Sears CRAFTSMAN 247.374411

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The device described in the manual is a Craftsman 21" Lawn Mower, Model No. 247.374411. It is a walk-behind power equipment designed primarily for mowing grass, with mulching and side discharge capabilities.

Function Description:

The lawn mower is designed to cut grass efficiently and safely. It features a rotating blade that cuts grass, and the clippings can either be mulched, discharged to the side, or collected in a grass catcher. The mower is propelled by an internal combustion engine, and some models may include an electric starter. Safety features are integrated to prevent accidental contact with the blade and to ensure safe operation on various terrains, including slopes.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: 247.374411
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON), up to 10% ethanol acceptable)
Engine Type: Briggs & Stratton
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Average Useful Life (CPSC/EPA): Seven (7) years or 140 hours of operation.

Usage Features:

Starting the Engine: The engine is started by squeezing the blade control handle against the upper handle and then pulling the recoil starter rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. For models with an electric starter, an Electric Starter Push Key is used.
Stopping the Engine: Releasing the blade control handle immediately stops the engine and blade. The blade is designed to stop rotating within three seconds of release.
Cutting Height Adjustment: The mower features cutting height adjustment levers located above the front and rear right wheels. These levers allow the operator to select a desired cutting height, with all wheels needing to be in the same position for a uniform cut. For rough or uneven lawns, a higher position is recommended.
Handle Pitch Adjustment: The handle pitch can be adjusted to one of three comfortable positions by removing and reattaching wing nuts and carriage bolts.
Drive Control: For self-propelled models, the drive control is located on the upper handle and is squeezed to engage the drive. An adjustment wheel on the drive control handle housing is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt, affecting the mower's propulsion.
Mulching: The mower is shipped as a mulcher. For mulching, the grass catcher or side discharge chute should be removed. Mulching is most effective on dry grass and not recommended for grass over four inches tall.
Side Discharge: To convert to side discharge, the side discharge cover is attached over the mulch cover. The grass catcher must be off and the rear discharge door closed.
Grass Catching: A grass catcher can be attached to collect clippings. The manual provides instructions for assembling and attaching the grass catcher.
Deck Wash System: The mower's deck is equipped with a water port for rinsing grass clippings from the deck's underside. This involves attaching a garden hose with a deck wash nozzle to the water port, running the engine for a minimum of two minutes, and then detaching the hose.
Slope Operation: The manual includes a slope gauge and emphasizes extreme caution on slopes. Mowing across the face of slopes is recommended, turning uphill, and avoiding slopes greater than 15 degrees.

Maintenance Features:

Engine Oil: Regular checking and filling of engine oil (SAE 30, 4-stroke motor oil meeting API SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher) is required. The oil viscosity should be selected based on outdoor temperatures.
Fuel System: The mower uses clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Fuel should be added in a well-ventilated area with a cool, stopped engine. For infrequent use, fuel stabilizer is recommended, or the engine should be run until it stops from lack of fuel before storage.
Blade Care: The cutting blade should be periodically inspected for cracks and damage, and replaced if necessary. Sharpening should maintain the original grind angle and ensure balance to prevent excessive vibration. The blade bolt torque should be checked regularly.
Cleaning: The engine should be kept free of grass, chaff, and debris. The deck wash system is used to clean the underside of the cutting deck. Water should not be used to clean engine parts to avoid contaminating the fuel system.
General Maintenance: Regular checks for loose hardware, air cleaner condition, and overall unit cleanliness are recommended. Control linkages and pivot points should be lubricated with light oil annually or every 25 hours. Spark plugs should be replaced annually.
Off-Season Storage: Before storing for over 30 days, the engine should be prepared by either running it out of fuel or adding a gasoline additive. The mower should be cleaned and lubricated, and the cutting blade coated with chassis grease to prevent rusting. The battery (if electric start) should be stored with a full charge and recharged monthly.
Troubleshooting: A dedicated section provides common problems, their causes, and remedies, covering issues like engine failure to start, erratic running, overheating, uneven cut, and self-propulsion problems.