Craftsman 38872 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
TO_TART ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the
productand should be considered
normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before trying tostart.
Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when startingan
engine whichhas already run far a few
minutes.
2. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar,
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. In
warmer weather over pdming may cause
floodingand engine will not start. If you do
floodengine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWlNGTIPS
Under certain conditions,such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort andto keep from overloadingthe
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings, It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or run the
fawn mower over the area a second
time.
For extremely heavy cutting,reduce the
width of cut by ovedapp'mgpreviously
cut path and mow slowly.
For better grass bagging and most
cuttingconditions, the engine speed
should be set in the fast p(_ition.
Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippingsand chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the
Maintenance section of this manual.
The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse intothe
grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutUngaction of the blades.
Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grasshas
dried and the newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun.
For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the topone-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it
will be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushingeffort and to keep
from overloading the engine and
leaving dumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cut, mow slowly and raise
the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster settinghigher than the front.
Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or perpendicu-
larto the first cut path.
Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to southone week
then change to east towest the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.