Transmission Engaged

Transmission Disengaged

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 ATTACH-

MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended 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 lose control of your tractor.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

1.Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

2.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, re- move 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 the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual).

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

ADD GASOLINE

Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will in- crease carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti- ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

All, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

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

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion 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 emptied 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 information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

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.

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

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

3.Place motion control lever in neutral

(N)position.

4.Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

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

6.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 fifteen 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.

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Craftsman 917.273642 Towing Carts and Other Attach Ments, Before Starting the Engine Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

917.273642 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273642 is a riding lawn mower designed to combine efficiency, power, and user comfort for homeowners managing sizable lawn areas. This model stands out as an essential gardening tool, specifically engineered to make mowing tasks simpler and more enjoyable.

One of the main features of the Craftsman 917.273642 is its robust 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. This powerful engine ensures reliable starting and sufficient power to tackle tough grass and larger terrains. The mower also incorporates a smooth-running automatic transmission, allowing users to shift seamlessly between different speeds while maintaining control and stability.

Another key characteristic of this riding mower is its 42-inch cutting deck. This mid-sized deck provides an optimal balance between cutting efficiency and maneuverability, especially in tight spots or around obstacles. The deck is equipped with a six-position height adjustment system, enabling users to customize the cutting height according to the specific requirements of their lawn.

The Craftsman 917.273642 also features an innovative debris management system with side discharge capability, allowing clippings to be expelled directly to the side, providing a cleaner cut and reducing the need for bagging. For added convenience, the model is equipped with optional mulching capabilities, enabling users to finely chop grass clippings and return them to the lawn as natural fertilizer.

User comfort is paramount in the design of the Craftsman 917.273642. The mower incorporates a spacious and ergonomically designed seat, featuring a high back for enhanced support, ensuring users can operate the machine for extended periods without discomfort. The easy-to-reach controls are strategically located on the dashboard, allowing for a user-friendly experience.

In addition to its impressive features, the Craftsman 917.273642 comes with durability in mind. The heavy-duty steel frame and reinforced deck ensure that the mower can withstand the rigors of frequent use while providing a long life span.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.273642 is more than just a lawn mower. It represents a blend of modern technology, user-centric design, and the durability that the Craftsman brand is well known for, making it a valuable addition to any homeowner's gardening toolkit. Whether you have a small yard or a larger landscape, this riding mower is designed to meet your landscaping needs with precision and ease.