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 917.273648 Towing Carts and Other Attach Ments, Before Starting the Engine Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

917.273648 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273648 is a powerful and versatile riding lawn mower designed for homeowners who seek efficiency in lawn maintenance. This riding mower is equipped with a robust 24-horsepower Kohler engine, ensuring it can tackle even the most challenging terrains with ease. Its reliable performance is matched with an easy-start feature, allowing you to fire up the engine without hassle.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.273648 is its cutting deck, which measures 46 inches. This wide cutting deck allows for a more extensive mowing area, reducing the time spent on large lawns. The deck is engineered from high-quality steel, providing durability and resilience against wear and tear. Additionally, the deck height can be adjusted to six different positions ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, giving users the flexibility to achieve their desired grass length.

The mower also incorporates advanced technologies such as a hydrostatic transmission, allowing for smooth and seamless speed adjustments while driving. This feature enhances the mowing experience, making it comfortable to navigate around obstacles without needing to shift gears manually. The tight turning radius of the Craftsman 917.273648 enables efficient maneuvering, making it easier to turn around flower beds or other landscaping features.

In terms of operator comfort, the Craftsman 917.273648 includes an ergonomic seat with ample padding, designed to minimize fatigue during extended mowing sessions. The controls are intuitively laid out, ensuring that users can operate the mower with minimal effort. Furthermore, the mower is equipped with an oversized lap bar, making it simple to control steering and braking.

Safety features are also a priority with this model. It comes with a safety switch that automatically shuts off the mower if the operator leaves the seat, preventing accidents. The rear engine placement enhances visibility while mowing, ensuring that users can safely navigate their landscapes.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.273648 combines power, comfort, and safety in a reliable riding mower. With its robust engine, versatile cutting deck, and user-friendly features, it stands out as a top choice for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently.