Craftsman 917.257360 - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7)
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run
out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from
the tank to the engine.
• Depress the clutch/brake pedal and set the parking
brake-
• Place motion control iever in “NEUTRAL" position.
• Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED" position.
• Movethrotttecontrolleverto "CHOKE" position forcoid
engine start, For warm engine start, move throttle
control to “FAST" position.
• Turn ignition key clockwise to "START" position and
release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run
starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per
minute. If engine does not start after several attempts,
move throttle control to “FAST" position, wait a few
minutes and try again
• When engine starts, slowly move throttle control lever
to desired running speed,
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging motion control or attachment clutch
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32® F), the carburetor fuel mixture
may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See
“TO ADJUST CARBURETOR“ in the Service and Adjust­
ments section of this manual,
MOWING TIPS
• Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing
is attached to unit.
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in
the Service and Adjustments section of this manual
• Use the runner on the right hand side of mower as a
guide. The blade cuts approximately an inch outside
the runner (See Fig. 8).
•
• The left hand side of mower should be used for trim­
ming.
Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the
machine . This will result in a more even distribution of
clippings and more uniform cutting
When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right
so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs,
fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow
in the opposite direction making left hand turns until
finished (See Fig. 9).
If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to
reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip­
pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the
desired height
Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug
mower and leave undesirable dumps. Allow grass to
dry before mowing.
Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to
assure better mowing performance and proper dis­
charge of material. Regulate ground speed by select­
ing a low enough speed to give the mower cutting
performance as well as the quality of cut desired
When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used.
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