Craftsman 247.770990 User manual

Operator's Manual
I:RRFTSMRN+
6.5 Horse Power
POWER PROPELLED YARD VACUUM
Model No. 247.770990
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
+ SAFETY
• ASSEMBLY
+ OPERATION
+ MAINTENANCE
+ PARTS LIST
ESPAI_OL
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our web site: www.sears.com/craftsman
FORMNO.769-01281B
06/27/2006

WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
RepairProtectionAgreement...................Page3
SafeOperationPractices.........................Pages4-5
Assembly..................................................Pages6-9
Operation..................................................Pages10-13
Maintenance.............................................Pages14-15
ServiceAndAdjustment...........................Page16-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
TroubleShooting......................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-30
SafetyLabels............................................Page31
Espa_ol.....................................................Page33
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
OneYearFullWarrantyon Craftsman YardVacuum
Thisequipmentiscoveredbya one-yearwarranty,providedthat itis maintained,lubricated,andtunedupaccordingto theinstructionsinthe
operator'smanual.Duringthewarrantyyear,ifthisequipmentexperiencesanyfailureduetodefectsinmaterialor workmanship,RETURNITTO
YOURNEARESTSEARSPARTS& REPAIRCENTER,andSearswillrepairit, freeofcharge.In-homewarrantyserviceisavailable,butyouwill
havetopaya tripcharge.
This warranty does not cover:
•Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduringnormaluse,suchassparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,andoil filters.
•Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
•Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedto,damagecausedbyobjects,suchasstones,metaldebrisor
oversizedpiecesofwood,or impactingobjectsthatbendtheframeorcrankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.
•Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricaland mechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper
storage,failureto usethepropergradeand amountofengineoil,orfailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontained
in theoperator'smanual.
•Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobecontaminatedor oxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe used
within30 daysof itspurchasedate.
•Equipmentifusedforcommercialorrentalpurposes.
TOLOCATETHE NEARESTSEARSPARTS& REPAIRCENTERORTOSCHEDULESERVICE,SIMPLYCONTACTSEARSAT1-800-4-MY-
HOME®.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrightsandyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichmayvary fromstatetostate.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Horse Power:
Engine Oil Type:
Engine Oil Capacity:
Fuel Capacity:
Spark Plug:
Spark Plug Gap:
6.5
SAE 30
18 ounces
1 1/2 Quarts
Champion® RJ19LM
.030"
Model Number .............................................................
Serial Number ..............................................................
Date of Purchase ..........................................................
Record the model number, serial number
and date of purchase above

Congratulationsonmakingasmartpurchase.YournewCraftsman®
productisdesignedandmanufacturedforyearsofdependableopera-
tion.Butlikeallproducts,itmayrequirerepairfromtimetotime.That's
whenhavingaRepairProtectionAgreementcansaveyoumoneyand
aggravation.
Here'swhat'sincludedintheAgreement:
,, Expertservicebyour12,000professionalrepairspecialists
,, Unlimitedserviceandnochargeforpartsandlaboronallcovered
repairs
,, Productreplacementifyourcoveredproductcan'tbefixed
,, Discountof10%fromregularpriceofserviceandservice-related
partsnotcoveredbytheagreement;also,10%offregularpriceof
preventivemaintenancecheck
,, Fasthelpbyphone- phonesupportfromaSearstechnicianon
productsrequiringin-homerepair,plusconvenientrepair
scheduling
PurchaseaRepairProtectionAgreementnowandprotectyourself
fromunexpectedhassleandexpense.
OnceyoupurchasetheAgreement,asimplephonecallisallthatit
takesforyoutoscheduleservice.Youcancallanytimedayornight,or
scheduleaserviceappointmentonline.
Searshasover12,000professionalrepairspecialists,whohave
accesstoover4.5millionqualitypartsandaccessories.That'sthe
kindofprofessionalismyoucancountontohelpprolongthelifeof
yournewpurchaseforyearstocome.PurchaseyourRepairProtection
Agreementtoday!
Somelimitationsand exclusionsapply. Forpricesand additional
informationcall 1-800-827-6655.
SearsInstallation Service
ForSearsprofessionalinstallationof homeappliances,garagedoor
openers,waterheaters,andothermajorhomeitems,in theU.S.A.call
1-800-4-MY-HOME®

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certainvehiclecomponentscontainor emit
chemicalsknown to Stateof Californiato cause cancer and birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this manual.As with any type
of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroron thepart of the operatorcan result in seriousinjury.This machine is capable
of amputatinghandsand feet and throwing objects. Failureto observe the followingsafety instructionscould resultin
seriousinjuryor death.
WARNING: Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if notfollowed,couldendangerthe
personalsafetyand/orpropertyofyourselfand others.Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanualbefore
attemptingto operatethismachine.Failureto complywiththese instructionsmay resultin personalinjury.
Whenyouseethis symbol.HEED ITSWARNING!
Preparation
1. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretile equipmentisto beused. Remove
all rocks,bottles,cans, orotherforeignobjectswhichcould bepickedup
or thrownandcausepersonalinjuryor damagetothe machine.
2. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationor while
performingan adjustmentor repair,toprotecteyes.Thrownobjectswhich
ricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.
3. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Loosefittingclothesorjewelrycanbecaughtin movableparts.Never
operatethis machinein barefeet or sandals.Wearleatherworkgloves
whenfeedingmaterialinthe chipperchute.
4. Beforestarting,checkall boltsandscrewsfor propertightnessto besure
the machineis in safeworkingcondition.Also,visuallyinspectmachinefor
anydamageatfrequentintervals.
5. Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionslabels,asnecessary.
6. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein handling
gasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.
Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen gasolineisspilledonyourself
or yourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyour skin andchangeclothes
immediately.
a. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
b. Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipes,and othersourcesofignition.
c. Neverfuel machineindoors.
d. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhilethe engineishot or running.
e. Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
f. Neveroverfillfuel tank. Filltankto nomorethan 1/2inchbelowbottom
offiller neckto providespacefor fuelexpansion.
g. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
h. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea. Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.
i. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethere isan open
flame,spark,or pilotlight(e.g.furnace,waterheater,spaceheater,
clothesdryer,etc.).
j. Toreducea fire hazard,keep machinefreeofgrass,leaves,or other
debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
k. Allowmachineto coolatleast5minutesbeforestoring.
Training
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe machineand in tile
manual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.Keepthismanual
in a safeplaceforfuture and regularreferenceand for orderingreplace-
mentparts.
2. Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheir properoperation.Knowhowto stop
the machineanddisengagethemquickly.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder16yearsoldto operatethismachine.Children
16yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstruc-
tionsandsafety rulesin this manualand shouldbetrainedand supervised
byaparent.
4. Neverallow adultsto operatethismachinewithout properinstruction.
5. Keepbystanders,helpers,pets,andchildrenat least75feet fromthe
machinewhile itis in operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.
6. Neverrunan engineindoorsor in a poorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.
7. Do notputhandsandfeet nearrotatingpartsorin the feedingchambers
anddischargeopening.Contactwiththe rotatingimpellercan amputate
fingers,hands,andfeet.
8. Neverattempttounclogeitherthefeed intakeor dischargeopening,
removeoremptyvacuumbag,or inspectand repairthe machinewhilethe
engineisrunning.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilall movingpartshave
cometoacompletestop.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit
againsttheengine.
4

Operation
1. Do notputhandsandfeet nearrotatingpartsor inthe feedingchambers
and dischargeopening.Contactwiththe rotatingimpellercan amputate
fingers,hands,andfeet.
2. Beforestartingthe machine,makesurethe chipperchute,feed intake,and
cuttingchamberareemptyandfreeof alldebris.
3. Thoroughlyinspectall materialto beshreddedandremoveanymetal,
rocks,bottles,cans,or otherforeignobjectswhichcouldcause personal
injuryor damageto the machine.
4. Ifthe impellerstrikesaforeign objector ifyourmachineshouldstart
makingan unusualnoiseorvibration,immediatelyshutthe engineoff.
Allowthe impellerto cometoacompletestop.Disconnectthesparkplug
wire,groundit againstthe engineand performthe followingsteps:
a. Inspectfor damage.
b. Repairor replaceanydamagedparts.
c. Checkfor anyloosepartsandtightentoassurecontinuedsafe opera-
tion.
5. Do notallowanaccumulationofprocessedmaterialto buildupin the
dischargearea.This canpreventproperdischargeand resultin kickback
ofmaterialthroughthefeedopening.
6. Do notattempttoshredor chip materiallargerthan specifiedonthe
machineor inthis manual.Personalinjuryor machinedamagecould
result.
7. Neverattemptto unclogeitherthefeedintakeor dischargeopeningwhile
theengineis running.Shuttheengineoff, waituntilall movingpartshave
stopped,disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundit againstthe engine
beforeclearingdebris.
8. Neveroperatewithoutvacuumbag anddischargechuteproperlyattached
tothe machine.Neveremptyor changevacuumbagwhilethe engineis
running.Zipperedendofvacuumbagmustbe keptclosedat alltimes
duringoperation.
9. Neveroperatewithouteitherthe inletnozzleoroptionalhoseattachment
properlyattachedtothe machine.Neverattempttoattachor changeeither
attachmentwhilethe engineisrunning.
10.Keepall guards,deflectorsandsafetydevicesin placeandoperating
properly.
11.Keepyourfaceand bodybackandtothe sideofthechipperchutewhile
feedingmaterialintothe machinetoavoidaccidentalkickbackinjuries.
12.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Alwaysbesure
ofyourfootingand keepafirm holdonthe handles.
13.Do notoperatethismachineon a gravelsurface.
14.Do notoperatethismachinewhile underthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.
15.Mufflerand enginebecomehotand cancausea burn. Donottouch.
16.Neverpickupor carrymachinewhiletheengineisrunning.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
2. Checkboltsandscrewsfor propertightnessatfrequentintervalstokeep
the machinein safeworkingcondition.Also,visuallyinspectmachinefor
anydamageand repair,if needed.
3. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stoptheengineand makecertain
the impellerand allmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplug
wireandgroundit againstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
4. Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsoroverspeedthe engine.The
governorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe engine.
5. Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
6. Followthismanualfor safeloading,unloading,transporting,andstorage
ofthis machine.
7. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethere isanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightsuchasawaterheater,furnace,clothes dryer,
etc.
8. Alwaysrefertothe operator'smanualfor properinstructionsonoff-season
storage.
9. Ifthe fueltank hasto bedrained,dothis outdoors.
10.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsfor gas, oil,etc.to protect
the environment.
Do not modify engine
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyenginein anyway.Tampering
withthe governorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineandcauseitto operate
at unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysettingofenginegovernor.
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe useofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understandand
followthe warningsandinstructionsinthismanualandonthemachine.

f _Upper Handle _'_ IMPORTANT:This unitisshippedwithoutgasolineor oil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedinthe
DriveControl.,,,,,,,_
UpperHose
Handle
RopeGuidej/_
LowerHose
HandleBracket
Wing Nut
SafetyGlasses
BottleofEngineOil
LowerHandle
Bag
Operator'sManual
FreshStartT_4
Cartridge
Figure 1
separateenginemanualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.
_eedControl
NOTE:Referenceto rightandleft handsideoftheYardVacuumis
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
CableGuide
S OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
Carriage 3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
Screws REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Lift unitfromthereartodetachit fromunderlyingcartonmaterial
and rollunitoutofcarton.
WingNuts 2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
NOTE:Makesurenotto crimpcableswhileremovingloosepartsor
theentireunitfromthecarton.
LOOSE PARTS iN CARTON
(See Figure 1)
a. UpperandLowerHandle
b. HoseAssembly
c. SafetyGlasses
d. EngineOil (Maybelocatedin bag)
Hose
Assembly e. Bag
f. BlowerChute
BIowerChute g. Operator'sManual
h. FreshStartTM Cartridge
6

f
Carriage Screw
Wing
Handle Bracke!.
RopeGuide
ATTACHING THE HANDLE
1. Removethehairpinclipsfromthehandlebracketsandremovethe
carriagescrewsandwingnutsfromthelowerhandle.
a. Placethebottomholesin lowerhandleoverthepinsonthe
handlebracketsandsecurewithhairpinclips.SeeFigure2.
b. Insertcarriagescrewsthroughupperholeinlowerhandlefrom
theinsideandsecurewithwingnuts.SeeFigure2.
2. a. Unfoldthe upperhandleuntilit alignswithlowerhandle.Make
suretheropeguideisonthe rightsideof upperhandle.See
Figure3.
IMPORTANT:Makesurethecablesare routedoutsidethelower
handle.Also,do notcrimpthecableswhileliftingup thehandles.
b.Securethetwohandlesbytighteningthehandleknobs(carriage
boltsmustbe seatedproperlyintothehandle).SeeFigure3.
Pullthetwocableties attachedtothecablestightapproximately
8 inchesfromeachcableendandplacethecablesintothecable
guide.SeeFigure3.
Loosenthewingnutthat securestheropeguidetotherightsideof
upperhandle.
a. Pullthestarterropeoutof theengineslowly.SeeFigure4.
b. Slipthestarterropeintothe ropeguide.Tightenthewingnut.
SeeFigure4.
ATTACHING THE HOSE
ASSEMBLY
5. a. Slidehoseadapterof hoseassemblyintothe baseadapter
locatedon theleftfrontoftheYardVacuum.SeeFigure5.
b.Pullspringloadedpin outon thebaseandalignpinwiththefirst
hole (closesttotheendofthetube)inthehoseadapter.
c. Releasethepintolockthehoseinplace.
Figure 3
Figure 4
J
JFigure 5J
7

f-
Upper
Bracket
Lower
Hose
Handle
Bracket Hose
Handle
Hose
6. a. Snapthehosehandlefirstintotheupperhosehandlebracket
andthenintothelowerhosehandlebracket.
b. Layhosetubingon hangerbracketnextto chipperchute.See
Figure6.
ATTACHING THE BAG
7. Graspbaghandlewithone handandslidelockingrodon mounting
bracketwithotherhandtowardengine.Usetheendof mounting
bracketasleveragewhenslidingthelockingrod.
a. Slipbagovertherimofthedischargeopeningandrelease
lockingrodtosecurebagin place.SeeFigure7.
b. Snapbagcliptothetopofthelowerhandle.
c. Placethelowerstrapsonthebagoverthetopof lowerhandle,
hookingthemon thestuds.SeeFigure7.
Hangar
Bracket
Figure 6
NOTE:Thebag/chuteswitchbuttonattachedtothemountingbracket
mustbefullydepressedbythetip offronttabon baghandlewhen
securingthebagorenginewillnotstart.
\
Bag
Clip
Strap
Figure 7
8

ATTACHING THE BLOWER CHUTE f
NOTE:The bagmustbe removedbeforeinstallingtheblowerchute.
8. a. Graspblowerchutewithonehandandslidelockingrodon
mountingbracketwithotherhandtowardengine.Usetheendof
mountingbracketas leveragewhenslidingthelockingrod.See
Figure8.
b. Slipblowerchuteoverrimofdischargeopeningandrelease
lockingrodtosecurechutein place,asin Figure8.
c. Raisethenozzleheighttothehighestsettingwhenusingthe
blowerchute.Referto nozzleheightadjustmentintheADJUST-
MENTsectionon page16.
NOTE:Thebag/chuteswitchbuttonattachedtothe mountingbracket
mustbefullydepressedbythetipoffronttabontheblowerchuteor
enginewillnotstart.
Figure 8 J
9

fDriveControl
SpeedControl
Starter Handle
Bag Throttle Control Choke Control
Bag Handle
Fill
Hose
Handle
Chipl
Blower
Chute
\NozzleHeig
Adjustment Lever
Fill
Hose
,,_Assembly
Nozzle/Hose
Nozzle
Figure 9
Nowthatyouhavesetup youryardvacuumforoperation,get
acquaintedwith itscontrolsand features.Thesearedescribedbelow
andillustratedon thispage.Thisknowledgewillallowyoutouseyour
newequipmenttoits fullestpotential.
_ARNING:Theoperation ofanychippershredder
canresult inforeign objects beingthrown intothe
eyes,which candamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearthe safety glasses providedwith this unit or
eyeshieldswhile operating or while performingany
adjustments orrepairs.
Chipper Chute
Allowstwigsandsmallbranchesupto1-1/2"indiameterto befedinto
theimpellerforchipping.SeeFigure9.
Drive Control
Locatedon theundersideof theupperhandle,thedrivecontrolis used
toengage/disengagewheels.Fullysqueezethedrivecontrolagainst
theupperhandletoengagethewheels;releasetodisengage.(DO
NOTslipclutch).
Speed Control
Locatedontheleft sideofthe upperhandle,thespeedcontrolisused
toselecttheforwardspeedoftheyardvacuum.
IMPORTANT:Movethespeedcontrolonlywhentheengineisrunning.
Changingthespeedcontrolsettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe
yardvacuum.
Nozzle Height Adjustment Lever
Usedtoadjustthenozzlegroundclearancerangingapproximately
from5/8" to4 1/8".SeeFigure9.
Throttle Control
This levercontrolstheenginespeedandstopfunction.Throughthree
separatepositionsontheleverfromlefttoright,theoperationisas
follows:
Start/Run Slow/Idle Engine Off
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanYardVacuumsconformtothesafetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
10

Choke Control
Thechokecontrolisusedtochokethecarburetorandassistinstarting
theengine.
Starter Handle
Usedto starttheengine.
Nozzle
Yardwastesuchasleavesor pineneedlescanbevacuumedup
throughthenozzleforshredding.
Hose Assembly
Usedasan alternativetothenozzletovacuumyardwastesuchas
leavesorpine needlesinhardtoreachplaces.SeeFigure9.
Nozzlel Hose Vac Lever
The nozzle/hosevac handleislocatedontopofthenozzle.Useit to
switchvacuumsuctionbetweenthenozzleandthehoseassembly.
Hose Handle
Usedto guidehoseassemblywhenvacuuming.
Bag Handle
Usedto graspbag inordertoassistin attaching,removing,and
emptyingbag.SeeFigure9.
Bag
Collectsshreddedmaterialfedthroughthechipperchuteorvacuumed
throughthenozzleor hose.
Blower Chute
Whenattachedtounit,theblowerchuteisusedtodischargeyard
wastesuchasleaves,pineneedle,orsmalltwigsacrossyard.
GAS AND OIL FILL=UP
Oil (one bottle shipped with unit)
First Time Use
1. Removeoilfilldipstick.
2. WiththeYardVacuumonlevelground,usea funneltoemptyentire
contentsofoil bottleprovidedintotheengine.
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SE SG,or SH.Selecttheoil's SAEviscositygradeaccordingtothe
axpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.
Colder -_ 32°F _,,_Warmel
0il Viscosity Chart
Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W30,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen
usedabove32°RCheckyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.
1. Checktheoil levelmakingcertainnotto rubthedipstickalongthe
insidewallsoftheoilfill tube.Thiswouldresultin a falsedipstick
reading.RefilltoFULLmarkondipstick,if necessary.Capacity
isapproximately18oz.Overfillingwillcausetheengineto smoke
profuselyandwillresultinpoorengineperformance.
2. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
3. Keepoil levelat FULL.Runningtheenginewithtoolittleoil can
resultin permanentenginedamage.
Gasoline
1. Removefuelcapfromthefueltank.
2. Makesurethecontainerfromwhichyouwillpourthegasolineis
cleanandfreefromrustorforeignparticles.Neverusegasoline
that maybestalefromlongperiodsof storagein itscontainer.
Gasolinethat hasbeensittingforanyperiodlongerthanfourweeks
shouldbeconsideredstale.
3. Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedregulargasolineonly.Do
notusegasolinecontainingMETHANOL.Replacefuelcap.
IMPORTANT:Toavoidengineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbe
emptiedbeforestoragefor30 daysor longer.Drainthefuelfromthe
tankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefueltankisempty.Usefreshfuel
nextseason.SeeSTORAGEsectionforadditionalinformation.
NOTE:Checkthefuellevelperiodicallytoavoidrunningoutof
gasolinewhileoperatingtheYardVacuum.If theunitrunsoutofgas
as itischipping,itmaybenecessaryto unclogthedischargearea
beforeitcan be restarted.RefertoSERVICEANDADJUSTMENT
sectionon page17.
FreshStart TM Gas Cap
Thisunitisequippedwitha FreshStartTM continuousfuelpreserver
gascapwhichautomaticallydripscontinuousfuelpreserverinto
yourfueltankfor upto six monthsdependingon conditions,suchas
temperature,usagepatterns,fueltypeandblend.Toactivatethegas
cap,followthe instructionsbelow:
1. Snapthefuelpreservercartridgethatcomeswithyourunitintothe
fuelcap.
2. Peeloff thewhitetabfromthecartridge.
3. TwisttheFreshStartTM capontothefueltank.
Whenyouvisuallyseethatthefuelpreservercartridgeis empty,
replacementcartridgesareavailablethroughyourlocalSearsParts&
RepairCenterandmostSearsstores.
_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhenhandling
gasoline. Gasoline isextremelyflammableand the
vapors are explosive.Neverfuel machine indoors
or whilethe engineis hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes,and other sources of
ignition.
11

ThrottleControl
ChokeControl
TO STOP ENGINE
1. MovethrottlecontrollevertoSTOPorOFFposition.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundittotheretainingpostto
preventaccidentalstartingwhiletheequipmentis unattended.
_ARNING:When movingthrottle controllever,
be careful of heatedsurfaces and sharp edgeson
muffler guard.
f
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
TO START ENGINE
1. Attachsparkplugwireandrubberboottosparkplug.
2. Thebag/chuteswitchbuttonmustbefullydepressedbythetipof
fronttabonbag handleor blowerchuteforenginetostart.
3. Makesurebag/chuteswitchwireisconnectedtoengineand
groundedtomountingbracket.
4. Gastankshouldbefilled3/4 tofullbeforestarting.
5. Movethrottlecontrolto START/RUN(Rabbit)position.SeeFigure
10.
6. Movethechokecontroltowardthethrottlecontrolto chokethe
engine'scarburetor.(Awarmenginemaynotrequirechoking.)See
Figure10.
7. Standingbehindtheunit,graspstarterhandleand pullropeout
untilyoufeeladrag.
8. Pulltheropewitha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepa firm
gripon thestarterhandle.Letthe roperewindslowly.
9. Repeat,ifnecessary,untilenginestarts.Whenenginestarts,move
chokecontrolgraduallyawayfromthethrottlecontrol.
10.If enginefalters,movechokecontrolbacktowardthethrottlecontrol
and repeatsteps7 through9.
11.ALWAYSkeepthethrottlecontrolin theSTART/RUNpositionwhen
operatingtheYardVacuum.
TO EMPTY BAG
1. a. Unhookbagstrapsfromthelowerhandle.
b. Unsnapbagclipfromthetopoflowerhandle.SeeFigure11.
c. Graspbaghandlewithone handandpulllockrod onmounting
bracketwithotherhandtowardengineto release.
d. Liftbagoff backof unit.
2. Twistthetwobuttonsonthebackofthebagto unlockandempty
contents.SeeFigure12.Holdbaghandleandbagclipwhileempty-
ing thecontents.
3. Compressbagopeningandfoldinnerflapoveropening.
4. Foldouterflapoverinnerflapandinsertbuttonsonthe bagthrough
metaloutlets.SeeFigure12.
5. Twistthebuttonsto lockbag.Placebagbackontounitas
instructedon page8.
12

TO REMOVE BLOWER CHUTE
1. Graspblowerchutewithonehandand pulllockrodon mounting
bracketwithotherhandtowardenginetorelease.RefertoFigure7.
2. Removeblowerchutefromovertherimofthedischargeopening.
USING THE NOZZLE VACUUM
1. Placenozzle/hosevacleverinthetoppositiononthenozzleto
vacuumthroughnozzle.SeeFigure13.
2. Thespringloadedpinmustbe inthefirsthole(closesttotheendof
thetube)ofthehoseadaptertooperatethenozzlevac.
3. Placebothhandsontopoftheupperhandleandfullyliftthedrive
controlagainsttheupperhandletopropeltheunitoveryard.
4. Usethespeedcontrolto chooseeitherthehighor lowspeed.The
speedcontrolmaybemovedeitherwhiletheunitispropellingor
beforeengagingthewheels.
IMPORTANT:Movethespeedcontrolonlywhentheengineisrunning.
Changingthespeedcontrolsettingwiththeengineoff candamagethe
yardvacuum.
Yardwastesuchasleavesandpineneedlescanbe vacuumedup
throughthenozzleforshredding.Aftermaterialhasbeenshredded
bytheflailbladesontheimpellerassembly,itwillbedischarged
intocatcherbagorthroughblowerchute.Donotattempttoshredor
chipanymaterialotherthanvegetationfoundin a normalyard(i.e.
branches,leaves,twigs,etc.)Avoidfibrousplantssuchastomato
vinesuntiltheyarethoroughlydriedout. Materialssuchasstalksor
heavybranchesupto 1-1/2"indiametermaybefedintothechipper
chute.
,_ WARNING:Do notattempt to shred, chip,or vacuum
anymaterial largerthan specifiedon the machine
or inthis manual.Personalinjuryor damageto the
machine couldresult.
IMPORTANT:Theflailscreenis locatedinsidethehousinginthe
dischargearea.If theflailscreenbecomesclogged,removeandclean
asinstructedin theService&Adjustmentssectionon page17.For
bestperformance,itis alsoimportanttokeepthechipperbladesharp.
_ WARNING:Do notat anytime makeany
adjustments without first stopping engineand
disconnecting sparkplugwire.
f Nozzle/Hose Hose
VacLever
(TopPositi
Nozzle
Spring Loaded Pi
(First Hole)
Figure 13 J
fNozzle/Hose
Vac Lever
(Bottom Po
Spring Loaded Pin
(SecondHole)Figure 14 J
USING THE HOSE ASSEMBLY
1. Placenozzle/hosevachandleinthebottompositiononthenozzle
toredirectvacuumtothehoseassembly.SeeFigure14.
2. Thespringloadedpinmustbe inthesecondholeofthehose
adaptertooperatethehoseassembly.
3. Unhookthehosefromupperhandlebracketandgraspthehose
handletoguidewhilevacuumingyardwastesuchasleavesor pine
needlesin hardtoreachplaces.
13

©
Cleaner
Housing
\
Figure 15
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thisyardvacuumdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
3. Someadjustmentswill haveto bemadeperiodicallytomaintain
yourunitproperly.
4. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethesearetight.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstopengineand disconnect
sparkplugwire before performingany maintenance
or adjustments. Alwayswearsafetyglasses during
operation or while performingany adjustments or
repairs.
LUBRICATION
1. Wheels-Placea fewdropsofSAE30 oil oneachshoulderscrew
oncea season.Referto Figure23 onpage18.
2. Nozzleheight adjustment levers- Lubricatenozzleheightadjust-
mentleverswithlightoil.RefertoFigure9.
3. Locking Rod-Lubricatethe lockrodandcompressionsprings
whichattachtothe mountingbracket.Referto Figure8.
CLEAN EQUIPMENT
1. CleantheYardVacuumthoroughlyaftereachuse.
2. Washbagperiodicallywithwater.Allowto drythoroughlyinshade.
3. If theflailscreenbecomesclogged,removeandcleanasinstructed
in theSERVICEANDADJUSTMENTSsection.
NOTE:Cleaningwitha forcefulsprayofwaterisnotrecommendedas
itcouldcontaminatethefuelsystem.
CHECK ENGINE OIL
1. Stopengineandwaitseveralminutesbeforecheckingoil level.
Withengineon levelground,theoil mustbetoFULLmarkon
dipstick.
2. Removeoil filldipstick.
3. Checkoil levelondipstick.Levelshouldbeat FULLmark.(If not,
see"SubsequentUses"on page11).
4. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
,, OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassifica-
tionSF,SG,orSH.Selecttheoil's SAEviscositygradeaccording
totheexpectedoperatingtemperature.Refertooperationsection
forviscositychart.
Changeengineoilafterthefirstfive hoursof operation,andevery
twenty-fivehoursthereafter.
TO DRAIN OIL
Drainoil whileengineiswarm.Followtheinstructionsgivenbelow:
1. Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefueltank
is empty.
2. Removeoil filldipstick.
3. Tipunitonits sideto drainthroughtheoil filltube.
4. Whenengineis drainedofall oil,refillwithapproximately18oz.of
freshoil. RefertoGas And Oil Fill-Up in OPERATIONsection.
5. Replaceoilfill dipstickandtighten.
SERVICE AIR CLEANER
Theaircleanerpreventsdamagingdirt,dust,etc.,fromenteringthe
carburetorand beingforcedintotheengineand isimportanttoengine
lifeandperformance.Theaircleanerconsistsofa pleatedfilter.Never
runtheenginewithoutanair cleanercompletelyassembled.
To Service Air Cleaner:
1. Loosenscrewand tiltplastichousingcoveron sideofenginedown.
SeeFigure15.
14

2. Removepleatedfilterfromplastichousingcoverandreplacewith
cleanor newfilter.
3. Tiltcoverupintoplaceand tightenscrew.
NOTE:If thefilter istornor damagedinanyway,replaceit.
_ARNING:Temperatureof muffler and nearbyareas
mayexceed 150°F(65°C).Avoidthese areas.
SERVICE SPARK PLUG
Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto .030"atleastoncea season
or every50hoursofoperation.SeeFigure15.Sparkplugreplacement
isrecommendedatthestartofeachseason.Referto enginepartslist
forcorrectsparkplugtype.
NOTE:Donotsandblastsparkplug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedby
scrapingor wirebrushingand washingwitha commercialsolvent.
f --,,
2 3
II
II
II
II
II
II
1..030 (.76 turn) Gap
2. Electrodes
3. Porcelain
Figure 16 ,J
SERVICE MUFFLER
•Inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.
• If yourengineisequippedwithasparkarresterscreenassembly,
removeafterevery50hoursofuseforcleaningandinspection.
Replaceifdamaged.
_ARNING:Donot operatethe YardVacuumwithout
a muffler ortamper withthe exhaustsystem.
Damagedmufflers or spark arresters could create a
fire hazard.
CLEAN ENGINE
•Cleanenginebyremovingdirtanddebriswitha clothorbrush.
Frequentlyremovegrassclippings,dirt,anddebrisfromcooling
fins,air intakescreen,levers,andlinkage.Thiswillhelpensure
adequatecoolingandenginespeed.
15

NozzleHeight
Adjustment _ WARNING: Donot atanytime makeany adjustment
to the unit withoutfirst stoppingengineand discon-
nectingsparkplugwire.
Nozzle
Figure 17
f_A Drive Control
J
/
/
\\
XX
X
Drive Control
Z-Fittin_
Front Hole
Rear Hole Drive Control Cable
J
Figure 18
NOZZLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Thenozzlecanbeadjustedtoanysixpositions,rangingfrom5/8" to4
1/8"groundclearance.Thenozzleheighthastobeadjustedaccording
toyardconditions.
1. Depressnozzleheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.SeeFigure
17.
2. Movetheheightadjustmentleverforwardorbackwardtoadjustthe
nozzleupwardsordownwards.Makesurebothleversareinthe
sameposition.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
NOTE:Ingeneral,raisethenozzleheighttovacuuma thicklayerof
leavesor tooperatewiththeblowerchute.Lowerthenozzleheightfor
smoothersurfaces.
DRIVE CONTROL
CABLE ADJUSTMENT
Adjustthedrivecontrolcableiftheyardvacuumdoesnotselfpropel
withthedrivecontrolengaged,or iftheunithesitateswhiletheengine
maintainsthesamespeedafterapproximately20 hoursofuse.
Tomovethez-fittingof thedrivecontrolcablefromitsfactoryset
positioninthefrontholeofthedrivecontroltotherearhole,proceed
asfollows:
1. a. Pushtherightsideofthecontroloutoftherightholeintheupper
handle.SeeFigure18A.
b. Pivotcontroldowntowardsthelowerhandle.
c. Pivotstraightup toremoveit fromtheleft holeinthe upper
handle.SeeFigure18A.
2. Graspthez-fittingwithyourhandandmoveitfromthefrontholeto
therearholeofthedrivecontrol.SeeFigure18B.
IMPORTANT:Makesuretoinsertthez-fittingintotherearholeas
itwasinsertedinthefronthole,thatisfromtheoutside of thedrive
control.
3. Reinstallthedrivecontrolbyperformingthepreviousstepsinthe
oppositeorderand mannerofremoval.
IMPORTANT:Onceassembledandpriortorestarting,makesurethat
thecableisproperlyadjusted.Withthedrivecontroldisengaged,the
unitshouldfreelypullin reverse.
16

CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
_ARNING:ifany adjustments (e.g. carburetor)are
madeto the enginewhilethe engineisrunning,
keepclearof all moving parts.Becarefulofheated
surfacesand muffler.
Thecarburetorhasbeenpre-setat thefactoryandshouldnotrequire
adjustment.If yourenginedoesnotoperateproperlydueto suspected
carburetorproblems,takeyourYardVacuumto a SearsParts& Repair
Centerforrepairandadjustment.
ENGINE SPEED
Theenginespeedon yourYardVacuumhasbeensetat thefactory.
Donotattemptto increasetheengineRPM.Ifyouthinkthat theengine
isrunningtoofastor tooslow,takeyourYardVacuumto thenearest
SearsParts&RepairCenterforrepairandadjustment.
,i_i WARNING:Do notattempt to alterthe enginespeed
bytampering withthe engine'sgovernorlinkage.
Doing so couldresult in serious personalinjuryand
damageto the engine.TheengineRPMhas beenset
atthe factory.
REMOVING THE FLAIL SCREEN
If thedischargeareabecomesclogged,removetheflailscreenand
cleanareaasfollows.
1. Stoptheengine.Makecertainthechipper/shreddervacuumhas
cometoa completestop.
2. Beforeuncloggingthedischargechute,disconnect and ground
the spark plugwireto retaining post.
3. Removethevacuumbagor blowerchutefromtheunitasinstructed
intheOPERATIONsectiontoobtainaccesstoflailscreen.
4. Removethethreeselftappingscrewssecuringthebeltcover,and
removethebeltcover.SeeFigure19.
5. Removeselftappingscrewon rightsideof unitthatattachestothe
flailscreen.SeeFigure20.
6. Removehexscrewontopofrearhousingnearmountingbracket
andtheflangelocknutthatsecuresflailscreen.SeeFigure20.
7. Removeandcleanthescreenbyscrapingor washingwithwater.
SeeFigure21.
8. Reinstallthescreen.
17
//
/
//
/-
Self
Tapping
crews
:.... Belt Cover
/S
/
/
/
i /
/<
/
f
Figure 19
/
Screw
\
f
Flange
Lock Nut J
Flail Screen
Figure 21 J

Hex Cap ............ "
, Screws
f............."_FrontSupport Braceand Lock NUi ....
J
SHARPENING OR REPLACING
CHIPPER BLADE
NOTE:Whentippingtheunit,emptytheoil andfueltankand keep
enginesparkplugsideup.
1. Disconnect and ground the spark plugwire to retaining post.
2. Removehoseassemblyandbagassembly.
3. Removethethreehexcapscrewsholdingthehosehangerbracket
andchipperchutetotheupperhousing.SeeFigure22.
4. Removethefronthubcaps,flangelocknuts,frontwheels,andwave
washersthatattachtothe pivotarmassemblies.SeeFigure23.
5. Removetheshoulderscrews,thrustwashers,and bellwashers
thatgo throughthepivotarmstothefrontsupportbrace.Thefront
supportbraceand locknutcanbe removedatthistimeaswell.
6. Removethefourscrewsonthe upperhousingthatsecurethe
nozzlecover.SeeFigure24.
Pivot Arm
BellWasher
Thrust Washer
Shoulder Screw
%_*.r
Wave
Washer
Hub Ca[ LockNut
Figure 23
Wheel ,J
f
Nozzle Screws
Figure 24 ,J
18

7. Carefullytiltandsupportthe unitupto provideaccessunderneath
tothenozzlemountinghardwareandimpeller.Removethethree
shoulderboltssecuringtheblackplasticlowerflailhousingto the
lowerhousing.Referto Figure25.
8. Tilttopofblackplasticlowerflailhousingtowardtheengineto
remove.
9. Usinga 3/16"allenwrench,removetheflatheadcapscrewsthat
holdthechipperbladetotheimpeller.Thesescrewsareaccessible
throughtheopeningcreatedwhenthechipperchutewasremoved
earlier.SeeFigure26.
lO.The nutson theflat headcapscrewscanbereachedfrom
underneathusinga 1/2-inchsocket,universal,andextension.See
Figure27.
11.Replaceor sharpenchipperblade.Thebladecanbesharpened
withafile oron agrindingwheel.
12.Whensharpeningblade,protecthandsbyusingglovesandfollow
theoriginalangleofgrind.
13.Reassemblebyperformingthepreviousstepsin theoppositeorder
andmannerofremoval.
NOTE:Tightenbladescrewsto210- 250 in-lbs.Makecertainchipper
bladeis reassembledwiththesharpedgefacingupward.
f --,,
Black Plastic
lower flail
housing
.............. ,
ShoulderScrews
Figure 25 J
f
FlatHead Screws
Chipper Blade
f
_NNuts
Figure 26
Impeller
\
19 Figure 27 J

PrepareyourCraftsmanYardVacuumforstorageattheendofthe
seasonor iftheunitwillnotbeusedfor30 daysor longer.A yearly
check-upbyyourlocalSearsParts&RepairCenterisa goodwayto
ensurethattheunitrunsproperlynextseason.
Yard Vacuum
,, Cleantheequipmentthoroughly.
,, Wipeequipmentwithanoiledragto preventrust.Usea lightoilor
siliconetowipe.
,, Servicetheenginefollowinginstructionsbelow.
,, Storeunitina clean,dryarea.Donotstorenextto corrosive
materialssuchasfertilizer.
Engine
IMPORTANT:It isimportantto preventgumdepositsfromformingin
essentialfuelsystempartssuchasthecarburetor,fuelfilter,fuelhose,
ortankduringstorage.Also,alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholor
usingethanolor methanol)canattractmoisturewhichleadstosepara-
tionandformationofacidsduringstorage.Acidicgascandamagethe
fuelsystemofanenginewhileinstorage.
NOTE:Fuelstabilizerisanacceptablealternativetoemptyingthetank
offuelinminimizingtheformationoffuelgumdepositsduringstorage.
,, Addstabilizerto gasolineinfueltank(if FreshStartTM fuelpreserver
cartridgeisempty)orstoragecontainer.
,, Donotdrainthegastankandcarburetorifusingfuelstabilizer.
Inall cases,drainalltheoil fromthecrankcase(thisshouldbedone
aftertheenginehasbeenoperatedand isstillwarm)andrefillthe
crankcasewithfreshoil.
Whenyouvisuallyseethat thefuelpreservercartridgeisempty,
replacementcartridgesareavailablethroughyourlocalSearsParts&
RepairCenterandmostSearsstores.
IfyoudonotuseFreshStartTM or otherfuelstabilizer,followthese
instructions:
,, Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefueltank
is empty.
,, Removesparkplug,pourapproximately1/2ounce(approximately
onetablespoon)ofengineoil intocylinderand crankslowlyto
distributeoil.
,, Replacesparkplug.
Other
,, Donotstoregasolinefromoneseasontoanother.
,, Replacethegasolinecanifitstartsto rust.Rustand/ordirt inthe
gasolinewillcauseproblems.
,, Storeunitin aclean,dryarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosive
materials,suchasfertilizer.
NOTE:If storingin anunventilatedor metalstorageshed,be certainto
rustprooftheequipmentbycoatingwitha lightoil orsilicone.
2O