Starting; Mowing Tips; Operator Presence Control Bar - Craftsman 917.380520 Owner's Manual

TO START ENGINE
• To start a cold engine, push primerfive (5) times before
trying to start, Use a firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine which has already
run for a few minutes,
o Move engine speed control lever to fast (_) position_
o Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly, DO NOT allow starter
rope to snap back..
- To STOP engine, release operator presence control
bar.
NOTE: in cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps. Inwarmerweather over priming rnaycause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood enginewait
a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT
repeat priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may
be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine
and teaving clumps of grass c{ippings.
. For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (t)
wheel adjuster setting higher than the front for better
discharge of grass
• For' better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the fast ('_) position
= For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in a counter-
clockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area
to be cut, spreads grass clippings more evenly and
puts less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of
waikways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a
clockwise direction_
• Pores incloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt
and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass,
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water
and let dry before using
o Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff. This witl help engine air flow
and extend engine life.
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