Craftsman 2-N-1 Owners Manual - Page 8

The operationof any lawn mowercan result in foreign objectsthrowninto the eyes, which can resultin severeeye damage.Always wear safety glassesor eye shieldswhile operatingyour lawn moweror performing any adjustmentsor repairs.We recommenda standardsafetyglasses or wide vision safetymask wornover spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. It is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _I_CAUTION: 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 requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting. NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs. LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER Plate LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER TO CONVERT MOWER Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging: • Lift discharge guard and remove mulcher plate. • Mower can now be used for side discharge or optional grass catcher can be attached. • To return to mulching operation, simply reinstall mulcher plate as shown. _CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without discharge guard, approved grass catcher or mulcher plate in place. Hinge rod Discharge Housing opening Hooks Mulcher plate Tab BEFORE STARTING ADD OIL ENGINE Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual. • i, CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup. 1. Be sure lawnmower is level. 2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout. 3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine. NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz. 4. Insert and tighten dipstick. IMPORTANT: • 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. See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Maintenance section of this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.