Operator’s Manual 21” LAWN MOWER Model Nos. 247.39775* * -- Last digit of model number varies 21” LAWN MOWER Model Nos. 247.37815* 247.37833* 247.37860* * -- Last digit of model number varies TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-5 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 11-14 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.
SLOPE GAUGE (OK) Figure 1 Slope Gauge e da s h e d lin 15°/25% Slope 5% 15°/2 USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION! To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line. 2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.) 3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). 4.
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. b Unpacking Opening Carton 1.
ASSEMBLY 3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: a. IMPORTANT: To reduce wear and allow for proper operation, make sure to leave some slack in the upper portion of the cable(s). 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.
ASSEMBLY Adjustments To remove grass catcher, lift rear discharge door on the mower. Lift grass catcher up and off the slots in the handle brackets. Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of mower. Cutting Height - Single Lever (If Equipped) There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the rear left wheel. 1. Pull the height adjustment lever outward towards wheel (unit will tend to fall when lever is moved outward). See Figure 10. 2.
ADJUSTMENTS Cutting Height - Three Point (If Equipped) The rear wheel cutting height adjustment lever is located above the rear left wheel. See Figure 12A insert. 3. Pull lever out and away from mower. 4. Move lever forward or back for desired cutting height. 5. Release lever towards mower deck. The front wheel cutting height is determined by selecting one of six positions on each caster assembly. To adjust front cutting height, refer to Figure 12B and proceed as follows: 1.
OPERATION Speed Control* Drive Control* Drive Control* Drive Control* Drive Control* Speed Control* Drive Control* Blade Control Drive Control* Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever* Deck Wash* Cutting Height Adjustment Lever* Trail Shield (Not Shown) Side Discharge Cover Mulching Cover Cutting Height Adjustment Lever* Cutting Height Adjustment Lever* 1 Cutting Height Adjustment* Figure 16 11 * If Equipped
OPERATION Blade Control Side Discharge 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. Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the Assembly section to attach the side discharge cover. WARNING WARNING This blade control is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation.
OPERATION GAS AND OIL FILL-UP Using Your Lawn Mower IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional engine information. Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others. This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
OPERATION Using as Mulcher 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. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.
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 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. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual. 2. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up. 3.
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 Mower will not mulch grass Cause Remedy 1. Wet grass. 3. Dull blade. 1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut. 2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting path. 3. Sharpen or replace blade. Uneven cut 1. Dull blade. 1. Sharpen or replace blade. Mower will not self propel 1. Belt not installed properly. 1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement. 2.