Sears 917.373981 owner manual To Unfold Handle See Fig, Propped open, To Convert Mower

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety

before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the

factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper opera-

tion of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

Remove loose parts included with mower.

•Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

•Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

•Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor- oughly for additional loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

•Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.

•Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,

remove protective padding and tighten both handle knobs.

Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROL BAR

UPPER HA_

LIFT UP

LIFT UP

SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 2B) -

•Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge opening of mower (see above instructions).

•Unlock closed discharge guard by lifting latch and allow guard to swing open to discharging position.

•Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

•To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis- charge guard must be closed and locked securely.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

•Rear mulcher plug installed.

•Side discharge guard closed and locked securely.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

•Rear mulcher plug removed.

•Grass catcher installed.

•Side discharge guard closed and locked securely, FOR SiDE DISCHARGING -

Rear mulcher plug installed.

•Side discharge guard unlocked and open.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear mulcher plug in place or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

MULCHER PLUG

MOWING POSITION

LOWER

HANDLE

FIG. 1

TO CONVERT MOWER

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

REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 2A) -

•Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

You can now install grass catcher.

•To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.

FIG. 2A

LIFT LATCH

TO UNLOCK

AND OPEN

DISCHARGE GUARD

CLOSED POSITION

OPEN POSITION

6 FIG. 2B