Craftsman 944.36153 Howto Useyour Lawn Mower Engine Speed, Engine Zone Control, To Convert Mower

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

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_qLCAUTION: 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 requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

•To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move

wheel up or down to suit your require- ments. Be sure all wheels are in the

same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy 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.

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut r_,. '_ I

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO CONVERT MOWER

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

REAR BAGGING

•Liftrear door of the lawn mower and place the grasscatcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

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

Pivot	Grass catcher
pins	handle

Catcher frame hook

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

1.Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oir fill is clean.

2.Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to read the dipstick.

3.Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

•Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

•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.

ADD GASOLINE

NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove

and discard the debris plug that is inside the tank.

•Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso- line. Purchase fuel in quantities that

can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and ret it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional )nformation. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

7 tank or permanent damage may occur.