledat thebottomofthe
crankcase.Usecaretoavoidburnsfromhotoil.
.
.
Togainaccesstotheoil drainvalveontheengine,pivottheright
handlebracetubeforward.
a. Removetheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewontheright
sideofthehandle,Figure12.
b. Pivotthebracetubetowardsthefrontofthemowertoallow
roomtoconnecttheoildrainhosetotheoil drainvalve,
Figure12.
Figure12
Popoff theprotectivecapon theendof theoil drainvalveto
exposethedrainport.SeeFigure13.
fOil Fill Cap/Dipstick
\\
Figure13
4. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoil filltube,Figure13.
5. Pushtheoildrainhose(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoildrain
port.Routetheoppositeenddthehoseintoanappropriateoilcollec-
tioncontainerwithatleasta 2.5quartcapacity,tocollecttheusedoil.
6. Releasethevalvebypressingthetwotabs inwardwhilepulling
thevalveout.Theoilwillbegintodrainoutoftheengine.
16

7. Aftertheoil hasfinisheddraining,pressthetwo tabsinwardand
pushtheoildrainvalvebackin tolockthevalveclosed.Remove
thehose,andre-captheendoftheoildrainvalveto keepdebris
fromenteringthedrainport.
8. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoil levelonthe
dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoil fillcap/dipstick.
9. Pivottherighthandlebracetubebackintoposition.Alignthe
middleholeinthebracetubewiththeholein thehandle.Secure
withthestarknobandcarriagescrewremovedearlier.
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SForSG.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtoyour
expectedoperatingtemperature,Figure14.Althoughmulti-viscosity
oils(5W30,10W30etc.)improvestartingincoldweather,thesemulti-
viscosityoilswill resultinincreasedoil consumptionwhenusedabove
32°RCheckyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlytoavoidpossible
enginedamagefromrunninglowon oil.
Oi!ViscositY Gila!! _j
Figure14
Checking the Spark Plug
Cleansparkplugand resettheelectrodegapto0.030"atleastoncea
season;replaceevery100hoursofoperation.
1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark
plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing
andwashingwitha commercialsolvent
2. Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgap tomakesureit is
setat.030".See Figure15.
Replacethesparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,or the
porcelainiscracked.Usea Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
.
fElectrode Porcelain "_
1 ;
_.030inch(.76rnm)gap
Figure15
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Iffilters,or coversare notinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath
couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto starttheenginewith
themremoved.
Donotusepressurizedairor solventstocleantheair cleaner
cartridge.
Cleanor replacetheaircleanerevery25 hoursofoperation.
1. Pullup onaircleanerhandle,Figure10,andpull backtowardsthe
engine.
.
fRemovetheaircleanercover,Figure16.
AirCleanerCover AirCleanerCartridge
\
AirCleanerHandle
-.. J
Figure16
3. Carefullyremoveair cleanercartridgeand pre-cleaner(if
equipped)fromtheblowerhousing.
4. Cleanthebaseoftheaircleanercartridgecarefullytoprevent
debrisfromenteringtheengine.
5. Placethepre-cleaner,if equipped,andcartridgebackintothe
blowerhousing.Thecartridgemustbeplacedsecurelyinto
position.
6. Aligntabsoncoverwithslotsin blowerhousingand replacethe
cover.
17

BATTERY
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
1. Positionthemoweron a level,clearspoton yourlawn,near
enoughforyourgardenhoseto reach.
Makecertainthemower'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfrom
yourhouse,garage,parkedcars,etc.
Thebatteryis sealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe
checkedandfluidcannotbeadded.
• Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof
corrosivebuild-up.
• Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof
petroleumjellyor greaseto bothterminals.
If removingthebatteryforcleaning,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)
wirefromit'sterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When
re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wireits
terminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.Becertainthat
thewiresareconnectedtothecorrectterminals;reversingthemcould
resultinseriousdamagetoyourengine'salternatingsystem.
TIRE PRESSURE
Maximumtirepressureunderanycircumstancesis30 psi.Equaltire
pressureshouldbemaintainedatalltimes.
.Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourmower'sOperator's
Manual)ontotheendofyourgardenhose.
Attachthehosecouplerto thewaterporton thedecksurface.
See Figure17.
Periodicallycheckthepressureon bothyourmower'sreartires.
Uneventirepressurewillcausethecuttingdecktomowunevenly
andmayresultin mowerto veeringtoeithertheleftor rightduring
operation.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureisapproximately20
p.s.i.Checkthesidewalloftireformaximump.s.i.
CLEANING THE MOWER
Anyfueloroil spilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do
NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengine,
thetransmission'scoolingfanor onanyotherpartofthe machine,
especiallythebeltsandpulleys.
Smart Jet
Yourmower'sdeck isequippedwitha waterportonits surfaceaspart
ofitsdeckwashsystem.
UsetheSmartJetto rinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside
andpreventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.Completethefollowing
stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:
Beforeusingthedeckwashsystem,alwaysdisengagethe Blade
Control,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Figure17
4. Turnthewateron.
5. Starttheengineandplacethethrottleleverinthe FAST,_
position.
6. Whilein theoperator'spositionbehindthemower,movethe
BladeControlintotheONposition.
7. Remainin theoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengaged
fora minimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideofthe
cuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.
8. MovetheBladeControlintotheOFFposition.
9. TurntheignitionkeytotheSTOP(_ positiontoturnthemower's
engineoff.
10. Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewater
porton yourdeck'ssurface.
AftercleaningyourdeckwiththeSmartJet system,startthemower's
engine,returntotheoperator'spositionandengagetheblades.Keep
thecuttingdeckrunningfora minimumoftwo minutes,allowingthe
undersideofthecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.
LUBRICATION
Beforelubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO,
setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintended
starting.
18

Pivot Points &Linkage
Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrivesystemandlift linkageat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.
Rear Wheels
Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesoncea season.
Lubricatetheaxlesandrimhubswellwithanall-purposegrease
beforereinstallingthem.
Front Wheels
Eachofthefrontwheelaxlesandcastersisequippedwitha grease
fitting.SeeFigure18.Lubricatewitha No.2 multi-purposegrease
appliedwitha greasegunafterevery50 hoursofmoweroperation.
BLADE TIMING BELT
Thecuttingdeckspindlesaredrivenbya timing(cogged)belt,
assuringthatthedeckbladesarealwaysperpendiculartoeachother.
Atleastoncea season,or afterstrikinganyforeignobject,checkthe
timingbeltasfollows:
1. Removethebeltcoverbyremovingthethreescrewsandwashers
whichsecureittotheframe.SeeFigure20.
Donotoperatemowerwithoutthebeltcoverinstalled.Failuretofol-
lowthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryor propertydamage.
Figure18
Deck Spindles
Greasefittingscanbe foundon eachdeckspindle.SeeFigure19.
Lubricatewith251HEPgreaseoran equivalentNo.2 multi-purpose
lithiumgrease.Usinga greasegun,applytwostrokes(minimum)or
sufficientgreasetothespindleshaft.
Figure20
Thetopofeachspindlepulleyis markedwithanarrow.See
Figure21.Thearrowsshouldbe perpendicular(ata 90°angle)to
eachother.
\
Figure21
Figure19
19

3. Ifthearrowson thesurfaceofeachspindlepulleyarenot
perpendicular(ata 90°angle)toeachother,seeyourSearsor
otherqualifiedservicedealertohavethetimingbeltreset.
Donotoperatethemachinewithoutthedeck'stimingbeltproperly
set.Failuretofollowthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryor
propertydamage.
ADJUSTMENTS
CUTTING DECK REMOVAL
Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengageblades,
stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Toremovethecuttingdeck,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethebeltcoverbyremovingthethreescrewsandwashers
whichsecureittotheframe.SeeFigure23.
Shuttheengineoffand removetheignitionkeybeforemaking
adjustments.
Handle Height
Theupperhandleissecuredtotwosupportbarsthatcanbe adjusted
toraiseor lowerthehandleheight.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:
1. Removethe upperstarknobandcarriagescrewon therightside
ofthehandleandtheIdt sideofthehandle.
SeeFigure22.
Figure22
2. Pivotthehandleforwardor rearwardtoalignoneofthethree
holesoneachsupportbarwiththeholesonthehandle.
3. Reinstalltheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewon therightside
ofthehandleandtheIdt sideofthehandlewhena comfortable
heightisachieved.
Donotoperatemowerwithoutthebeltcoverinstalled.Failuretofol-
lowthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryorpropertydamage.
J
Figure23
2. Placethedeckheightleverinits highestposition.
3. Positionwoodblocksatvariousplacesunderthedeck'sedge.
Thesewilltemporarilysupportthedeckin theprocessofremovingit.
4. Usethedeckheightleverto lowerthedeck,sothat itrestsonthe
woodblocks.
2O