Remove oil till cap/dipstick and wipe clean, minsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary,

add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

For cold weather operation you should

change oil for easier starting (See "OIL

VISCOSITY CHAR-r" in the Mainten- ance section of this manual).

To change engine oil, see the Mainten- ance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

f

Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide

deposits and reduce valve life). Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in 'quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good

_dweather starting.

ARNING: Experience indicates that 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 emp- tied 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 informa- tion. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or perma- _nct damage may occur.

AUTI_ON: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not.store, spill or use gasoline near an open fl_me.

TO START ENGINE

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.

Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

Move attachment clutch to "DISEN- GAGED" 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 ignitionand 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 slight- ly 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 slight- ly 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.

The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.

NOTE: 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 "-IOADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

15

Page 15
Image 15
Craftsman 917.27077 ADD Gasoline, To Start Engine, Warm Weather Starting 50 F Above, Cold Weather Starting 50 F and below

917.27077 specifications

The Craftsman 917.27077 is a versatile and powerful garden tractor designed for homeowners who seek performance, reliability, and ease of use in their lawn care equipment. Engineered with a robust build and advanced technologies, it caters to a wide range of outdoor tasks, from mowing to hauling.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.27077 is its 24-horsepower Kohler engine. This powerful engine delivers the necessary torque for efficient cutting and handling of various terrains, making it suitable for both flat lawns and hilly landscapes. The reliable engine is known for its longevity and low maintenance requirements, ensuring that homeowners can rely on it for many seasons.

Another significant aspect of the 917.27077 is its 42-inch cutting deck. This size strikes a perfect balance between maneuverability and mowing efficiency, allowing users to cover substantial ground while easily navigating through tight spaces and around obstacles. Equipped with cutting height adjustments, the deck can be set to different positions, providing flexibility for achieving the desired grass height.

The garden tractor also features a hydrostatic transmission, which offers smooth and user-friendly operation. Unlike traditional gear systems, hydrostatic transmissions allow for seamless speed and direction changes without the need to shift gears. This functionality enhances user comfort, especially during lengthy mowing sessions, making the Craftsman 917.27077 an excellent choice for homeowners.

In terms of characteristics, the Craftsman 917.27077 is designed with an ergonomic seat that ensures comfort during use. The adjustable seat can accommodate various user heights, ensuring a comfortable grip on the steering wheel for optimal control. Additionally, the tractor features a user-friendly control panel with intuitive controls for easy operation.

Another noteworthy feature is the built-in mulching capability. This technology allows for the grass clippings to be finely chopped and returned to the lawn as natural fertilizer, promoting a healthier grass ecosystem. This not only saves time but also reduces waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.27077 exemplifies a well-rounded garden tractor that combines power, comfort, and innovative technology. Whether tackling routine lawn maintenance or more demanding landscape tasks, this garden tractor provides reliability and performance that homeowners can depend on. Its user-friendly features and advanced characteristics make it a valuable addition to any outdoor toolkit.