Craftsman 917.256544 - Manual (Page 13)

OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 10)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens­
ing sv/itch. 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.
* Lower mower with attachment lift control,
® Start mower blades by engaging atiachment clutch
control,
* TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment
clutch control.
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
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 lever to 1st gear. 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 ’
* Mak.6 ail turns siowiy,
TO TRANSPORT
* Raise attachment lift to highest position with attach­
ment lift control, '
* When pushing oriowing your tractor, be sure gearshift
lever is in neutra! (N) position.
* Do not push or tovif- tractor at more than five Í5) MPH.
NOTE; To protect hood from damage when transporting
yourtractoron a truck or atrailer, 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. 17)
» The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
® Check engine oil with tractor o-n level ground.
* Unthread and remove oil fiii cap/dipstick; wipe oil off.
Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest 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 chanae 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 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 fue! in quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel fre,shness.
IMPORTANT; WHEN OPERATING IN TEIVlPERATURES
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 of using ethanol or methanoi} 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.
A
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipa off any
spilfecJ al! or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near ati open flame.
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