Craftsman 536.270320 Owners Manual - Page 17

OPERATING TIPS OPERATION 1. Check the attachment clutch for correct adjustment. For the blade(s) to disengage correctly, the adjustment must be correct Before you use the unit, check the oil in the engine and add oil if necessary 3. If the engine will not start, first make sure the wire is attached to the spark plug. Make sure all the belts are inside all the belt guides See the instructions on how to remove and install the motion drive and mower drive belts. 5. Before you make an inspection,adjustment (except for the carburetor) or repair, make sure the wire from the spark plug is disconnected. 6 Make sure the seat switch wire is connected. If the wire is not connected, the engine will not start. 7. For longer life of the battery, charge the battery every three months 8 Use the shift lever to change the ground speed, notthe throttle control. 9 Belt noise can occur when the blade or clutch isengaged This noise is normal and does not affect the operation of the unit. MOWING AND BAGGING TIPS For a lawn to look better, check the cutting level of the mower housing. See "How To Level The Mower Housing" in the Service And Adjustment section. 2. For the mower housing to cut level, make sure the tires have the correct amount of air pressure (PSI) 3, Every time you use the unit, check the blade. If the blade is bent or damaged, immediately replace the blade. Also, make sure the nut for the blade is tight. 4_ Keep the blade(s) sharpened. Wom blades will cause the ends of the grass to turn brown 10. For better engine performance and an even discharge of the cut grass, always operate the engine with the throttle in FAST position. 11_ When you use a bagger, operate the engine with the throttle in FAST position and the shift lever in first or second gear 12. For better cutting performance and a quality cut, mow with the shift lever in one of the slower speeds. 13. After each use, clean the bottom and top of the mower housing for better performance. Also, a clean mower housing will help prevent a fire 5. Do not cut or bag grass that is wet Wet grass wil not discharge correctly Let the grass dry before cutting. 6. Use the left side of the mower housing to trim near an object 7. Discharge the cut grass onto the mowed area. The result is a more even discharge of cut grass 8 When you mow large areas, start by turning to the right so that the cut grass will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite dkection making left turns until finished (Figure 14). 9. If the grass is very high, cut two times to decrease the load on the engine. First cut with the mower housing in the higbest position and then lower the mower housing for the second cut • IIIml II IIII MULCHING TIPS .J J Figure 14 When you use a mutcher attachment, the grass is cut into very small pieces These small pieces will quickfy break down. Because the nutrients are returned to the soil, the lawn will need less fertilizer Too correctly mulch the grass, follow the steps below. 1. Set the throttle in the FAST position Operate the mower at a slower ground speed. If ground speed is too fast, the grass will not have an even cut. 2 Keep a sharp edge on the blade A blade that is not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become brown 4 Set the height of the mower housing so that only the top third of the grass is cut. If the grass is too high, set the height of the mower housing to the maximum height Then, lower the mower housing for the second cut Also, instead of using the full width of the mower housing, mulch at half the w=dth 5. Clean the bottom of the mower housing Grass and other debris can keep the mower from working correctly 6. If the grass grows fast, mulch more often. 3. Make sure the grass is dry. Wet grass is difficult to cut F-99636 7 If an area needs improvement, mulch a second time. 17 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine