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

ATrACHMENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended 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 10se control of your tractor.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

•The e'ngine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

•Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

•Unthread and remove oil fill cap/ dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap

on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. 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 CHART" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

•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 tem- peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.

A WARNING: 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 fue_ system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or

Iong.er. 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 information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: 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 flame.

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.

•Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position.

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

•Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.

•Move attachment clutch to "DISEN-

GAGED" position.

• Move throttle control to choke position. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

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Craftsman 917.271142 manual Before Starting the Engine, ADD Gasoline, Check Engine OIL Level, To Start Engine
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917.271142 specifications

The Craftsman 917.271142 is a versatile and robust lawn mower that caters to homeowners seeking an efficient solution for their yard care needs. This model is designed for residential use and combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.271142 is its powerful 21-inch steel deck, which provides an ideal cutting width for tackling a variety of grass conditions. This deck is designed for durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of lawn maintenance season after season. The mower's adjustable cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, offering flexibility to achieve the desired grass length to suit individual preferences and seasonal variations.

The Craftsman 917.271142 is equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its potent performance and ease of start. This engine provides sufficient power to handle thick grass and tough terrain while ensuring consistent cutting results. Additionally, the mower includes a self-propelled feature, which significantly reduces fatigue during long mowing sessions, allowing users to navigate uneven landscapes effortlessly.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.271142 integrates a mulch kit, allowing for efficient grass clipping recycling. This system breaks down clippings into fine pieces that can be evenly distributed back onto the lawn, promoting healthier soil and reducing waste. For those who prefer traditional bagging, the mower also features a rear bagger option, making cleanup a breeze.

User convenience is further enhanced by ergonomic design elements. The adjustable handle ensures a comfortable grip for different user heights and can be easily folded for compact storage. The mower's large rear wheels provide improved maneuverability on various terrains, giving users better control during operation.

Maintenance is straightforward due to the mower's design, enabling easy access to the air filter and spark plug, which simplifies routine check-ups and repairs. Overall, the Craftsman 917.271142 combines power, efficiency, and user-centric features to make lawn care less of a chore and more of an enjoyable outdoor activity. Whether you are dealing with an expansive yard or a smaller garden, this mower is engineered to deliver reliable performance year after year.
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