Engine Zone Control; To Adjust Cutting Height; To Convert Mower; Adding Oil - Craftsman 917.385131 Owner's Manual

The operationof any
SAFETY GLASSES lawn mowercan result
in foreign objectsthrown
into the eyes,which can
result in severe eye dam-
age.Alwayswear safetyglassesor eye
shieldswhile operatingyour lawn mower
or performingany adjustmentsor repairs.
We recommenda standardsafety glasses
or wide vision safety maskworn over
spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACi, CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your requirements.
Be sure all wheels are in the same set-
ting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
£ r k CKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER Lever_
Plate tab_
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower is shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side dis-
charge or optional grass catcher can be
attached.
• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plate in place.
Hinge rod
Discharge
Housing
opening
Hooks
Mulcher plate Tab
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.