Craftsman 12A948J099 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Operator's Manual
PRO E S S I 0 N A
21" SELF=PROPELLED MOWER
Model No. 247.381091
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL, p. 37
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-06851
6/22/2011
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
Safetyinstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
SafetyLabels............................................Page9
Assembly..................................................Pages10-13
Operation..................................................Pages14-15
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages16-19
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page20
TroubleShooting.......................................Page21
PartsList...................................................Page22-32
Espa_ol.....................................................Page37
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman Professional Two Year Full Warranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,this productiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor workmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairor freereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarranty coveragedetails to obtain repairor replacement,visit the website: www.craftsman.com.
This warranty covers ONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:
Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchas mowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationor repairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof accidentorfailuretooperateor maintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Preventativemaintenanceor repairsnecessarydueto improperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Bears BrandsManagementCorporation, Noffman Estates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase .............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©KCDIP,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers.Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
* Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethis machine.Read,understand,and
followall instructionsonthemachineandinthemanualsbefore
operation.Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfutureand regular
referenceandfororderingreplacementparts
, Becompletelyfamiliarwiththecontrolsandtheproperuseofthis
machinebeforeoperatingit.
, Thismachineisa precisionpieceofpowerequipment,nota
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat alltimes.This
machinehasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mowgrass.
Donotuseitforanyotherpurpose.
, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
, Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesof
safeoperationshouldbe allowedtousethis machine.
, Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeign
objects,whichcouldbetrippedoverorpickedupandthrownby
theblade.Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstruction,whichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystanders,
helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrommowerwhileitis inopera-
tion.Stopmachineifanyoneentersarea.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacks
and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsandlegsand
steel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperatethis machine
inbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwith bladecanamputatefingers,hands,toesand
feet.
A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthemowerbeingpulledoverthe
footduringafallcausedbyslippingor tripping.Donotholdon to
themowerifyouarefalling:releasethehandleimmediately.
Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouarewalking.If
youmustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst
lookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthese
steps:
1. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarmsforward.
2. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.
3. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfwaytoward
you.
4. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
Donotoperatethemowerwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor
drugs.
Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon machinesso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
3
Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto
bypassits operation.Doingsomakesthesafetydeviceinopera-
tiveandmayresultin personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe
rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperateeasily
in bothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturntothedisengaged
positionwhenreleased.
Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe sureofyour
footing.A slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Ifyou
feelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstop rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationis gener-
allya warningoftrouble.
Shuttheengineoff andwaituntilthebladecomestoa complete
stopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror uncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafterthe
bladecontrolisreleased.Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthe
bladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.
Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,
grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafetyprotectivede-
vicesin placeandworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebythe
manufactureraslistedin thePartspagesofthisOperator's
Manual.Failuretodosocanresultinpersonalinjury.
Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.Contact1-800-4MY-HOME®forinformation
andassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.If
youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryoursafety,usethe
SlopeGuideincludedaspartof thismanualto measureslopesbefore
operatingthis machineon a slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreater
than15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
o
Mowacrossthefaced slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyoutosliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcancauseserious
personalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthebladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
DoNot:
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,because
youcouldloseyourfootingorbalance.
Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopeguide.
Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themowerandthemowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderwatchfulcareof
a responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownfor
smallchildren.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvisionofa
childwhomayrunintothemower.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadand understandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesinthis manualandon
themachineand betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingOf Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineisspilledon yourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueliton theground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmenton atrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfrom
a gasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
4
Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulateinthearea.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhileengineis hotor running.
Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
Neverover-fillfueltank.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,donot
fillabovethebottomofthefueltankneck.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
If gasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingengine.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame,
sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,
clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
Toreducefirehazard,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuel-soakeddebris.
Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervals
forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,
bent,cracked,worn).Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipment
manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedinthePartspagesofthis
manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-
misesafety!
Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut.Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe suretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperatingthemower.
Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheightadjustmentwhile
theengineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,and trailshieldare
subjectto wearand damagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthePartspages
ofthismanual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand
compromisesafety!
Donotchangetheengine'sgovernorsettingor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor
leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
Donotcrankenginewith sparkplugremoved.
Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposal
offluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Accordingto theConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product
hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 140hoursof
operation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer
toensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworking
properlyand notwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.Doingsowillvoidtheproductwarranty.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedineffectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestor(PartNo.398067)forthemufflerisavailablethrough
yournearestSearsPartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
i
i
®
J
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
DANGER -- BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
DANGER-- HAND/FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER -- THROWN DEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.
DANGER -- SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 150.
WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
6
|
|
or acornerof a building...
15°
Use this pageas a guide to determine slopes where you maynot operate safely.
Donotoperateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donotmowoninclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a riseofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Operatewalk-
behindmowersacrossthefaceofslopes,neverup anddownslopes.
This pageleft intentionallyblank.
8
®
READOPERATOR'SMANUAL. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(BLADECONTRDL,TRAILINGSHIELD,
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.)INPLACEAND WORKING. IF DAMAGED,REPLACEiMMEDiATELY.
Operation Of This Equipment May Create Sparks
That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation,
A Spark Arrestor May Be Required.The Operator Should Contact Local Fire
Agencies For Laws Or Regulations To Fire Prevention Requirements.
9
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideoftheLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
GrassCatcher
GrassCatcherAdapter
SideDischargeCover
EngineOil
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. PullupandbackonupperhandleasshowninFigure1.
Makecertainthe lowerhandleisseatedsecurelyintothe
handlemountingbrackets.Donotcrimpcableswhilelifting
thehandleup.
B. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandletolowerhandle.
Makesurethateachcarriageboltisseatedproperlyinthe
handle.
2. Locatethehairpinclipontheweldpinon eachsideof lower
handle.
A. Removehairpinclipfromweldpin.Usinga pairofpliers,
inserthairpinclipintotheholeonpinclosestto thebracket.
SeeFigure2. Repeaton otherside.
B. Insertacarriageboltfromthemanualbagintotheupper
holeonthehandlemountingbracket.Securewithone plastic
wingnut,alsoincludedin themanualbag.Repeatonother
sidewith remaininghardware.
f
Figure1
f
J
Figure2
NOTE:Makecertainthedrivecableisroutedaroundtheoutsideand
abovethelowerhandlesoitdoesnotinterferewithattachingthegrass
bag.Thechutedoorhasbeendesignedtomovethestarterropeoutof
thewayofthebagwhenthechutedoorisopened.
10
3. Theropeguide,whichisconnectedtothesupportrod,islocated
onthe rightsideofthelowerhandle.See Figure3 below.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasebladecontrol.
C. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
D. Usecabletiestosecurecableto lowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
Themowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffleinstalledontheunit.
Forbaggingpurposes,youwillhavetoattachthegrassbagandits
adapterin placeofthemulchingbaffle.
1. Removethreewingnutsholdingthemulchingbafflein placeand
removefromunit.
2. Replacewithgrassbagadapter,whilemakingsurethefrontlipof
adaptergoesundertheedgeofthedeck.See Figure4.Secure
withwingnutspreviouslyremoved.
3. Liftchutedooronthegrassbagadapterand slidegrassbagonto
theadapter.SeeFigure5.
Figure4
J
f
Figure3
?
Figure5
11
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Followstepsbelowtoinstallthesidedischargecover:
1. Removemulchingbaffleor grassbagadapterfromunitby
disconnectingwingnuts.
2. Attachsidedischargecovertounitand securewiththethreewing
nuts.SeeFigure6.
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereisa cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethe rearleft
wheel.
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure7.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin thedrivecontrolhandlehousing
andisusedtotightenor loosenthedrivebelt.Youwillhaveto adjust
thedrivecontrolifanyofthefollowinghappens:
1. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrolengaged.
2. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrivecontrolengaged.
Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustmentwheel
clockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto loosencabletoadjust
thedrivecontrol.SeeFigure8.
NOTE:Forsomepeoplethedrivecontrolmaynotbeina comfortable
position.Youcanadjustthehandlepositionbytighteningtheadjust-
mentwheel.
f
f
Figure6
Figure7
.J
Figure8
12
Recoil Startel
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Gas Cap
Y
J
Oil Cap/Di!
Side Discharge
Cover
J
Figure9
BLADE CONTROL SIDE DISCHARGE COVER
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthemower.See
Figure9. Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupperhandletooperate
theunit.Releaseitto stopengineand blade.
Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthesidedischargecover.
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operations.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
left rearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto the
Assemblysection.
DRIVE CONTROL
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheupperhandle.Squeezethedrive
controltoengagethedrivesystem.Releaseittodisengagethedrive
system.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaon cuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelonthe unit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarterisconnectedtothesupportrodandislocatedonthe
rightsideofthelowerhandle.Standbehindtheunitandpulltherecoil
starterropetostarttheunit.
GAS CAP
Removethegascaptoaddfueltothefueltank.Useclean,fresh,
regularunleadedgasolinewitha minimumof87 octane.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrailshieldis attachedtotherearofthemowerand isthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
13
GAS AND OiL FILL-UP f "_
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthis
sectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
Oil (one 18 ounce bottle shipped with unit)
FirstTime Use
1. Removeoil filldipstick(G).SeeFigure10.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill(H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroil thatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsforAPI
servicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJor later.AlwayschecktheAPIservice
labelontheoilcontainertobe sureitincludesthelettersSF,SG,SH,
SJor higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfortheengine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f "h
16so4s6 o** " 2
¸
32
14
o4
40
30
20
10
°30
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfilldipstick.Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure10.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil filldipstick,andfillwiththe recommendedoil tothe
upperlimitmark(J). Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Gasoline
Donotuseunapprovedgasolines,suchasE85.Donotmixoil in
Igasolineor modifyengineto runonalternatefuels.Thiswilldamage
_theenginecomponentsandvoid the engine warranty.
Fuelmustmeet these requirements:
Clean,fresh,unleadedgasoline.
Figure10
A minimumof87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanol(gasohol)or upto 15%MTBE
(methyltertiarybutylether)isacceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocoolfirst.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor sparks.
e
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
Ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertotheOffSeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintand sometypesof plastic.Becareful
nottospillfuelwhenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoroil/gasolinemixture.
Avoidgettingdirt orwaterin thefueltank.
1. Removethefueltankcap.
2. Fillthefueltankwithfuel.Toallowforexpansionofthefuel,do
notfillabovethebottomofthefueltankneck.Donotoverfill.
Wipeupspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
3. Installthefueltankcapandtightenituntilitclicks.
4. Movelawnmoweratleast10feet awayfromthefuelcontainer/
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.
Besurenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn
mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower.Neverrunengine
indoorsorin enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymovingpartson engine
andlawnmower.
14
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure11.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure11.Keepinga firm
griponthestartercordhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
NOTE:Ifenginefloods,waita fewminutesto restart.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthebladeto stopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themoweror toremovethegrasscatcher.
Figure11
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairson it.
1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthe
upperhandleto propelmower.Releaseittodisengagethedrive.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherorthesidedischarge
chutefromthemower,and reattachthemulchingbaffle.Foreffective
mulching,donotcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrow
in excessoffourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrass
catcherto bagclippingsinstead.
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.
1. AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsintheAssembly
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthebagas
yourunthemower.
2. Operatethemowertillthegrassbagisfull.
3. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunithascometoa completestop.
4. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththerearhandleandthelower
handle,liftthegrassbagstraightup offtheadapter.Thechute
doorwillmovetheropeoutofthewayofthebag.
5. Continuingtoholdthelowerhandle,raisethe rearofthegrass
bagand releasethelowerhandleovera properreceptacle.The
grassbagwillopenandthegrassclippingswilldisperse.When
replacingthegrassbag,be surethetopofthebagrestsonthe
wiresupportbetweenthehandles.
If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthespark
plugwire,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationof mower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService
Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor 50hours
Annuallyor 200hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
1. Engineoillevel
2. Looseormissinghardware
3. Unitandengine.
1. Engineoil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner
2. Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
3. Undersideofmowerdeck
4. EngineOil
1. Airfilter& Pre-Cleaner
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
4. Change
1. Change
1. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriortostorage.
)resent.
16
Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplugwire,andgroundagainst
enginebeforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceon yourmachine.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganymaintenance.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedtooperatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoidenginewarranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason.
Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Spark Plug
Forgoodperformance,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand
freeofdeposits.Replacethesparkplugannually.
1. Disconnectthecapfromthesparkplug,andremoveanydirtfrom
thesparkplugarea.
2. Usethepropersizesparkplugwrenchtoremovethesparkplug.
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure12.Sparkpluggap
shouldbe0.020in(0.51ram).If necessary,resetthegap.
4. installandtightenthesparkplugtotherecommendedtorque(180
Ib-in[20 Nm]).
5. Attachthesparkplugcapto thesparkplug.
Air Cleaner
A dirtyaircleanerwillrestrictairflowtothecarburetorandcausepoor
engineperformance,inspectthefiltereachtimetheengineisoper-
ated.Youwillneedtocleanthefiltermorefrequentlyifyouoperatethe
enginein verydustyareas.
Cleantheair cleanerevery50hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
f
Electrode
Porcelain
Figure12
Fastener
Cover
Air Filter
Neverstartor runtheenginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
NOTE:Donotusepressurizedairor solventstocleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Removethefastenerandair cleanercover.See Figure13.
2. Removethepre-cleanerandfilter.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilterona hardsurface,iffilteris
excessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
Figure13
4. Washthe pre-cleanerin liquiddetergentandwaterandallowit to
thoroughlyair dry.Donot oilthe pre-cleaner.
5. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothefilter.
6. installthefilterandpre-cleanerintothebase.Makesurefilterfits
securelyin thebase.
7. installair filtercoverand securewithfastener.Makesurethe
fasteneristight.
17
Check Engine Oil
Checkoil levelbeforeeachoperation.Besureoil levelismaintained.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil filldipstickandwipeitclean.
3. Insertandtightendipstick.Removeittochecktheoillevel.
4. Iftheoil levelisnearor belowthelowerlimitmarkonthedipstick,
removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,andfillwiththerecommendedoil
totheupperlimitmark.Donotoverfill.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipstick.
Change Engine Oil
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.
Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Changeengineoil afterthefirstfivehoursofoperation,andeveryfifty
hoursoroncea seasonthereafter.
lWhen draintheoil fromthe oil fill thefueltankmustbe
you top
tube,
emptyor fuelcanleakoutand resultinafireor explosion.Toempty
thefueltank,runtheengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.
1. Withengineoff butstillwarm,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromthesparkplug.
2. Placea suitablecontainernextto theenginetocatchtheusedoil.
3. Removetheoil filldipstickanddraintheoil intothecontainerby
tippingtheenginetowardtheoil fillerneck.See Figure14.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltotheupperlimitmarkon
thedipstickwiththerecommendedoil.
DU Fill/Dipstick
AirFilter
J
Figure14
J
Runningtheenginewithalowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
Figure15
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
15.
Wheels
Lubricatethewheelsat leastoncea seasonwithlightoil (ormotoroil).
Ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,lubricatetheaxleboltandinner
surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure15.
Grass Catcher Adapter
Lubricatethetorsionspringand pivotpointon eachendofthegrass
catcheradapterdooratleastoncea seasonwith lightoil toprevent
rust.SeeFigure15.
Transmission
Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryanddoes
notrequirelubrication.
18
CLEANING DECK
Cleanundersideofthemowerdeckonceaseasonto preventbuild-up
ofgrassclippingsor otherdebris.Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawnmoweror
placea pieceofplasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat it restson thehousing,keepingthemufflerside
down.Referto Figure14.Holdmowerfirmly.
Nevertip themowermorethan900inanydirectionanddo notleave
the mowertippedforanylengthoftime.Oilcandrainintotheupper
partoftheenginecausinga startingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideof thedeckwitha suitabletool.
Donotspraywithwater.
IMPORTANT:Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetoclean
yourunit.Thesemaycausedamageto bearings,ortheengine.The
useof waterwillresultin shortenedlifeandreduceserviceability.
4. Putthemowerbackon itswheelsontheground.Ifyouhadput
plasticunderthegascapearlier,makesuretoremoveitnow.
REPLACING REAR FLAP
Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:
1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,removescrew,andpressflapin
oneithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure16.
2. Removescrewandflapfromoppositeholeandreplacewithnew
flapintheoppositeorderand mannerofremoval.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthecuttingbladeforsharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesor usea heavyragto
holdthe blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitsside
makingsurethattheairfilterandthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure17.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followtheoriginalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthebladebalanced.
Anunbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds.It maycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausing
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthatthesideof
Figure16
Blade
8_- ....... Bolt
Figure17
J
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facestheground
whenthemowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Alignnotchesontheblade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,
600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltforcorrecttorque.
BELT CARE
NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedinordertochangethe
mower'sself-propulsiondrivebelt.Seean authorizedSearsService
Centerto haveyourbeltreplaced.
19
Neverstorelawnmowerwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly
ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark,
or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas
appliance.
PREPARING THE ENGINE
Forenginesstoredover30days:
1. Topreventgumfromforminginfuelsystemoron carburetor
parts,runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffueloradda gasoline
additiveto thegasin thetank.If youuseagasadditive,runthe
engineforseveralminutesto circulatetheadditivethroughthe
carburetor--afterwhichtheengineandfuelcanbe storedupto
24months.
2. Whileengineisstillwarm,changetheoil.
3. Cleanengineofsurfacedebris.
PREPARING THE LAWN MOWER
Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedinthe lubrica-
tioninstructions.
Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto prevent
rusting.
RefertoPREPARINGTHE ENGINEforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosive
materials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorlyventilatedor
metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakentorust-prooftheequipment.
Usinga lightoil orsilicone,coattheequipment,especiallycablesand
all movingpartsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
20
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Craftsman 12A948J099 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
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