SEARS
OWNERS
MANUAL
Model No.
486.37613
CAUTION:
Before usingthis product,
read this manual and follow
all Safety Rules and
OPerating Instructions.
CRAFTSMAN
18" PUSH
REEL MOWER
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179 U.S.A.
Safety Rules ............................................................ 2
Warranty .................................................................. 2
Full Size Hardware Chart ........................................ 3
Assembly ................................................................. 4
Operation ................................................................ 5
Maintenance ............................................................ 6
Storage .................................................................... 6
Service and Adjustments ........................................ 7
Troubleshooting ...................................................... 8
Repair Parts Illustration ......................................... 16
Repair Parts List ................................................... 11
Parts Ordering/Service ........................... Back Cover
Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate
the equipment. Exercise caution at all times, when using power equipment.
• Read the reel mower owner's manual and know
how to operate the reel mower before using it.
• Never allow children to operate the reel mower.
Only persons well acquainted with these rules of
safe operation should be allowed to use the
mower.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Small over-
looked objects could be accidently thrown by the
mower.
• Thoroughly inspec_tthe area where the mower is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones
and other foreign objects which could be picked up
and thrown by the mower.
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or when
wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial
footwear.
I&
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on the handle
and walk, never run.
• When cleaning, repairing or inspecting the mower,
make sure the blade and all moving parts have
stopped.
• Before attempting to unclog the mower, be surethe
blades have stopped completely.
• Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Follow all maintenance and lubrication instructions
as outlined in the maintenance section of this
manual.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means--Attention!!
Become alertll Your safety is involved.
LIMITEDONEYEAR WARRANTYON CRAFTSMAN 18" REEL MOWER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this 18" reel mower is maintained and lubricated according to the
operating and maintenance instructions inthe owner's manual, Sears wilt repair any defect in material or workman-
shipfree of charge. Ifthis 18" reel mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90
days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including the failure to
maintain the equipment according to instructionscontained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART-
MENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
r
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179
The model and serial numbers will be found on adecal
attached to the
You should record both the serial number and the date of
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
MODELNUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
486.37613
E
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SHOWN FULL SIZE
I
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NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
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G
f
REF. QTY.
A 1
B 2
C 1
D 2
DESCRIPTION
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 2-1/2" Long
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 2-1/4" Long
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1-3/4" Long
Screw, #10 x 5/8" Long
REF. QTY.
E 4
F 1
G 2
DESCRIPTION
Hex Lock Nut, 5/16"
Handle Brace Spacer
Handle Gdp
CARTON CONTENTS
Loose Parts in Carton
1. Upper Handle (2)
2. Handle Panel
3. Handle Brace (2)
4. Reel Assembly
5. Hardware Package ( see above)
4
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) 1/2" Wrench
(1) 5/16" Wrench
(1) Pliers
• Remove the reel mower, the loose parts and the
hardware package from the carton. Lay out the parts
and hardware as shown on page 3.
• Insert the short ends of the two handle braces
through the slots and over the two pins in the end
plates. See figure 1.
HANDLE BRACE
FIGURE 1
• Assemble the spacer between the two braces using a
5/16" x 2-1/2" hex bolt and a 5/16" Iocknut. Tighten
only finger tight at this time. See figure 2.
SPACER
BOLT 5/16-18
x 2-1/2" LONG
HANDLE BRACES
5/16-18
LOCKNUT
Attach the two upper handles to the handle braCas
with two 5/16" x 2-1/4' hex bolts and 5/16" hex nuts.
Tighten onlyfinger tightat thistime. See figure 3.
Fasten the upper handles together at the top with a
5/16" x 1-3/4" hex boltand a 5/16" Iocknut as shown
In figure 3. Tighten all four boltsand nuts assembled
In figures 2 and 3.
FIGURE 3
• Place the handle panel in positionover the handlas.
Fasten the bottomof the panel to the spacer using a
#10 x 5/8" hex head screw, Do not tighten yet, See
figure 4.
• Secure the top ofthe panel to the upper handles
using a #10 x 5/8" hex head screw assembled down
intothe notch between the two upper handles.
Tighten both screws at this time. See figure 4.
#10 x 5/8" HEX
HEAD SCREW
HANDLE
PANEL
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 4
&
CAUTION: Mower blades are sharp. Keep
hands and feet clear. Be sure blades are
stopped before approaching near blades.
ADJUSTING THE ROLLER
• To adjust the roller, tilt the mower forward and loosen
both the knobs on the roller at least two full turns.
Move the rollerto the desired position. Both roller
knobs must be in the same relative position and
tightened untilfirmly seated in the notches, See
figures 5 and 6.
HOW TO USE YOUR REEL MOWER
Both the wheels and the roller are adjustable. By using
combinations of the different wheel and rollersettings,
seven different cutting heights are available. The settings
are listed in figure 6.
ADJUSTING THE WHEELS
• Each wheel has a height adjustment lever with five
positions. To move the lever, tilt the mower back on
the roller. Press the levers (one at a time) outward
from the mower and move the lever to the desired
position. Both levers must be in the same relative
position.See figures 5 and 6.
Cuffing
Height Knob Wheel
In Inches Lever
2-1/4 4 5
2 4 4
1-3/4 3 4
1-1/2 2 4
1-1/4 2 3
1 2 2
3/4 2 1
WHEEL
ROLLER BRACKET
AUGNMENT HOLE
FIGURE 5
WHEEL
LEVER
FIGURE 6
USING YOUR REEL MOWER
• Make sure grass is dry before starting to mow.
• Wear substantial footwear which will provide good
traction.
• Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and other
foreign objects from the area to be mowed. These
objects can either jam the blades or be thrown by the
mower.
• Adjust the wheels and the rollerto the desired height.
• Do not attempt to make too deep a cut in tall grass.
Reel mowers work best at a light to moderate depth
of cut.
• Mow the lawn more frequently, taking a lighter cut to
reduce pushing effort.
• Keep blades adjusted and sharpened to improve
smoothness of cut and to reduce pushing effort.
• Mow across the face of slopes instead of up and
down slopes for safer footing. Avoid mowing on
excessively steep slopes.
5
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the
procedures listed in the maintenance section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fillin dates as you
complete regular service.
Check for loose fasteners
Check forworn or dama_led parts
Clean mower
Lubricate miler, ediustment points
Lubricate wheel bearinas and aears
X
X
X X
X
X
Service Dates
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Lubricate the wheel adjustment mechanisms and the
rollerwith a light oil as shown in figure 7. Periodic
lubrication of these pointswill help ensure smooth
mechanical operation.
I. Pullthe pawl from the reel shaft and clean.
J. Reinstall parts in reverse order.
IMPORTANT: Note the position ofthe pawl in the shaft
before removal. It must be installed facing the same way
as when it was removed or the wheel will not drive. The
flat surface ofthe pawl mates against the fiat surfaces of
the teeth inside the pinion gear.
FIGURE 7
Clean and lubricate the wheel bearings and gears
once every season or whenever the reel issharp-
ened, whichever is more often. Refer to figure 8.
A. - Remove the hub cap
B. Remove the E-ring with a screwdriver.
C. Uft off the wheel.
D. If the axle is rusty, clean off with solvent and
crocus cloth.
E. Coat the axle with light grease.
F. Clean the gear teeth on the inside of the wheel
and then apply light grease.
G. Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring
from the reel shaft and then remove the pinion
gear. Avoid overstretching the snap ring, which
causes a loss of holding power.
H. Clean gear and apply light grease inside gear.
BEARING_
PAWL PINION
GEAR
FIGURE 8
STORAGE OF MOWER
• Clean the mower thoroughly using a broom or a brush
to remove grass and dirt. DO NOT use water to clean
the mower.
• Coat the mower's cutting blades with grease to
prevent rusting.
• Store the mower inside a clean, dry area.
6
SHARPENING THE BLADES
• The blades should be sharpened when the mower
will no longer cut satisfactorilywithout the cutter bar
being adjusted to rub against the reel blades.
CUTTER BAR ADJUSTMENT
CHECKING THE CLEARANCE
• When the cutter bar is properly adjusted there should
be .003" clearance between the cutter bar and the
reel blades. The blades must not contact the cutter
bar. Clearance may be checked in the following
manner.
• Cut some quality .003" thick paper (writing paper or a
magazine page) intostrips approximately 2" wide and
6" long. Insert a strip of paper between the cutter bar
and the blades as shown in figure 9. Turn the reel
slowly backwards. The blades should pinch but not
cut the paper. Check the clearance at each end and
in the middle of the cutter bar. The paper should be
held snugly by each blade.
• Determine whether the space between the cutter bar
and the blades needs-to be increased or decreased
to obtain the recommended .003" clearance.
• If the clearance is determined to be correct but the
mower will not cut grass, then the blades should be
sharpened.
FIGURE 9
ADJUSTING THE CU'I-rER BAR CLEARANCE
IMPORTANT: Adjust only the nuts securing the upper
trunnion; DO NOT adjust the nuts on the lowertrunnion.
Refer to figure 10.
• Before adjusting the cutter bar, check to make sure
that all the nuts securing the cutter bar and the
adjustment trunnions are still firmly tightened.
• To increase the clearance between the cutter bar and
the blades, loosen the lower nut 1/4 turn and then
tighten the upper nut 1/4 turn. Adjust each side of the
mower equally until a .003" clearance is obtained.
See figure 10.
• To decrease the clearance between the cutter bar
and the blades, loosen the upper nut 1/4 turn and
then tighten the lower nut 1/4 turn. Adjust each side
of the mower equally until a .003" clearance is
obtained. See figure 10.
UPPER NUI__
UPPER
TRUNNION
LOWER _
Cu3-rER BAR
BOLT
Y
J
FIGURE 10
CHECKING THE ADJUSTED CLEARANCE
• Push the handle ofthe mower forward and let it rest
on the ground. The roller should be offthe ground.
• Insert a strip of quality .003" paper (writingpaper or
magazine page) between the cutter bar and blades.
• Turn the reel slowly forward as shown in figure 11.
The paper should be cut cleanly, without the blades
contacting the cutter bar.
• Perform this test at each end and in the middle of the
cutter bar.
FIGURE 11
GEAR HOUSING REPLACEMENT
IMPORTANT: The gear housing must be reassembled
properly, according to the following instructions, or
it will result in loose wheels and an early failure of
the pinion and the wheel. Refer to figure 12.
• Ifthe gear housing assembly is removed for service,
it isvery important for the gear housing assembly to
fit UNDER the lipof the retainer when reassembled.
• The shoulder on the shoulder washer must fit into the
curved slot in the end plate. Tighten the lock nut and
then back it off one half turn so the height adjuster
can move freely.
SHOULDER
WASHER
GEAR
LOCK NUT
FIGURE 12
PROBLEM
vlower won't cut grass satisfactorily
_rass clogs up the reel blades.
CAUSE
1. Blades are dull.
2. Too much cutter bar clearance.
3. Grass is too tall.
1. Grass is too wet.
CORRECTION
1. Resharpen blades.
2. Adjust the cutter bar. See page 7,
Service and Adjustments section.
3. Set mower to a higher cutting height.
Mow grass more often.
1. Allow grass to dry before mowing.
NOTES
9
56
57
55
3
9
53 54
\
28
9
39 -
40
41
37
60
48
62 34
\,
36 35
29
27
30
_f26
l
59
20
17
, 11 "\-'_
10
16
lO
PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 486.37613 18 = PUSH REEL MOWER
F:tEF. PARTNO. QTY'. DESCRIPTION REF. PARTNO. DTY
NO. NO.
DESCRIPTION
1 46471
2 43084
3 43064
4 46434
5 43224
6 44292
7 3603-43
8 2624-018
9 1108-80
10 0425-000
11 2118-082
12 1609-708
13 46330
14 43716
15 1632-144"
16 1509-086
17 2134-14
18 46331
19 46329
20 43512
21 0455-000
22 3111-131
23 1643-023
24 1609-707
25 43081
26 43682
27 0010-000
28 44060
29 1112-029
2 Grip
1 Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 x 1-3/4" Lg. *
4 Nut, Hex Lock 5/16-18 Thd. *
2 Upper Handle
2 B01t,Hex 5/16-18 x 2-1/4" Lg.*
1 Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 x 2-1/2" Lg. *
2 Handle Brace
1 Spacer
2 Wheel Assembly
1 Pinion Gear, R.H.
1 Gear Housing Assembly. - R.H.
1 Roller Bracket, R.H.
2 Trunnion, Adj. Screw
-1 18" Roller
1 Roller Shaft
1 Screw, Cutter Bar (L.H. Thd.)
1 Cutter Bar Assembly
2 Screw, Adjustment
2 Trunnion, Adjustment Screw
8 NUt, Hex 3/8-24 Thd.
1 Screw, Cutter Bar (R.H. Thd.)
1 End Plate Assembly. - L.H.
2 Roller Adjustment Knob
1 Roller Bracket, L.H.
2 Flat Washer, 5/16" Std. *
2 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1-1/4"
2 Trunnion
8 Pop Rivet
1 Spacer Tube Assembly.
30 44738
31 1657-019
32 1038
33 1509-038
34 1624-138
35 0323-000
36 0428-000
37 1650-21
39 1540-118
40 1660-001
41 2674-032
44 1534-8
46 44008
47 1631-51
48 1643-060
49 1622-050
50 44232
53 1629-028
54 C-9M5732
55 2135-046
56 44818
57 8622-54
59 3111-130
60 2118-081
61 1155-047
62 1629-041
47312
2 NUt, Hex Lock 5/16-24 Thd.
2 Bushing, Wheel Adjust
2 Hex Lock Nut, 3/8-24 Thd.
2 Hex Screw, #10-32 x 3/8" Lg.
2 Retainer
2 Pawl
1 Pinion Gear, L.H.
2 Retaining Ring
2 Flat Washer, 3/8" I.D. x
1-1/4' O.D.
2 Retaining Ring
2 Hub Cap
2 Hex Lock Nut, #10-32 Thd.
2 Flat Washer, 1-1/8" O.D. x
.78"1.D.x .025"
2 Axle
2 Knob, Wheel Adjustment
2 Dust Cover
2 Bearing
2 Retainer, Bearing
6 Rivet, Pop
1 18' Reel Assembly.
2 Screw, Hex Hd. #10 x 5/8" Lg.
1 Handle Panel
1 End Plate Assembly. - R.H.
1 Gear Housing Assembly. - L.H.
2 Spring and Trunnion Assembly
2 Pinion Housing
1 Owners Manual
* Common hardware may be purchased locally.
11
For the repair or replacement ,partsyou
need delivered directly to your home
Call 7 am -7 pro, 7 days a week
1-800-366-PART
(1-800-366-7278)
For in-home major brand repair service
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1-800-4-REPAIR
(1-800-473-7247)
For the location of a Sears Parts
and Repair Center in your area
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1-800-488-1222
For information on purchasing a Sears
Maintenance Agreement or to inquire
about an existing Agreement
Call,9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Saturday
1-800-827-6655
When requesting service or ordering parts,
always provide the following information:
• Product Name ° Part Name
• Model Number ° Part Number
8F_/ 8
America's Repair Specialists
PRINTED IN USA FORM NO. 47312 (2/98)
