Operation - Craftsman 18M Operator's Manual

Operation
Starting Engine
2.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator
is standing near the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the blade
control against upper handle.
Pull the recoil starter lightly until resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and
start the engine. Repeat if necessary. See Fig.5-1.
iMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back
against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to
the starter.
Stopping Engine
1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely
before performing any work on the mower or to
__ remove the grass catcher.
UsingYourlawn Mower
Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects
which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could
be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator and others.
_ WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can
result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
1. Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control
against the upper handle to propel mower.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and
repair damage before restarting and operating.
Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
Figure S-1
Usingas Mukher
For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and side discharge
chute from the mower. For effective mulching, do not cut wet
grass. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four
inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to
bag clippings instead.
UsingGrass Catcher
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are
operating the mower.
1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the
"Assembly & Set-Up" section. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate
mower till grass bag is full.
2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control.
Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.
3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from
the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass
clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.
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