Operation - Husqvarna 917.279201 Owner's Manual

OPERATION
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 enginewhile 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. Use fresh 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 (See Fig. 3)
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.
• Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged
position.
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal
and set parking brake.
• Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
• Move throttle control to fast position
• Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt.
For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may
not be needed.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
• 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, push choke control in, wait a
few minutes and try again, If engine still does not start,
pull the choke control out and retry,
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above)
• When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts
to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a
few seconds and then continue to push the control in
slowly.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and below)
• When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push
the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to
accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke
control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull
the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and
then continue to push the control in slowly. This may
require an engine warm-up period from several seconds
to several minutes, depending on the temperature.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP
Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission
should be warmed up as follows:
• Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
12
• Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly
return to operating position.
• Allow one minute fortransmission to warm up.This
can be done during the engine warm up period.
• The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up
period after the transmission has been warmed up and
may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.
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.
PURGE TRANSMISSION
I_ CAUTION: Never engage or disengage
freewheel lever while the engine is run-
ning.
To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom-
mended that the transmission be purged before operating
tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any
trapped air inside the transmission which may have de-
veloped during shipping of your tractor.
IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE
REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR
REPLACEMENT,
IT SHOULD
BE PURGEDAFTER REINSTALLATION BEFOREOPERATING
THE TRACTOR.
• Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and
parking brake set.
• Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control
in freewheeling position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this
section of manual).
• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine
is running, move throttle control to slow position. Dis-
engage parking brake
• Depress forward drive pedal to full forward position,
hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Depress
reverse drive pedal to full reverse position, hold for five
(5) seconds and release pedal. Repeat this procedure
three (3) times.
NOTE: During this procedure there will be no movement
of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic
drive system.
• Shut- off engine and set parking brake.
• Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in
engaged position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this sec-
tion of manual).
• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine
is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed.
Disengage parking brake.
• Drive tractor forward for approximately five feet then
backwards for five feet. Repeat this driving procedure
three times.
Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal
operation.