Craftsman 247.372900 - Manual (Page 8)

OPERATION
BEFORE USING YOUR LAWN MOWER, AGAIN REFER TO THE “SAFETY RULES" AS SHOWN ON PAGE 2
OF THIS MANUAL. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields before starting power tool operation or while performing any adjustments or
repairs. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over spectacles or standard
glasses available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores.
HOW TO USE YOUR MOWER
TO STO P ENGINE
Release blade control handle to stop engine.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from
the spark plug to prevent accidental starting while
equipment is unattended.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed is ccntroiied by a iever (red knob)
located on the left side of the engine. The “Hi’’ posi­
tion is for starting engine, normal cutting and best per-
tormance. The "LOW’’ position is for light cutting, trim­
ming and fuel economy.
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
Your mower has a control handle which requires the
operator to be behind the handle to start and am the
mower, When the operator releases the control han­
dle, the engine will stop and an internal brake helps
the blade to stop quickly.
When the operator leaves the operating position to
change the cutting height, pick up sticks or other
objects in the way, the engine vrill stop automatically
when the control handle is released.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL LEVER
To engage the wheel drive, squeeze the drive clutch
control lever against the handle. Releasing the drive
clutch control iever stops the wheels from driving.
Release the drive clutch contrci iever to slow down
when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or stop­
ping.
SHIFT LEVER
The six speed shift lever is located below the drive
clutch control lever. Position 1 is the slowest speed;
position 6 is the fastest. Release the drive clutch
control lever when changing speeds.
IM PO RTANT; M ove the shift lever O NLY when the
engine is running. Shifting the speeds w ith the
engine off can cause dam age to the unit.
ADJUST CUTTING HEIG HT
The height adjuster levers for the wheels are located
on the left side of the deck. See figure 6, The levers
may be placed in one of nine cutting height positions.
Both levers should always be set to the same posi­
tion.
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high
cut.
• To change cutting height, move adjuster levers
toward wheels. Move wheels up or down to suit
your requirements. Be sure both levers are in the
same setting.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements.
Refer to the "Mulching or Mowing Tips" on page 10.
(The height adjusters may seem hard to move when
new. They will operate easier after some use.)
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
A 20 ounce bottle of SAE 30 oil is included with your
new lawn mower.
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API
service classification SQ or SH. Select the oil’s
viscosity grade according to your expected operating
temperature.
colder 32T Warmer
5W 30 SAE 30
NOTE; Although mu It ¡-viscosity oil (SW30, 10W30,
etc.) Improve starting in cold weather, these multi­
viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32®F. Check your oil level more
frequently to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.