COLDWEATHERSTARTING (50 ° FAND

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 en- gine 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 transm ssion should be warmed up as follows:

Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

Place the motion control lever in neu- tral. Release the parking brake and

let the clutch/brake slowly return to operating position.

Allow one minute for transmission 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: 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 'q'OADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

PURGE TRANSMISSION

A('_CAUTION; Never engage or disen- gage freewheel lever while the engine is

running.

To ensure proper operation and perfor- mance, it is recommended that the trans-

mission be purged before operating trac- tor for the first time. This procedure will re- move any trapped air inside the transmis-

sion which may have developed during shipping of your tractor.

IMPORTANT: Should your transmission require removal for service or replace- ment, it should be purged after reinstalla- tion before operating the tractor.

Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and parking brake set.

Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling posi- tion (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this sec- tion of manual).

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running move thrott e control to slow position. With

motion control lever in neutral (N) posi- tion, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.

Move motion control lever to full for- ward position and hold for five (5) sec-

onds. Move lever to full reverse positior and hold for five (5) seconds. 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.

Move motion control lever to neutral (N_ position. Shut off engine and set park- ing brake.

Engage transmission by placing free-

wheel control in driving position (See 'qO TRANSPORT" in this section of

manual).

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) posi- tion, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.

Slowly move motion control lever for- ward; after the tractor moves approxi- mately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After

the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to

the neutral (N) position. Repeat this procedure with the motion control lever three (3) times.

Your tractor is now purged and ready

for normal operation.

MOWING TIPS

Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See 'q'O

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Ser-

vice 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 been cut. Have

the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribu-

tion of clippings and more uniform cut- ting.

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.

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Craftsman 917.270822 Coldweatherstarting 50 Fand Below, Automatic Transmission WARM-UP, Purge Transmission, Mowing Tips