Craftsman 154.37837 Operator's Manual page 12

WARNING
Make sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower
while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from
any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
FUEL and OIL
See the engine Operator's Manual for fuel and oil instructions.
TO START ENGINE
1. Standing behind the mower, pull the blade control handle back against the
upper handle (Figure 10).
2. While holding the blade control against the upper handle, grasp the recoil starter
handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke (Figure 10).
until engine starts. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.
WARNING
cord (kickback). Rapid retraction can pull hand and arm toward engine faster
than you can let go, and result in broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Release the blade control to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING
Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower.
USING YOUR LAWN MOWER
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.
WARNING
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into
the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while
operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
WARNING
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair damage before restarting
and operating. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indication
of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired. Refer to the
Engine Manual.
OPERATION
2
Using Your Lawn Mower
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.
1. Hold the blade control against the upper handle (Figure 11).
2. Start the engine (Figure 11).
3. Once the engine is running, pull and hold the drive control handle together with
the blade control handle to propel the mower forward at the speed set on the
speed control lever (Figure 11). Once pressure is released from the drive control it
will return to the neutral position and the drive will be disengaged.
Using as Mulcher
For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and side discharge chute from the
to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass
catcher to bag clippings instead.
Using Grass Catcher
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the
mower.
1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the Assembly Section. Grass
clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower
until grass bag is full.
2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit
has come to a complete stop.
3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to remove
the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.
NOTE: Make sure to clean any excess grass from around the rear opening of the
mower, especially between the transmission cover and sidewall on the left
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Figure 11