Craftsman 917.27581 owner manual Mowing Tips

Page 16

5.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 fi fteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

6. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

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)

6.When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, imme-

diately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the temperature, the longer the warm-up).

The attachments can also be used dur- ing the engine warm-up period.

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).

MOWING TIPS

Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution 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.

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and pos- sible fi re hazard from dried clippings.

Make fi rst cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.

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 gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the at- tachment being used.

16

Image 16
Contents Lawn Tractor Table of Contents WarrantySafety Rules General OperationService Safe Handling of Gasoline II. Slope OperationIII. Children IV. TowingGeneral Service Product Specifications Sears Installation ServiceCustomer Responsibilities Repair Protection AgreementsUnassembled Parts Steering WheelASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION Tools Required for AssemblyTo Remove Tractor from Carton Before Removing Tractor from SkidCheck Battery Check Tire Pressure Check Deck LevelnessCheck for Proper Position of ALL Belts Check Brake SystemOperation Know Your Tractor ROS onHOW to USE Your Tractor To Operate Mower Using the Reverse Operation SystemOperating in Reverse Before Starting the Engine To Start EngineMowing Tips Maintenance Lubrication ChartGeneral Recommendations Before Each USETractor Battery EngineTransaxle Cooling BeltsClean AIR Screen Engine OIL FilterEngine Cooling System AIR Filter MufflerService and Adjustments CleaningTo Install Mower To Remove MowerTo Level Mower Housing SIDE-TO-SIDE AdjustmentBelt Installation To Replace Mower Blade Drive BeltTo Check and Adjust Brake To Adjust BrakeTo Check Brake To Replace Motion Drive BeltTransaxle Gear Shift Lever NEU- Tral Adjustment To Adjust Steering Wheel ALIGN- MentTo Remove Wheel for Repairs Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERTo Replace Fuse Replacing Battery To Remove CABLES, Reverse OrderTo Replace Headlight Bulb Interlocks and RelaysTo Adjust Throttle Control Cable To Adjust CarburetorPreliminary Setting Final SettingStorage BatteryOther Troubleshooting Chart Problem Cause CorrectionExcessive Mower blades will Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Get it fixed, at your home or ours