Columbia 978, Operator'S Manual

9

Figure 5

NOTE: Make certain 
the drive cable is routed 
around the outside and 
above the lower handle 
so it does not interfere 
with attaching the grass 
bag.

4

Figure 6

Figure 7

Never operate mower 

unless grass bag, 

side discharge chute 

or mulching baffle is 

firmly in place. 

All mowers are 
equipped with a rear 
protective guard. The 
guard helps eliminate 
projectiles thrown by 
the blade from injur-
ing the operator. DO 
NOT REMOVE THIS 
GUARD. 

5. 

Bagging Grass Clippings.
a.  Remove wing nuts holding mulching plug (see 

Figure 4) or side discharge chute (see Figure 5) in 
place. Then remove baffle or discharge chute.

b.  Replace with bagging adapter (see Figure 6). 

Attach using wing nuts. Be sure that inner lip of 
attachment goes under the edge of the deck.

c.  Lift flap and slide bag onto adapter. See Figure 7.

6. 

Side Discharge grass clippings.

a.  Remove mulching plug or grass bag adapter.
b.  Attach discharge chute with wing nuts. See Figure 

5.

7.   The height adjuster determines the cutting height of 

the mower. The adjuster is located above the left rear 
wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever out 
and away from the mower and then move it forward or 
back to select a new cutting height. See Figure 9. 
 
NOTE: 

Some models are equipped with optional front 

wheel casters. Refer to the Operation Section for 
adjustment. 

8.  Use the adjustment wheel located on the underside 

of the clutch control housing to tighten the drive belt 
if mower does not self-propel with the drive clutch 
control engaged, or if drive belt is slipping (unit 
hesitates while engine maintains the same speed). 
See Figure 8.

  In addition, the adjustment wheel may also be used to 

determine the position in which the drive clutch control 
is engaged. If it is more comfortable to have the drive 
engaged with the lever further away from the handle, 
tighten the drive belt. 

WARNING

Setup and 

Adjustments

Figure 8

Side 

Discharge 

Chute

Wing Nuts

Grass Bag 

Adapter

Wing Nuts

1

2

Loosen

Tighten

Drive Clutch Control

Shift Lever