Operation - Craftsman 917.288623 Operator's Manual

NOTE: You may now roll y our tractor offthe
skid, C ontinue using theinstructions that
follow toremove the tractor from theskid.
WARNING: Before s tarting, read, u n-
derstand and follow allinstructions inthe
Operation section ofthismanual. Be sure
tractor isinawell-ventilated area. Besure
thearea in front o ftractor isclear o fother
people and objects.
TOROLL TRACTOR O FF SKID(See
Operation sectionfor location
and
function of controls)
1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest
position,
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in "transmission
disengaged position" (See "TO TRANS-
PORT" in the Operation section of this
manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid,
5. Remove banding holding the deflector
shield up against tractor.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct
tire pressure _s important for best cutting
performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on
tires,
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO LEVEL
MOWER in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing
motion and mower blade drive belts in the
Service and Adjustments section of this man-
ual. Verify thatthe belts are routedcorrectly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you ]earn how to operate your tractor,
check to see that the brake is operating
properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
t_CHECKLIST
Before you operate your new tractor, we
wish to assure that you receive the best
performance and satisfaction from this
Quality Product,
Please review the following checklist:
Vf All assembly instructions have been
completed.
t, / No remaining loose parts in carton,
_" Battery isproperly prepared andcharged.
v_ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
t/" All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-
ping purposes, the tires were overinflated
at the factoLt).
t/" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-sideifront-to-rear for best cutting
results, (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
v/" Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
J" Check wiring. See that all Connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
t/" Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel
control is in "transmission engaged"
position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
While learning howto use yourtractor, pay ex-
tra attention to the following important items:
_ Engine oil is at proper level.
Fueltank is filled with fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline,
t/" Become familiar with all controls, their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine,
vf Besure brakesystem is insafe operating
condition.
t/( Be sure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (Seethe Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
it is important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the
first time. Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions(See
"TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE
TRANSM[SS[ON" in the Operation sec-
tion of this manual).