Craftsman 917.256930 - Manual (Page 13)

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The average lawn should be cut to approximately
2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3
inches during hot months. For healthier and better
looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.
TO OPERATE MOWER {See Figs. 10^12)
Yourtractor 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.
“ Engage mowerby slowly moving mowerclutch leverto
"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
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 leverto
slower position.
If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
0
Move gearshift lever to 1 st gear and be sure you have
allowed room for tractor to roil slightly as you restart
movement.
® To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and
clutch/brake pedal,
= Make all turns slowly,.
TO TRANSPORT
» Raise mower lift lever to highest position.
■> When pushing or towing yourtractor, be sure gearshift
lever is in “NEUTRAL" position.
® Do not push tractor at more than five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting
your tractor on a truck or 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. 18)
0
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 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
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(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, spiH of
use gasoline near an open flame.
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