Craftsman 917.389240 Owner's Manual page 7

The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating
your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
wide vision safety mask over spectacles
or standard safety glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
A_,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 require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
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.
Lower wheels for
high cut
Raise wheels for low
cut
Plate tab
NOTE: Your lawn mower has been
shipped ready for mulching operation. To
convert to discharging operation, you
must install the discharge deflector
attachment included with your mower.
TO INSTALL DISCHARGING
DEFLECTOR
• Lift door upward on it's hinge until the
deflector frame can be hooked over the
door mounting bracket as shown.
• Release the door to rest against
deflector frame.
• To return to mulching operation,
reverse the above steps and be sure
door is in closed position.
Mulcher Door
j-
Deflector
Mounting
Bracket
_CAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in closed
position, discharge deflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is dean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 20 ozs. of oil. For type and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in
Maintenance section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• 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.
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