Craftsman 917.370401 Owner's Manual page 56

The operation of any lawn
SAFETY GLASSES 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 standard safety
glasses or wide vision safety mask worn
over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN
MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance, it is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
,_IkCAUTION: 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 OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
• To start forward motion, lift drive con-
trol bar up to handle.
• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
fully engaged against handle when in use.
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
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:
• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe
place.
• You can now install grass catcher or
optional clipping deflector.
• To convert to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into rear discharge open-
, ing of mower.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug, clipping deflector or
approved grass catcher in place. Never at-
tempt to operate the lawn mower with the
rear door removed or propped open.
Driv_
control
bar
Operator
presence
control bar
DRIVE CONTROL ENGAGED
Mulcher plug
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED 8