Craftsman 917.387242 Owner's Manual page 6

Theoperation
o f any lawn mower can result in
foreign objects thrown intothe eyes, which can
resultin severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating
your lawn mower or performing any adjust-
ments or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: 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 pos_oned
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-
merits. Medium position is bast 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. A/so, 9-
positionadjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
Lower wheels for
high
cut
Plate tab
Raise wheels for low
cut
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
Deflector
\_ _--_J----_ Mounting
Bracket
ACAUTION: Do not operate your lawn
mower without mulcher door in closed
position, discharge deflector in place, or
approved grass catcher in place.
BEFORE STAFmNG ENGINE OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.
• Remove engine oil cap and till to the full line
on the dpstic_
• Use2Oozs.of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance
section of this manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not ever fill.
• Check oil level before each usa. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• To read properlevel, tighten engine oilcap
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,
dirtyconditions.
Engine oil
GAS
Gasoline filler
cap
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasehol or using ethanol
or methanol) can attract moisture which leads
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