How to Start a Craftsman 5-HP Lawn Mower

The name Craftsman goes hand in hand with lawn mowers for many home owners. Both riding and push mowers are available from Craftsman in different deck widths and horsepower engines. The Craftsman model 917.386060 push mower features a 5-HP engine with 11.5 cubic inches of displacement. Starting and operating Craftsman lawn mowers proves easy and efficient. Follow a starting procedure to avoid problems.

• 1

  Move the Craftsman 5-HP lawn mower to a flat location for starting. Park the lawn mower in an area free of sticks, debris and gravel to avoid potential injury when the mower starts.

• 2

  Fill the fuel tank with recently purchased gas. Avoid over-filling and/or spilling gas onto the lawn mower engine.

• 3

  Locate the primer bulb on the Craftsman 5-HP lawn mower. Place your thumb on the primer bulb and use firm pressure to push the bulb in five times.

• 4

  Move the lever toward the picture of the rabbit, which indicates the fastest setting.

• 5

  Press down on the operator-presence bar with one hand and hold it in place. Grasp the starter handle attached to the starter rope and pull with a smooth motion.

• 6

  Pull the starter handle until Craftsman 5-HP lawn mower starts and do not release the operator-presence bar until you are ready to stop the lawn mower. The bar is a safety feature designed with a switch to cut off the lawn mower when released.