CRAFTSMAN Fast Start Guide

Identify Handle Style

The following sections describe different handle styles and their setup:

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Pull-Out Handle (if equipped)

Before starting the mower engine, ensure the handle has been moved up to the operating position and secured to the mower. Failure to do so may result in damage to the blade or engine.

The handle requires pulling upwards approximately 8 inches (20 cm) to reach the operating position.

Diagrams show securing the handle with bolts labeled 1, 2, and 3, and a rope guide.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND ENGINE MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND FOLLOW THE IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES BEFORE OPERATING.

Pull-Out Handle (if equipped)

Step 1: Remove Hardware

Remove the two knobs and carriage bolts securing the upper handle to the lower handle.

OR

Unlock EZ-Fold handle release levers.

Remove the two T-bolts from the handle brackets.

Diagrams illustrate these actions, showing specific bolts and levers to be removed or unlocked.

Step 2: Position Handle

Pivot the upper handle up into the operating position.

Pull upward on the handle 8 inches (20 cm) until the holes in the lower handle align with the holes in the handle bracket.

Diagrams show the handle being pulled up and aligned, with a measurement indicator of 8"/20cm.

Step 3: Secure Handle

Reinstall the two knobs and carriage bolts to secure the upper handle to the lower handle.

OR

Lock EZ-Fold handle release levers.

Reinstall the two T-bolts through the handle and into the handle brackets.

If equipped with EZ-Fold: Ensure the position indicator (labeled 'a') aligns with one of the three handle positions (labeled 'b').

Proceed to STEP 4 ➡️ Page 4.

Folding Handle (if equipped)

Step 1: Remove Hardware

Remove the two knobs and carriage bolts securing the upper handle to the lower handle.

OR

Unlock EZ-Fold handle release levers.

Remove the two T-bolts from the handle brackets.

Diagrams illustrate these actions.

Step 2: Position Handle

Pivot the handle up into the operating position.

Diagrams show the handle being pivoted upwards.

Step 3: Secure Handle

Reinstall the two knobs and carriage bolts to secure the upper handle to the lower handle.

OR

Lock EZ-Fold handle release levers.

Reinstall the two T-bolts through the handle and into the handle brackets.

If equipped with EZ-Fold: Ensure the position indicator (labeled 'a') aligns with one of the three handle positions (labeled 'b').

Proceed to STEP 4 ➡️ Page 4.

Vertical Storage Handle (if equipped)

Step 1: Prepare Handle

Unlock the handle release levers.

Remove four carriage bolts from the lower handle.

Pivot lower handles forward.

Diagrams show unlocking levers, removing bolts (labeled A, B, C), and pivoting handles forward.

Step 2: Secure Handle

Using the four carriage bolts, secure the lower handle to the upper handle.

Diagrams show the securing process with bolts.

Step 3: Finalize Handle

Lock the handle release levers.

Pivot the handle up into the operating position.

If equipped with EZ-Fold: Ensure the position indicator (labeled 'a') aligns with one of the three handle positions (labeled 'b').

Diagrams show locking levers and positioning the handle.

Proceed to STEP 4 ➡️ Page 4.

Engine Starting Procedures

Step 4: Blade Control

Hold the blade control against the upper handle.

Diagram shows the blade control being held against the handle.

Step 5: Recoil Starter

Slowly pull the recoil starter rope handle from the engine and slip the starter rope into the rope guide.

Tighten the rope guide wing knob.

Diagrams show pulling the rope and securing the guide.

Step 6: Add Oil

Pour the entire contents of the supplied oil bottle into the oil fill. Check the oil level by inserting the dipstick (without threading it) into the oil fill. Refer to the Operator's Manual for details.

The oil fill is typically located on the left side of most engines.

Diagram shows the oil fill location and dipstick check.

Step 7: Add Fuel

Fill the tank with fresh gasoline to within 1/2-inch of the top of the tank. Do not overfill.

Do not use E85 or fuel containing more than 10% Ethanol.

The fuel fill is typically located on the left side of most engines.

Diagram shows the fuel fill location.

Step 8: Spark Plug Connection

Ensure the spark plug boot is securely connected to the spark plug before attempting to start.

The spark plug is typically located on the front of most engines.

Diagram shows the spark plug and boot connection.

Step 9: Start Engine

Recoil Start (all models)

While standing behind the mower, pivot the blade control against the upper handle. Grasp the recoil starter rope handle and pull with a quick, full-arm stroke. If the engine does not start after three pulls, wait a few minutes and repeat.

Diagrams show the recoil start process, including pulling the rope.

Electric Start System (if equipped)

NOTE: For battery pack installation, refer to the Operator's Manual.

Insert the plastic electric starter push key into the starter housing.

Standing behind the mower, pull the blade control back against the upper handle. While holding the blade control, push the electric starter push key to start the engine.

NOTE: The electric starter is equipped with an internal circuit breaker. If the unit fails to start when the starter button is depressed, wait one minute for the breaker to reset, then attempt to start again.

Diagrams show the electric start process, including inserting the key and engaging the starter.

Fuel Valve (if equipped)

Rotate the fuel valve into the OPEN position.

Diagram shows the fuel valve with OPEN and CLOSE positions indicated.

Need Help?

Visit: www.CRAFTSMAN.com

Call: 1-888-331-4569

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