Craftsman 917.255520 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8)
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 attachment clutch engaged will
shut oft the engine,
• Select desired height of cut
• Engage mower by slowly moving attachment dutch
lever to “ENGAGED" position,
‘ TO STOP MOWER - Move attachment clutch lever to
"DISENGAGED" position.
A
CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE THE
MOWER WITHOUT EITHER THE EN­
TIRE GRASS CATCHER, ON MOWERS
SO EQUIPPED, OR THE DISCHARGE
GUARD IN PLACE.
A
CAUTION: DO NOT DRIVE UP OR
DOWN H! LLS WITH S LOP ES G R EATER
THAN ISLAND DONOTDRIVEACROSS
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 dutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake,
' Move gearshift lever to 1st gear and be sure you have
allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart
movement
• To restart movement, slowly release par king brake and
clutch/brake pedal,
• Make ali turns slowly,
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift control to highest position.
• When pushing or towing your unit, be sure gearshift
lever is in "NEUTRAL" position.
» Do not push or tow unit at more than five (5) MPH
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 16)
• 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.
■ 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 VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Maintenance section of this manual).
' To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fili fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gaso­
line, (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and
lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life).
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERA­
TURES BELOW32°F(0“C), USE FRESH,
CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO
HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol biended
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 fue! 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 OVER­
FILL WIPE OFFANY SPILLED OIL OR
FUEL DO NOT STORE, SPILL OR USE
GASOLINE NEAR AN OPEN FLAME.
12