Craftsman 247.39767 Series Operator's Manual

13OPERATIONGAS AND OIL FILL-UPIMPORTANT: Refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional engineinformation.This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to serviceengine with gasoline and oil as instructed in this section before starting or runningyour machine.1. Add provided oil before starting mower for the first time.2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate EngineOperator’s Manual.WARNINGUse extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremelyflammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors orwhile the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes andother sources of ignition.To Start EngineWARNINGBe sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mowerwhile starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors orin enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbonmonoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and looseclothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for instructions on starting and stopping theengine.WARNINGKeep a firm grip on the starter cord handle to prevent rapid retraction ofstarter cord (kickback). Rapid retraction can pull hand and arm towardengine faster than you can let go, and result in broken bones, fractures,bruises or sprains.To Stop Engine1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.WARNINGWait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on themower or to remove the grass catcher.Using as MulcherFor mulching grass, remove the grass catcher or side discharge chute from themower. When you remove the grass catcher from the mower, the rear dischargedoor will close. When you remove the side discharge chute, the mulching cover willclose. For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed togrow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcherto bag clippings instead.Using Grass Catcher (If Equipped)You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating themower.1. Attach grass catcher following instructions on page 9 in the Assemblysection. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower.Operate mower until grass bag is full.2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that theunit has come to a complete stop.3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower toremove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag whencomplete.WARNINGIf you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plugwire, thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair damagebefore restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of mower duringoperation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptlyinspected and repaired.