Sears 917.25051 - Manual (Page 14)

OPERATION
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 8)
Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.
» Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO AD­
JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation
section of this manual).
“ With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge
wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the
ground, install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with
shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and
tighten securely,
» Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Figs. 6 and 7)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens­
ing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat
with the engine running and the attachment clutch en­
gaged will shut off the engine.
« Select desired height of cut.
*
Lower mower with attachment lift control.
« Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch
control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment
clutch control.
A
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower with'
outeitherthe entire grass catcher, on mow­
ers so equipped, or the discharge guard ir
place.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
A
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 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 leverto 1st gear and range shift lever to
low (L) position. 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 to highest position with attach­
ment lift control.
« When pushingortowingyourtractor, be sure gearshift
lever is in neutral (N) position.
* Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting
your tractor on atruck or a trailer, be sure hood is dosed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood
to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 9)
* 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 cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and push it all the way down into the tube, 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 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).
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32‘’F(0X), 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.
14
A
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.