Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRH
21" LAWN MOWER
Model No. 247.37031
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPArqOL, p. 33
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-07574
12/5/2011
WarrantyStatement..................................Page2
SafetyInstructions....................................Pages3-6
SlopeGuide..............................................Page7
Assembly..................................................Pages8-11
Operation..................................................Pages12-13
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pages14-17
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Page18
Troubleshooting........................................Page19
PartsList...................................................Page20-28
Espa_ol.....................................................Page33
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Craftsman TwoYearFull Warranty
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
• Expendableitemswhichcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasmowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,filters,or
sparkplugs.
Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsatproductmodificationorrepairorcausedbyproductaccessories.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions.
Preventativemaintenanceorrepairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedorstalefuel.
Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,IL 60179
EngineOilType: SAE30
EngineOilCapacity: 18ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RJ2YXLE
Engine: Briggs& Stratton
ModelNumber.................................................................
Serial Number.................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©SearsBrands,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--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto
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
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.
, 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.
, Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,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.Failuretodosocanresultin personalinjury.
• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pullrapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,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.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,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
(OK)
15° Slope
X
(TOO STEEP)
15° Slope
_- _. Figure1
USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneithersideoftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or downuntil theleft cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5.
_O._daShed._fine
If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
Figure2
Slopes area majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-over accidentswhich can resultin severe injury or death. Donot operate machineon slopes
in excessof 15degrees. Allslopes requireextra caution.Always mowacrossthe face of slopes, nevermowup and down slopes.
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineoroil intheengine.
Becertaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructedinthe
Operationsectionbeforestartingor runningyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightandlefthandsideoftheLawnMoweris
observedfromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removeall looseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Liftunitfromthereartodetachitfromunderlyingcartonmaterial
androllunitoutofcarton.
2. Checkcartonthoroughlyforanyotherlooseparts.
f
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• GrassCatcher
• SideDischargeCover
• EngineOil
Figure2
J
ASSEMBLY
Attaching The Handle
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetweenupperand
lowerhandles.
A. Removewingnutsandcarriageboltshandleasshown
in Figure1.Donotloosenor removeadjacenthexhead
screws.
B. Whilestabilizingmowersoitdoesn'tmove,pivotupper
handleupas showninFigure2.Donotcrimpcablewhile
liftingthehandleup.
2. RemoveT-boltsfromthehandlebracketsasshownin Figure3.
E
Figure1
Figure3
.
Followthestepsbelowtocompletehandleassembly:
A. Pullupwardonthehandleuntilholesin lowerhandle(shown
in Figure3 deckcutaway)lineupwith holesinhandle
bracket.SeeFigure4.
NOTE:Whenpullingupwardonhandle,makesuretonotpullhandle
allthewayout.
B. InserttheT-boltsremovedin stepearlierthroughthehandle
bracketsandlowerhandleandtightensecurelyto securethe
handlein place.SeeFigure4.
C. Reattachwingnutsandcarriageboltsremovedearlierinto
lowerholesofhandleasshownin Figure5.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideoftheupperhandle.
Loosenthewingknobwhichsecurestheropeguide.Referto
Figure6.
A. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
B. Slowlypullstarterropehandlefromengineandslipstarter
ropeintotheropeguide.SeeFigure6.
C. Tightenropeguidewingknob.
D. Usecabletiestosecurebladecontrolcabletolowerhandle.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
1. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher.Makecertain
bagisturnedrightsideoutbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill
beon theoutside).
A. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticsideisatthe
bottom.
B. Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksontheframe.
SeeFigure7.
2. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:
A. Lift reardischargedoor.SeeFigure8.
Figure4
J
Figure5
Figure7
9
Figure6
B, Placegrasscatcherintotheslotsinthehandlebracketsas
showninFigure8.Letgoofdischargedoorsothatitrests
onthegrasscatcher.
Toremovegrasscatcher,liftreardischargedooron themower.Lift
grasscatcherupandoff theslotsinthe handlebrackets.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowittoclose rearopeningofmower,
Attaching Side Discharge Cover
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconverttosidedischarge,
makesuregrasscatcherisoff oftheunitand reardischargedooris
closed.
1. Onthesideof themower,lift themulchingcover.See Figure9.
2, Slidetwo hooksofsidedischargecoverunderhingepinon
mulchingcoverassembly.Lowermulchingcover.Donotremove
sidemulchingcoveratanytime,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
f
ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height
Thereisa cuttingheightadjustmentleverlocatedabovethefrontand
rearrightwheel,
1. Pulltheheightadjustmentleveroutwardtowardswheel(unitwill
tendtofallwhenleverismovedoutward).See Figure10,
2. Movelevertodesiredpositionfora changeincuttingheight.See
Figure10.
3, Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbeplacedinthe sameposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,moveeachheightadjustmentlevertoa higher
position.Thiswillpreventyoufromcuttingthegrasstooclosetothe
ground,
Handle Pitch
Forconvenienceofoperation,youmayadjustthepitchofthehandle
asfollows:
1, Removewingnutsandcarriageboltsfromhandle,SeeFigure11,
2. Positionthehandlein oneofthethreepositionsthatis most
comfortable,SeeFigure11inset,
3. Secureintopositionwithwingnutsandcarriageboltsremoved
earlier,
Figure11
f
10
Cover
Figure8
Side Mulching
Cover
\
Figure9
\
Figure10
J
,J
Recoil Starter
Grass Catcher
Deck Wash
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
TrailShield
/
GasCap
Nulch Cover
Spark Plug
Figure12
BLADE CONTROL
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthemower.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandletooperatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.
Thisbladecontrolisa safetydevice.Neverattempttobypassits
operation.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon therightrearwheelandoneis
locatedontherightfrontwheel.Bothlevershaveto beatthesame
positiontoensurea uniformcut.Toadjustthecuttingheight,referto
theAssemblySection.
DECK WASH
Yourmower'sdeckis equippedwitha waterportonitssurfaceas part
ofits deckwashsystem.Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippings
fromthedeck'sunderside.
MULCH COVER
Themulchcoverisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadofcollecting
thegrassclippingsin agrasscatcheror usingthesidedischarge
chute,somemowermodelshavetheoptionofrecirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothelawn.Thisiscalledmulching.
SIDE DISCHARGE COVER
Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Todischargethegrassclippings
tothesideinstead,followtheinstructionsin theAssemblysectionto
attachthesidedischargecover.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthechuteareaon cuttingdeck.Refer
towarninglabelonthe unit.
RECOIL STARTER
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.Standbehind
theunitandpulltherecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
OIL CAP/DIPSTICK
Referto theMaintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
TRAIL SHIELD
Thetrailshieldis attachedtotherearofthemowerand isthereto
protecttheoperatorfromflyingdebris.Donotusethemowerunless
theshieldisfullyfunctionalandin place.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanLawnMowersconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11
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).SeeFigure13.
2. Withthe moweron levelground,emptyentirecontentsofoil bottle
providedintotheengineoil fill(H).
3. Replaceoil filldipstickandtighten.
Subsequent Uses
Use4-strokemotoroil thatmeetsor exceedstherequirementsfor
APIservicecategorySF,SG,SH,SJorhigher.AlwayschecktheAPI
servicelabelon theoilcontainerto besureitincludesthelettersSF,
SG,SH,SJor higher.
Outdoortemperaturesdeterminetheproperoilviscosityfortheengine.
Usethechartto selectthebestviscosityfortheoutdoortemperature
rangeexpected.
f
40
30
20
10
°30
"h
* Below40°F(4°C)theuseofSAE30 willresultin hardstarting.
**Above80°F(27°C)theuseof 10W-30maycauseincreasedoil
consumption.Checkoil levelmorefrequently.
1. Checktheoil withtheenginestoppedand level.
2. Removetheoil filldipstickandwipeit clean.
3. Insertandtightentheoilfilldipstick.Removeittochecktheoil
level.SeeFigure13.
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.
Figure13
• A minimumof87 octane/87AKI(91RON).
• Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanol(gasohol)isacceptable.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Iftheengine
hasbeenrunning,allowittocoolfirst.Neverrefueltheengineinsidea
buildingwheregasolinefumesmayreachflamesor sparks.
Gasolineishighlyflammableandexplosive,andyoucanbe
burnedor seriouslyinjuredwhenrefueling.Stopengineand keep
heat,sparks,and flameaway.Refuelonlyoutdoors.Wipeupspills
immediately.
ifyourequipmentwillbe usedonan infrequentorintermittentbasis,
pleaserefertotheOff SeasonStoragesectionforadditionalinforma-
tion regardingfueldeterioration.
NOTE:Fuelcandamagepaintand sometypesof plastic.Becareful
nottospillfuelwhenfillingyourfueltank.
Neverusestaleorcontaminatedgasolineoranoil/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.
12
TO START ENGINE
1. Standingbehindthemower,squeezethebladecontrolhandle
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure14.
2. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoilstarter
handleandpull ropeslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpullwitha
rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure14.Keepingafirm
griponthestartercordhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpullhandandarm
towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,
bruisesorsprainscouldresult.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
Waitforthebladetostopcompletelybeforeperforminganyworkon
themowerorto removethegrasscatcher.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orotherobjectswhich
coulddamagelawnmoweror engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidently
thrownbythemowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercanresultinforeignobjectsbeing
thrownintotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,or whileperforming
anyadjustmentsor repairsonit.
USING AS MULCHER
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandsidedischarge
chutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.If
thegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowinexcessoffourinches,mulching
isnotrecommended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Figure14
USING GRASS CATCHER
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhileyouare
operatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe"Assembly"
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagasyou
runmower.Operatemoweruntilgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.Makesure
thattheunithascometoa completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandawayfromthe
mowerto removethebag.Disposeofthegrassclippingsand
reinstallthebagwhencomplete.
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine.Disconnectthespark
plugwire,thoroughlyinspectmowerforanydamage,and repair
damagebeforerestartingandoperating.Extensivevibrationofmower
duringoperationisan indicationofdamage.Theunitshouldbe
promptlyinspectedandrepaired.
13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUse
1st5 hours
Annuallyor 25hours
Annuallyor 50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
=
.
2.
3.
1.
1.
2.
3.
1.
1.
2.
1.
Engineoillevel
Looseormissinghardware
Unitandengine.
Engineoil
Aircleanert
Controllinkages/pivotsandwheels
Undersideofmowerdeck
Engineoil
Sparkplug
AirCleaner
Fuelsystem
Cleanmoreoftenunderdustyconditionsor whenairbornedebrisis
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Lubewithlightoil
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Replace
2. Replace
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackof
fuel,oraddstabilizertoa fulltankof
freshfuelpriortostorage.
_resent.Replaceaircleanerifverydirty.
14
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.
f
Electrode
Figure15
NOTE:Replacewitha Champion®RJ2YXLEsparkplug.
3. Checkthegapwitha wiregauge.SeeFigure15.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 cleanerevery25hoursofoperationoroncea season.
Replacetheaircleanerannually.
Neverstartor runtheenginewiththeaircleanerassemblyor theair
filterremoved.
Figure16
NOTE:Donotusepressurizedairor solventstocleanthefilter.Pres-
surizedair candamagethefilterandsolventswilldissolvethefilter.
1. Loosenthefastenerthatholdsthecoverandtilt plastichousing
coveron sideofenginedown.SeeFigure16.
2. Removeairfilterfromplastichousingcover.
3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilterona hardsurface,ifthefilter
isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
4. insertcover'stabsintoslotsin bottomofbase.
5. Tiltcoverupintoplaceand securewithfastener.
15
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 Figure17.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
_tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
4. Withtheengineina levelposition,filltotheupperlimitmarkon the
dipstickwiththerecommendedoil.
Runningtheenginewitha lowoil levelcancauseenginedamage.
5. Reinstalltheoilfilldipsticksecurely.
Clean Engine
• Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chaffor accumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
• Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
• Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Figure17
J
Figure18
LUBRICATION
Blade Control
Lubricatepivotpointsonthebladecontrolat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil.Thiscontrolmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure
18.
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Usea brushor drycloth.
16
DECK WASH
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwitha waterporton itssurfaceaspart
ofits deckwashsystem.
Usethedeckwashtorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside
andpreventthe buildupofcorrosivechemicals.Completethefollowing
stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:
1. Pushthemowertoa level,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenough
foryourgardenhoseto reach.Removethegrassbagifattached.
house,garage,parkedcars,etc.
2. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourmower'sOperator's
Manual)ontotheendofyourgardenhose.
3. Attachthehosecouplertothewaterporton yourdeck'ssurface.
SeeFigure19.
4. Turnthewateron.
5. StarttheengineasdescribedintheOperationsection.
6. Runtheenginefora minimumoftwominutes,allowingthe
undersideofthecuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.
7. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineandblade.
8. Turnthewateroff anddetachthehosecouplerfromthewater
portonyourdeck'ssurface.
Aftercleaningyourdeck,restartthemower.Keeptheengineand
bladerunningfora minimumoftwominutes,allowingthe undersideof
thecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.
BLADE CARE
Whenremovingthecuttingbladeforsharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairofheavyglovesor usea heavyragto
holdtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especiallyifyou
strikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.Followthesteps
belowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugbootfromsparkplug.Turnmoweronitsside
makingsurethattheairfilterandthecarburetorarefacingup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhichholdtheblade
andthebladeadapterto theenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure20.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.Balancethe
bladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck.Removemetalfrom
theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followtheoriginalangleof grind.Grindeachcuttingedge
equallyto keepthebladebalanced.
An unbalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibrationwhenrotatingat
highspeeds.It maycausedamagetomowerandcouldbreakcausing
personalinjury.
Figure19
f
_ ........ Bolt
J
Figure20
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurfaceoftheblade
adapterwithlightoil.Slidethebladeadapterontotheengine
crankshaft.Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthatthesideof
theblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facestheground
whenthemowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethatthe
bladeisalignedandseatedon thebladeadapterflanges.See
Figure19inset.
6. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Alignnotchesontheblade
bellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
7. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,600
in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodicallychecktheblade
boltforcorrecttorque.
17
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.
18
Beforeperforminganytyped maintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
a completestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.
Enginefailstostart
Enginerunserratic
1. Bladecontroldisengaged.
2. Sparkplugbootdisconnected.
3. Fueltankemptyor stalefuel.
4. Faultysparkplug.
5. Engineflooded.
6. Blockedfuelline.
1. Sparkplugbootloose.
2. Stalefuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirtinfuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. BIockedfuelline.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow.
2. Air flowrestricted.
Occasionalskips(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faulty,or gaptoowide.
2. Dirtyair cleaner.
Excessivevibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.
2. Bentcuttingblade.
Mowerwillnotmulchgrass 1. Wetgrass.
Unevencut
2. Excessivelyhighgrass.
3. Dullblade.
1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly.
2. Dullblade.
1. Engagebladecontrol.
2. Connectwiretosparkboot.
3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
4. Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
5. Waita fewminutesto restart.
6. ContactyourSearsParts& RepairCenterto have
fuellinecleaned.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugboot.
2. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. RefertoAirCleanerinEngineMaintenancesection.
6. ContactyourSearsParts& RepairCenterto have
fuellinecleaned.
1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Cleanareaaroundandontopofengine.
1. Adjustgapto.030".
1. Resetgapto .030"or replacesparkplug.
7. RefertoAirCleanerinEngineMaintenancesection.
1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balanceblade.
2. Replaceblade.
1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;waituntil
laterto cut.
2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,thenmowagain
at desiredheightor makea narrowercuttingpath.
3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
1. Adjustcuttingheightleveron rightfrontandright
rearwheelto sameposition.
2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
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19
Craftsman Mower B Model No. 247.37031
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