Operator’s Manual 21” LAWN MOWER Model Nos. 247.39767* * -- Last digit of model number varies 21” LAWN MOWER Model Nos. 247.37787* 247.37705* 247.37747* 247.37441* 247.37744* * -- Last digit of model number varies TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-5 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 11-13 Slope Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING DANGER This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. • Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass Bagger or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the blade control is released. Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Never store the machine or fuel container near an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. • To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. • Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing. • General Service: • Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAFETY SYMBOLS This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description 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.
Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15°/25% Slope Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury or death. The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill. Be prepared to maintain control of the machine. To avoid loss of control, operate across slopes, not up and down. When turning, turn uphill, not down. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. WARNING To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1.
ASSEMBLY IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Operation section of the Engine Manual before starting or running your machine. b. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot upper handle up as shown in Figure 2. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up. NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the Lawn Mower is observed from the operating position. Unpacking b Opening Carton 1.
ASSEMBLY 3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 4. NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not pull handle all the way out. b. Insert the T-bolts removed in Step 2 through the handle brackets and lower handle and tighten securely to secure the handle in place. See Figure 4. a. Hold blade control against upper handle. b.
ASSEMBLY Attaching the Grass Catcher Attaching Side Discharge Cover 1. Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door is closed. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher. Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside). a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is at the bottom. 1. On the side of the mower, lift the mulch cover. See Figure 9.
ADJUSTMENTS Adjustments Drive Control (If Equipped) Cutting Height The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels hesitate with the drive control engaged. If either of these conditions occur, rotate adjustment wheel clockwise to tighten cable or counterclockwise to loosen the cable.
OPERATION Blade Control Drive Control* Electric Starter Push Key* Recoil Starter Rear Discharge Door Grass Catcher* Deck Wash* Battery Charger* Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Side Discharge Chute* * If Equipped Mulch Plug* Drive Control* Drive Control* Drive Control* Figure 14 11
OPERATION Blade Control Mulch Cover (If Equipped) The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade. The mulch cover is used for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the side discharge chute, some mower models have the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.
OPERATION GAS AND OIL FILL-UP Using as Mulcher IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional engine information. For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher or side discharge chute from the mower. When you remove the grass catcher from the mower, the rear discharge door will close. When you remove the side discharge chute, the mulching cover will close. For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Follow the maintenance schedule given below. This chart describes service guidelines only. Use the Service Log column to keep track of completed maintenance tasks. To locate the nearest Sears Service Center or to schedule service, call the following toll free number:1-888-331-4569. WARNING Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Engine Maintenance 1. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your mower for a detailed description of all engine-related service specifications. CAUTION Clean Engine • Push the mower to a level, clear location on your lawn, near enough for your garden hose to reach. Remove the grass bag if attached. Make certain the mower’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Blade Care WARNING 7. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade. 8. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.). To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque. When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Charging Electric Starter Battery (If Equipped) Replacing Electric Starter Battery (If Equipped) WARNING WARNING The battery contains corrosive fluid and toxic material; handle with care and keep away from children. Do not puncture, disassemble, mutilate or incinerate the battery. Explosive gases could be vented during charging or discharging. Use in a well ventilated area, away from sources of ignition. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which may cause burns.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE WARNING Never store lawn mower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated areas where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark, or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or gas appliance. Preparing The Engine Preparing The Lawn Mower For engines stored over 30 days: • Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions. • Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting. Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs. This section addresses minor service issues.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Remedy Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide. 2. Dirty air cleaner. 1. Reset gap or replace spark plug. 2. Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance in the Engine Manual. Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 2. Bent cutting blade. 1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade. 2. Replace blade. Mower will not mulch grass 1. Wet grass. 2. Excessively high grass. 1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut. 2.
(This page applicable in the U.S.A. and Canada only.) Sears Brands Management Corporation (Sears), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.