How To Use Your Lawn Mower; Engine Speed; Engine Zone Control; Drive Control - Craftsman 917.378501 Owner's Manual

The operation of any lawn
SA_ETYGLASSES mower can result in for-
eign objects thrown into
the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
whileoperatingyourlawnmoweror perform-
ing any adjustmentsor repairs.We recom-
mendstandard safetyglassesor awidevision
safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGmNE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for opti-
mum performance. Speed is not adjustable.
ENGmNE ZONE CONTROL
_I, CAUTmON: 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.
DRmVE CONTROL
* Self-propelling is controlled by hold-
ing the operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pulling the drive
control lever rearward to the handle.
The farther toward the handle the lever
is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.
Forward motion will stop when either
the operator presence control bar or
drive control lever are released. To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release the drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the
mower will not roll backwards, push mower
forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.
To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on the
handle to lift the front wheels off the
ground while turning lawn mower.
DRmVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may be-
come "loose", resulting in decreased speed.
There is a button on the underside of the drive
control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
2. Pull drive control lever ALL THE WAY
BACK to the handle.
3. Push button on underside of drive
control. While holding button in, return
drive control lever to disengaged posi-
tion ALL THE WAY FORWARD.
NOTE: Do not ratchet the adjustment.
4. Release button.
5. Operate mower to test drive speed.
If condition becomes worse after
the above steps (forward speed has
become slower), your system was not
"loose". Repeating the above steps will
return your unit to the proper adjust-
ment and speed.
6. If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be replaced.
erator presence control bar
Drive
control
TO
lever
Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE
button (on DRIVE CONTROL
underside) CONTROL DISENGAGED
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 setting.
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
plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
\
Plate tab
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever