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Craftsman 247.20242 SERIES - User Manual

Craftsman 247.20242 SERIES
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Operator’s Manual
LAWN TRACTORS
Model Nos. 247.20438*, 247.20440*, 247.20439*,
247.20442*, 247.20242*, 247.20443*, 247.20444*,
247.20445*, 247.20447*
For answers to your questions about
these products, call:
1-888-331-4569
Craftsman Customer Hot Line
This product has a low emission engine which operates differently
from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read
and understand this Craftsman Operator’s Manual and the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com
CAUTION
Before using this equipment,
read this manual and follow
all safety rules and operating
instructions.
Off-Season Storage ........................................................25
Troubleshooting ..............................................................26
Español............................................................34
Service Numbers ............................................Model/
Warranty Supplement
Safe Operation Practices .................................................2
Slope Gauge ...................................................................7
Assembly & Set-Up ..........................................................8
Controls & Operation .....................................................14
Service & Maintenance ..................................................20
Troubleshooting ...........................................................28
Español ........................................................................33
Warranty/Service ....................... See Separate Supplement
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all models and the model
depicted may differ from yours.
* -- Last digit of model number varies
Form No. 769-11277A
(March 29, 2016)

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • K
    Karen WheelerAug 17, 2025
    Why does my Craftsman 247.20242 engine run erratically?
    • C
      Charles WestAug 17, 2025
      An erratic engine performance in your Craftsman Lawn Mower can stem from: - Running the tractor with the choke activated: Ensure the electric choke is working correctly. - Loose spark plug wires: Connect and tighten the spark plug wires. - A blocked fuel line or stale fuel: Replace the fuel line and fill the tank with clean, fresh gasoline. - A plugged vent in the gas cap: Clear the vent or replace the cap if it's damaged. - Water or dirt in the fuel system: Drain the fuel tank and refill it with clean, fresh gasoline. - A dirty air cleaner: Clean or replace the air cleaner paper element or clean the foam pre-cleaner.
  • A
    Allen PerezAug 21, 2025
    Why is my Craftsman 247.20242 leaving an uneven cut?
    • T
      tammyrodriguezAug 21, 2025
      An uneven cut from your Craftsman Lawn Mower can result from: - The deck not being leveled properly: Perform a side-to-side deck adjustment. - A dull blade: Sharpen or replace the blade. - Uneven tire pressure: Check the tire pressure in all four tires.
  • B
    Brenda LopezAug 25, 2025
    What to do if my Craftsman 247.20242 engine overheats?
    • W
      watsonmichaelAug 25, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine is overheating: - Check the engine oil level: Fill the engine with the proper amount and type of oil. - Check for restricted airflow: Clean any grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.
  • M
    mary58Aug 29, 2025
    Why does my Craftsman Lawn Mower engine idle poorly?
    • M
      Michael CoffeyAug 29, 2025
      A poorly idling Craftsman Lawn Mower engine can be caused by: - A fouled spark plug: Replace the spark plug and adjust the gap. - A dirty air cleaner: Clean or replace the air cleaner element and/or clean the pre-cleaner.
  • B
    Brian BakerSep 1, 2025
    How to stop excessive vibration in my Craftsman 247.20242 Lawn Mower?
    • L
      Lawrence BoltonSep 1, 2025
      Excessive vibration in your Craftsman Lawn Mower may be due to: - Loose or unbalanced cutting blades: Tighten the blade and spindle, and balance the blade. - A damaged, dull, or bent cutting blade: Replace the blade.
  • K
    kimosborneSep 5, 2025
    What to do if my Craftsman Lawn Mower will not mulch grass?
    • D
      Dale WilliamsSep 5, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower isn't mulching grass effectively, consider these points: - Engine speed too low: Place the throttle control in the FAST position. - Wet grass: Avoid mulching when the grass is wet. - Excessively high grass: Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at the desired height, or make a narrower cutting swath. - Dull blade: Sharpen or replace the blade.
  • T
    Tina KellySep 9, 2025
    Why does my Craftsman 247.20242 engine hesitates at high RPMs?
    • J
      jesse24Sep 9, 2025
      If your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine hesitates at high RPMs, it might be because: - The spark plug gap is set too close: Remove the spark plug and adjust the gap.
  • J
    joseph52Nov 12, 2025
    Why won't my Craftsman 247.20242 engine start?
    • E
      eric24Nov 12, 2025
      Your Craftsman Lawn Mower engine might fail to start due to several reasons: - The PTO/Blade Engage knob may be engaged: Place it in the disengaged (OFF) position. - The parking brake might not be engaged: Engage the parking brake. - The spark plug wire could be disconnected: Connect the wire to the spark plug. - The throttle control lever may not be in the correct starting position: Place the throttle lever to the FAST position. - The fuel tank could be empty or contain stale fuel: Fill the tank with clean, fresh gas (less than 30 days old). - The fuel line might be blocked: Replace the fuel line. - The spark plug could be faulty: Clean, adjust the gap, or replace the plug. - The engine might be flooded: Crank the engine with the throttle in the FAST position. - A fuse may be blown: Rep...

Summary

Safety Instructions

General Operation

Read and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before assembly and operation.

General Safety Warnings

Key warnings and dangers related to operating the machine.

Assembly

Connecting the Battery Cables

Gas and Oil

Fuel recommendations and instructions for adding fuel.

Checking and Adding Oil

Importance of checking and adding engine oil before use.

Operation

Forward Drive Pedal

Controls forward movement and speed of the tractor.

Reverse Drive Pedal

Controls reverse movement and speed of the tractor.

Brake Pedal

Used for stopping the tractor or setting the parking brake.

Throttle;Choke Control Lever

Deck Lift Lever

Ignition Module

Controls starting, stopping, and operating modes of the tractor.

Manual PTO (Blade Engage) Handle

Engages power to the cutting deck or other attachments.

Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Switch

Engages power to the cutting deck or other attachments via a switch.

Park Brake;Cruise Control Lever

Starting the Engine

Step-by-step instructions for starting the tractor engine.

Stopping the Engine

Procedures for safely stopping the tractor engine.

Reverse Caution Mode

Allows operation in reverse with blades engaged; use extreme caution.

Driving The Tractor

Guidelines for driving the tractor forward and in reverse.

Driving On Slopes

Safety precautions and techniques for operating on slopes.

Engaging the Parking Brake

Steps to set and disengage the parking brake.

Setting The Cruise Control

Using the Deck Lift Lever

Engaging the PTO (Electric PTO tractors)

Engaging the PTO (Manual PTO tractors)

Mowing

Procedures and safety tips for mowing operations.

Service and Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Guidelines for regular maintenance tasks and intervals.

Changing the Engine Oil

Step-by-step instructions for changing the engine oil.

Cleaning the Tractor

Lubrication

Adjusting the Deck

Leveling the Deck (Front-To-Rear)

Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side)

Adjusting the Deck Height

Jump Starting

Charging

Cutting Deck Removal (42 Decks)

Cutting Deck Removal (46 Decks)

Cutting Deck Removal (54 Decks)

Cutting Blades

Instructions for removing, sharpening, and replacing cutting blades.

Changing the Deck Belt

Changing the Deck Belt (42 and 46 Decks)

Changing the Deck Belt (50 and 54 Decks)

Changing the Transmission Drive Belt

Troubleshooting

Engine Fails to Start

Common causes and remedies for engine starting problems.

Engine Runs Erratically

Common causes and remedies for erratic engine operation.

Engine Overheats

Common causes and remedies for engine overheating.

Engine Hesitates at High RPMs

Engine Idles Poorly

Excessive Vibration

Uneven Cut

Craftsman 247.20242 SERIES Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandCraftsman
Model247.20242 SERIES
CategoryLawn Mower
Engine Type4-Cycle
Engine Displacement140 cc
Cutting Height Positions6
Deck MaterialSteel
Mulching CapabilityYes
Bagging CapabilityYes
Side Discharge CapabilityYes
Starter TypeRecoil
Power SourceGas
Cutting Width21 inches
Wheel Size7 inches

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