To Operate Mower; To Transport; Before Starting The Engine; Add Gasoline - Craftsman 917.258492 Owner's Manual

OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 10)
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 olf the engine.
o Select desired height of cuL
, Engage mower by slowly moving attachment clutch
lever to "ENGAGED' position
• TO STOP MOWER - Move attachment clutch lever to
"DISENGAGED" position.
i
!_ CAUTION: DO not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the discharge
guard in place.
o If stopping is absolutely necessary push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
o Move gearshift lever' to 1st gear and be sure you have
allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart
movement.
o To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and
clutch/brake pedal
o Make all 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.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER
ATTACHMENT "ENGAGED" POSITION
CLUTCH LEVER
"DISENGAGED" LIFT LEVER
POSITION PLUNGER
LOWEST
POSITION
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
LIFT LEVER
"HIGHEST"
POSITION
FIGo10
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
i,i H, ,,, ,I
I ,#_ CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes greater than 15 ° and do not
drive across any slope.
H ,,,ll
o Choose theslowest speed before starting upor down
hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
° If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to
slower position.
BEFORE STARTaNG THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 15)
• 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.
o 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.
o 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 Respensibili-
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; WHENOPERATING INTEMPERATURES
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) carl
attract moisture which leads to separation and formatton 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 inforrnation_ Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
.#% CAUT'iON:' Filli0 bottom of gas tank filler-]
A A neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled|
oil or fuel Do not store, spill or use/
gasoline near an open flame. |
12