Craftsman 247.29931 - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATIO
J
A CAUTION
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol)
can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.____________________________________________
A CAUTION
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine
and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next season. See STORAGE Instructions for additional informa­
tion.
A CAUTION
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
NOTE: Check the fuel level periodically to avoid running out of
gasoline while operating the tiller.
TO START ENGINE
1. Attach spark plug wire and rubber boot to spark plug.
2. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to
provide space for fuel expansion.
3. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.
4. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down to the “trans­
port” position, so that the tines clear the ground.
5. Release all of the controls on the tiller.
6. Turn the fuel shut-off valve to the ON position.
7. Move the choke lever on the engine to CHOKE
N
position. (A
warm engine may not require choking.) See Figure 8.
8. Move throttle control to START/RUN (Rabbit) JL m position. See
Figure 8.
9. Standing on the side of the unit, grasp starter handle and pull
rope out until you feel a drag.
Figure 8
10. Pull the rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm
grip on the starter handle. Let the rope rewind slowly.
11. Repeat, if necessary, until engine starts. When engine starts,
move choke control gradually toward the RUN 111 position..
12. If engine falters, move choke control back toward the CHOKE
N
position and repeat steps 5 though 8.
13. ALWAYS keep the throttle control in the START/RUN (Rabbit
position when operating the tiller.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Bail.
2. Move throttle control lever to slow (turtle) position.
Whenever possible, gradually reduce engine speed before
stopping engine.
3. Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF position.
4. Turn the fuel shut-off valve to the OFF position.
5. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent accidental starting while the equipment is unattended.
AWARNING
Do not push down on the handlebars, especially in unfilled soil. This
could allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller rearward, which can
result in loss of control, property damage, or personal injury.
TO ENGAGE DRIVE & TINES
1. For forward motion of the wheels and power to the tines pull the
Forward Clutch Bail up against the handlebar.
NOTE: In forward mode, the tines will rotate in reverse.
2. Walk slowly behind the tiller allowing It to move at its own pace
while keeping a secure grip on the handlebar with your elbows
flexed.
3. Release the bail to stop the rotation of the wheels and tines.
To move tiller in reverse: (Do not till in reverse)
a. Release the Forward Clutch Bail.
b. Lift the handlebar until the tines are off the ground.
c. Slowly pull back on the Reverse Lever, and carefully walk
backwards with the machine.
NOTE: In reverse mode, the tines will rotate forward.
d. If longer distances need to be covered in reverse, shut off the
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