Craftsman 917.98644 Operator's Manual page 18

TOTRANSPORT
When pushing o r towing yourtractor, be
sure todisengage transmission byplacing
freewheel control infreewheeling position.
Free wheel c ontrol is located a tthe rear
drawbar oftractor.
1.Raise a ttachment liftto highest position
withattachment liftcontrol.
2.Pull freewheel control out a nd into the slot
and release soitisheld inthe disengaged
position.
Donotpush ortowtractor a tmore than
two(2)mph(3,2 km/h).
To reengage transmission, reverse above
procedure.
Transmission Engaged
Transmission
Disengaged
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when
transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer,
be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor.
Use an appropriate means of tying hood to
tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-
MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy of
a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires
can lose traction with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
HOURMETER
The hourmeter shows the total number of
hours the engine has run. To service engine
and mower, see the Maintenance section of
this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped
from the factory already filled with summer
weight oil.
1. Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
2. Putt up and remove oil fill cap/dipstick;
wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the
tube and push down firmly into place.
Remove and read oil level. If necessary,
add oil until "FULE' mark on dipstick is
reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See the oil
viscosity chart inthe Maintenance section
of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance
section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
* Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do
not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase
fuel in quantities that can be used within
30 days to ensure fuel freshness.
_ CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuet.
Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an
open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help ensure good
cold weather starting.
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. Use
fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-
tions for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in
minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits
during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in
fuel tank or storage container. Always follow
the mix ratio found on stabilizer container.
Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the
carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank and
carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
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