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).

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

Before driving the unit in cold weather,

the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

1.Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

2.Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position.

3.Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during

the engine warm up period.

• The attachments can also be used dur- ing the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up.

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).

PURGE TRANSMISSION

_CAUTION: Never engage or dis- engage freewheel lever while the engine is running.

To ensure proper operation and per- formance, it is recommended that the

transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the trans- mission 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 reinstall- ation before operating the tractor.

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

2.Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in disengaged posi- tion (See "TO TRANSPORT' in this section of manual).

3.Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. Disen- gage parking brake.

4.Depress forward drive pedal to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Depress reverse drive pedal to full reverse posi- tion and hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Repeat this procedure three (3) times.

NOTE: During this step there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive system.

5.Shutoff engine and set parking brake.

6.Engage transmission by placing free-

wheel control in engaged position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section of

manual).

7.Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage parking brake.

8.Drive tractor forward for approximately five feet then backwards for five feet.

Repeat this driving procedure three times.

Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal operation.

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 trac- tor. This will result in a more even distri-

bution 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.

16

Page 15 Page 17
Page 16
Image 16
Craftsman 917.273481 manual Mowing Tips, Automatic Transmission Warm UP, Purge Transmission
Page 15 Page 17

917.273481 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273481 is a robust and versatile lawn tractor designed to enhance the efficiency and ease of lawn care tasks. This machine is ideal for homeowners with medium to large yards, providing them with a reliable solution for mowing, mulching, and even towing light loads.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.273481 is its powerful 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. This reliable engine ensures smooth operation, excellent performance, and the ability to tackle various terrains with ease. The engine is complemented by a smooth and responsive hydrostatic transmission, allowing for effortless speed adjustments and better maneuverability while navigating lawn obstacles.

The cutting deck on this model is a significant highlight, featuring a 42-inch wide blade system that provides a clean and consistent cut with every pass. The adjustable cutting height, which can be set to various levels, allows users to customize the lawn care according to specific needs and grass types. Additionally, the deck's innovative design promotes better airflow, resulting in enhanced grass clipping dispersion for a healthier lawn.

Another admirable characteristic of the Craftsman 917.273481 is its comfort-driven design. Equipped with an ergonomically designed seat and easy-to-use control panel, it ensures comfort during prolonged use. The tractor’s compact size allows for easy navigation in tight spaces and around flower beds, making it a practical choice for residential gardens.

The Craftsman 917.273481 also incorporates advanced technologies that increase its functionality. Its optional mulching kit allows for efficient grass recycling, potentially reducing the need for bagging clippings. The lawn tractor is also compatible with various attachments, such as snow plows and carts, enhancing its versatility beyond just mowing.

In terms of durability, the Craftsman brand is known for its robust construction, and this model is no exception. The frame is built to withstand the rigors of regular use, while the high-quality materials used in the manufacturing process contribute to its longevity and reliability.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.273481 is an excellent investment for anyone looking to maintain their lawn efficiently. Its combination of power, comfort, and versatility makes it a standout choice in the range of residential lawn tractors. Whether you're mowing, mulching, or tackling other outdoor tasks, this model is designed to get the job done effectively.
Top Page Image Contents