Craftsman 917.254531 Owner's Manual page 13

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig, 7)
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has
run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move
fuel from the tank to the engine,
• Depress the clutch/brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position°
• Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
• Move throttle 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 several
attempts, move throttle control to "FAST" position,
wait a few minutes and try again.
• When engine starts, move throttle control to desired
position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging drive or attachment clutch.
NOTE: tf at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
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
Adjustments section of this manual.
MOWING TIPS
• Tire chains cannot be used when the mower hous-
ing is attached to unit°
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance, See TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING
in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual°
, Use the runner on the right hand side of mower as
a guide. The blade cuts approximately an inch
outside the runner (See Fig. 8)_
• The left hand side of mower should be used for trim-
ming.
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 distri-
bution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
When mowing large areas, start by turning to the
right so that clippings wilt discharge away from
shrubs, fences, driveways, etc, After one or two
rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left
hand turns until finished (See Fig° 9),
FIG. 9
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice
to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried
clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second
to the desired heighL
, Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will
plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow
grass to dry before mowing°
, Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing
to assure better mowing performance and proper
discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by
selecting a low enough gear to give the mower
cutting performance as well as the quality of cut
desired.
• 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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