Craftsman 917.271840 - Manual (Page 16)

• Do not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) MPH.
• To reengage transmission, reverse
above procedure.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your tractor on a truck
or a traiier, be sure hood is closed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate
means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord,
etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER
ATTACHMENTS
Tow only the attachments that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control
of your tractor.
BEFORE STARTINGTHE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with summer weight oil.
1. Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe
clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw
cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If neces­
sary, add oil until “FULL” mark on
dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See '^IL
VISCOSITY CHARr in the Mainte­
nance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte­
nance section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline
will increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in
Quantities that can be used within 30
d^s to assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: When operating in
temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starting.
^WARNING: Experience indicates that
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. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied 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 information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
(^CAUTION : Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. 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 the tank to
the engine.
1. Be sure freewheel control is in the
transmission engaged position.
Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
parking brake.
Place motion control lever in neutral
(N) position.
Move attachment clutch to “DISEN­
GAGED” position.
Move throttle control to fast position
Pull choke control out for a cold
engine start attempt. For a warm
engine start attempt the choke control
may not be needed,
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and
cold starting procedures below.
7. 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, push choke control
in, wait a few minutes and try again. If
engine still does not start, pull the
choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50" F and
above)
8. When engine starts, slowly push
choke control in until the engine
begins to run smoothly. If the engine
starts to run roughly, pull the choke
2 .
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