Craftsman Mower 50 Owners Manual - Page 8

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 standard safety glasses or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL 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 ad- juster 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, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs. LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER Plate tab TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging: • Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins. • To convert to mulching operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door. CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear door closed, clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open. Pivot pins Rear door Grass catcher handle Catcher frame hook TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER 1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle. 2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle. 3. Empty clippings from bag. NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear. Grass catcher frame handle LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever 8