Sears 917.25545 - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATION
TO OPERATE yOWER (See Fig. 10)
Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch.. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with
the engine running and the mower clutch engaged will shut
off the engine.
•
Select desired height of cut, using height adjustment
knob.
• Lower mower with lift lever.
® Engage mower by slowly moving mower clutch lever to
"ENGAGED” position.
• TO STOP MOWER - Move mower clutch lever to
“DISENGAGED” position.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the dis­
charge guard in place.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15° and
do not drive across any slope.
Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down
hills.
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
If stowing is necessary, move throttle control iever to
slower position.
If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
Move gearshift lever to “NEUTRAL” position.
T
0
restart movement, move gearshift lever to 1 st gear.
Be sure you have allowed room for unit to roll slightly as
you restart movement.
Slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift control to highest position.
0
When pushing or towing your unit, be sure gearshift
lever is in "NEUTRAL" position.
" Do not push unit at more than five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting
yourtracot on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood
to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
» The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
" Check engine oil with unit on level ground,.
» Unthread and remove the oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil
off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest the oil
fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube.
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 VISCOSITY 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).
irVIPORTANT: 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 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,
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. j
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