Craftsman 502.251220 Owner's Manual page 17

OPERATmON
OPERATING TIPS
2
3
4.,
Check the attachment clutch for correct adjustment.. For the
blade(s) to disengage correctly, the adjustment must be cor-
rect
Before you use the unit, check the oil in the engine and add oi!
if necessary.
If the engine will not start, first make sure the wire is attached
to the spark plug.
Make sure all the belts are inside atl the belt guides See the in-
structions on how to remove and install the motion drive and
mower drive belts..
5 Before you make an inspection, adjustment (except for the car-
buretor) or repair, make sure the wire from the spark plug is dis-
connected.
6 Make sure the seat switch wire is connected If the wire is not
connected, the engine will not start
7. For longer life of the battery, charge the battery every three
months
8 Use the shift lever to change the ground speed, not the throttIe
control
9. Belt noise can occur when the blade or clutch is engaged This
noise is normal and does not affect the operation of the uniL
MOWING AND BAGGING TIPS
2,
3.
4,
For a lawn to look better, check the cutting level of the mower
housing., See "How To Level The Mower Housing" in the Ser-
vice And Adjustment section.
For the mower housing to cut level, make sure the tires have
the correct amount of air pressure (PSI)
Every time you use the unit, check the blade, If the blade is bent
or damaged, immediately replace the blade Also, make sure
the nut for the blade is tight,
Keep the blade(s) sharpened.. Worn blades will cause the ends
of the grass to turn brown
101, For better engine performance and an even discharge of the
cut grass, always operate the engine with the throttle in FAST
position
tt .. When you use a bagger, operate the engine with the throttle in
FAST position and the shift lever in first or second gear,
12 For better cutting performance and a quality cut, mow with the
shift lever in one of the slower speeds
!3, After each use, clean the bottom and top of the mower housing
for better performance Also, a clean mower housing will help
prevent a fire
5, Do not cut or bag grass that is wet., Wet grass will not discharge
correctly. Let the grass dry before cutting
6. Use the left side of the mower housing to trim near an object.
7 Discharge the cut grass onto the mowed area The result is a
more even discharge of cut grass
8.
When you mow large areas, start by turning to the right so that
the cut grass will discharge away from shrubs, fences, drive-
ways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direc-
tion making left turns until finished (Figure 15)
9_ if the grass is very high, cut two times to decrease the load on
the engine.. First cut with the mower housing in the highest posi-
tion and then lower the mower housing for the second cut
Figure 15
MULCHING TIPS
When you use a mutcher attachment, the grass is cut into very small 4.
pieces., These small pieces will quickly break down. Because the
nutrients are returned to the soil, the lawn will need tess fertilizer.. Too
correctly mulch the grass, follow the steps below.,
1., Set the throttle in the FAST position. Operate the mower at a
slower ground speed. If ground speed is too fast, the grass wilt 5.
not have an even cut.
2, Keep a sharp edge on the blade A blade that is not sharp will
cause the ends of the grass to become brown. 6.
3. Make sure the grass is dry. Wet grass is difficult to cut 7
F-95637 17
Set the height of the mower housing so that only the top third
of the grass is cut,, If the grass is too high, set the height of the
mower housingto the maximum height Then, lower the mower
housing for the second cut. Also, instead of using the lull width
of the mower housing, mulch at half the width
Clean the bottom of the mower housing. Grass and other debris
can keep the mower from working correctly.
if the grass grows fast, mulch more often,
If an area needs improvement, mulch a second time