Craftsman 917.376233 owner manual HOW to USE Your Lawn Mower

The operationof any SAFETYGLASSESlawn mower can result

in foreign objects thrown into the eyes,which can result in severe eye dam-

age. Alwayswear safety glassesor 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

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 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.

Operator

presence control bar

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 FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

. Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the pivot brackets.

•To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.

door

bracket

Grass catcher handle

Grass catcher frame hook

DRIVE CONTROLENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROLDISENGAGED

SIDE DISCHARGING

•Rear door must be closed.

•Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.

•Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

•To convert to mulching or bagging

operation, discharge deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be

8closed.