First place to look is the sears web page and download the owners manual for this mower.
It has a separate height adjustment and blade engagement controls.
The height adjuster limits the movement of the lever
The previous owner has it set to the highest cutting position.
If it has not been changed for a very long time you might need to get under and run a brush over the adjustment screw.
So if sears have the IPL for your mower on line, download that as well.
Otherwise just print out the height adjustment page.
