To Start Engine; Mowing Tips - Craftsman 917.258492 Owner's Manual

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
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.
o Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position.
o Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position,
• Pull choke control out to "CHOKE"position for cold
engine start. For warm engine start do not use choke
control
° Move throttle control to midway between "FAST" and
"SLOW" positions_
per minute. If engine does not start after several
attempts, move throttle control to "FAST" position,
wait a few minutes and try again_
o When engine starts, slowly push choke control in.
o Move throttle control to "FAST" position.
o Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging drive or attachment clutch.
NOTE; If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32 ° F), the carburetor fuel mixture
may need to be ad usted for best engine performance.
See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
NiOWgNG TiPS
= Tire chains cannot be used when the mower hous_
ing is attached to unit,
o Mower should be properly leveled for best mowin_
performance. See TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING
m the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
• The left hand side of mower should be used for trim-
ruing.
Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cuL 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 will 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. 11)_
f
C
FIG, l't
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 speed to give the mower
cutting performance as well as the quality of cut de-
sired.
When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used,
13