To Start Engine; Mowing Tips - Craftsman 917.28833 Operator's Manual

CAUTION: 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
storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Usefresh
fuel next season. See Storage Instructions
for additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time or
if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take
extra cranking time to move fuel from the
tank to the engine.
1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress
clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.
2. Place gear shift lever in neutral position.
3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged
position.
4. Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and
cold starting procedures below.
5. Insert key into ignition and turn 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 the engine does
not start after several attempts, move
throttle control to fast position, wait a
few minutes and try again. If engine still
does not start, move the throttle control
back to the choke position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and
above)
6. When engine starts, move the throttle
control to the fast position.
• The attachments and ground drive can
now be used. If the engine does not accept
the load, restart the engine and allow itto
warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and
below)
6. When engine starts, leave throttle control
in choke position until engine warms up
and begins to run roughly. Once rough
running begins, immediately move the °
throttle control to the fast position. Engine
warm-up may take from several seconds
to several minutes (the colder the tem-
perature, the longer the warm-up).
• The attachments can also be used during
the engine warm-up period.
14
NOTE: If 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 housing is attached to tractor.
Mower should be properly leveled for best
mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL
MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
The left hand side of mower should be
used for trimming.
Drive so that clippings are discharged onto
the area that has already been cut. Have
the cut area to the right of the tractor. 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 making left hand turns
until finished.
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If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed
twice to reduce load and possible fire haz-
ard from dried clippings. Make first cut rela-
tively high;the second to the desired height.
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 mow-
ing performance and proper discharge
of material. Regulate ground speed by
selecting a low enough speed 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.