Craftsman 917.270711 - Manual (Page 16)

A w ARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
usings 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 whiie in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emp­
tied before storage of 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. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuei tank or perma­
nent damage may occur.
A c AUTION: Fiil to bottom of gas tank
fiiler neckrDo notoverfiil. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time
or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will
take extra cranking time to move fuel from
thejank to Wie engine.
• Sit on seat In operating position,
depress clutchA>rake pedal and set
parking brake.
• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) posi­
tion.
• Move attachment clutch to “DISEN­
GAGED” position.
• Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm
and cold starting procedures below.
• Insert key into ignition and turn 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 the
engine does not start after several
attempts, move throttle control to fast
position, wait a few minutes and try
again. If engine still does not start,
move the throttle control back to the
choke position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50" F and
above)
• When engine starts, move the throttle
control to the fast position.
• The attachmpnts and ground drive can
now be used. If the engine does not
al6№pt th^Ioad, restart the engine and
__ .4ilk>w itto warm up for one minute using
the choke as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50" F AND
BELOW)
• When engine starts, allow engine to run
with the throttle control in the choke
position until the engine runs roughly,
then move throttle control to fast posi­
tion. This may require an engine warm­
up period from several seconds to sev­
eral minutes, depending on the temper­
ature.
• The attachments can also be used dur­
ing the engine warm-up period.
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 Adjustments section of this
manual.
MOWING TIPS
• Tire chains cannot be used when the
mower housing is attached to tractor.
• Mower should be properly leveled for
best mowing performance. See “TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
• The left hand side of mower should be
used for trimming.
• 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 distribu­
tion of clippings and more uniform cut­
ting.
• When mowing large areas, start by turn­
ing to the right so that clippings will dis­
charge away from shrubs, fences, drive­
ways^ etc. After one or two rounds,
mow in the opposite direction making
left hand turns until finished
• if grass is extremely tall, it should be
mowed twice to reduce load and possi­
ble fire hazard from dried clippings.
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 unde­
sirable clumps. Allow grass to dry
before mowing.
• Always operate engine at full throttle
when ipowing to assure better mowing
performance and proper discharge of
material. Regulate ground speed by se­
lecting a low enough gear^ogive the
mower the best cutting performance as
1 6 well as the quality of cut desired.