To Start Engine; Mowing Tips - Craftsman 917.254791 Owner's Manual

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE
(See Fig. 7)
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run
out of fuel_ tt wilt lake extra cranking time to move fuel from
the tank to the engine
Depress the clutch/brake pedat and set the parking
brake
Place gearshift lever In "NEUTRAL" position.
Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position,
Move throltta control lever to"CHOKE" position for cold
engine start, For warm engine start, move throttle
control to =FAST" position,
• Turn Ignition key clockwise to "START" position and
release key as soon as engine starts, Do not run
starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per
minute. If engine does not start after severalaltempls,
move throttle control to "FAST' position, wait a few
minutes and try agath
. When engine starts, slowly move throttle control iever
to desired running speed
Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging drive or attachment ciulch
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet or .9I
kilometers) or In cotd temperatures (below 32"F), the
carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best
engine performance See 'TO ADJUST CARBURETOR"
in the Service and Adlustments section of this manuat
MOWING TIPS
Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing
is attached to unit,,
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mow!,ng
performance, See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING In
the Service and Adtustments section of this manual,,
Use the runner on the right hand side of mower as a
tghuide, The blade cuts approximately an Inch outside
s runner (See Fig.
8) r
• The left hand side of mower should be used for trim-
mlng
Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the
machine. This will result in a more even distribution of
clippings and more uniform cutting.
When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right
so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs,
fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow
In the opposite direction maklng left hand turns until
finished (See Fig, 9),
FtG. g
tf grass is e×tremety tall it shouJd be mowed twice to
reduce load and possible fire hazard from dr ed c p.
pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the
desired height
Do not mow grass when It Is wet Wet grass will plug
mower and leave undes#abta dumps. Atlow grass to
dry before mowing
A_ways operate engine at ful! throttle when mowing to
assure better mowing performance and proper dis-
charge of material, Regulate ground speed by select-
ing a low enough speed to give the mower cutting
performance as well as the quality of cut deslred.
When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used
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