Craftsman 917.255561 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8)
Yourtractor Is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with
the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will
shut off the engine.
• Select desired height of cut,
• Engage mower by slowly moving attachment clutch
lever to "ENGAGED" position.
• TO STOP MOWER • Move attachment clutch lever to
"DISENGAGED" position.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catchefj
on mowers so equipped, or the dis­
charge guard in place.
CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
. hills with slopes greater than 15* and
across any slope.
Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down
hills.
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
if slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to
slower position.
» If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
• Move gearshift lever to l st gear and be sure you have
allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart
movement.
■ To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and
clutch/brake pedal-
• Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
» Raise attachment lift control to highest position
» When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift
iever is in "NEUTRAL" position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OH- LEVEL (See Fig. 13)
■ The engine in your tractor has been shipped from the
factory already filled with summer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground
• Remove oil fill dipstick and wipe clean, replace and
screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and
read oil level If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark
on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill,
' For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (see "OIL VJSGOSITY CHART" in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
“ To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili­
ties section in this manual
ADD GASOLINE
“ Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life).
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32‘=F(0“G), 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 stor­
age 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 instruc­
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur
ik
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.
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