Craftsman 917.259172 - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATION
A
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 hilis.
" 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 motion control lever to neutral (N) position.
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
« To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and
clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting.
«> Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 10)
When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage
transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling
position. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar
of tractor.
<■ Raise attachment lift to highest position with attach­
ment lift control.
" Pull freewheel control knob out and hold in position by
inserting retainerspring into forward holeof control rod.
• 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 tractoron 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 (See Fig. 15)
° The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oii.
" Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
» Remove oil fiiicap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil levei. If necessary, add oil until
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
® For cold weather operation you should change oii 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 manuai.
ADD GASOLINE
•> Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of ieaded
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
days 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 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 fuei 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.
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