Craftsman 944.100530 Owner's Manual page 10

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow-
er with out rear door closed or ap proved
grass catcher in place. Never at tempt to
op er ate the lawn mow er with the rear door
re moved or propped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame han dle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower han dle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "EN GINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
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 0,39
Liters (14 oz.) due to residual oil in engine
from the manufacturers 100% quality
testing. When changing oil you may need
0,42 Liters (15.5 oz.).
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with
gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties
that can be used within 30 days to as-
sure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or meth-
anol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and for ma tion of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before stor age of 30
days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
Grass
next season. See Storage In struc tions for
catcher
additional information. Never use engine
frame
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
handle
tank or permanent damage may occur.
Engine oil cap
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence con trol bar.
10
Gasoline filler cap