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.

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs

servicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours.

To service engine and mower, see the

Maintenance section of this manual. NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not running.

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 filler neck. Do not overfill. 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 quan-

tities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

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

IMPORTANT: When operating in temper-

atures below32°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 brake pedal and set parking brake.

3.Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

4.Move throttle control to fast position

5.Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed.

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, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke con- trol out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above)

7.When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. 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.

The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and

allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

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Craftsman 917.28726 Towing Carts and Other Attach Ments, Before Starting the Engine Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

917.28726 specifications

The Craftsman 917.28726 is a lawn tractor designed for both residential and light commercial use, making lawn maintenance a breeze. This robust machine is packed with features and technologies that enhance its performance, ease of use, and overall functionality.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.28726 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a reliable 20 HP Briggs & Stratton motor, this tractor provides ample power to tackle tough mowing conditions and challenging terrains. Its automatic transmission allows for smooth acceleration and deceleration, making it ideal for users of all experience levels.

The 917.28726 comes with a 42-inch cutting deck, which is designed to handle medium to large lawns effectively and efficiently. The cutting height can be easily adjusted, providing versatility to manage different grass lengths. This feature ensures a clean and even cut, promoting the health and aesthetics of your lawn.

Another important characteristic of the Craftsman 917.28726 is its user-friendly design. The seat features a comfortable cushioning system and ergonomic armrests, making long mowing sessions much more enjoyable. The easy-to-reach controls are intuitively designed, allowing users to quickly adjust settings without interrupting their mowing rhythm.

Safety is also a priority with the Craftsman 917.28726. It is equipped with a safety switch that prevents operation when the operator is not in the seat, reducing the risk of accidents. Moreover, the tractor's strong build quality, reinforced frame, and reliable braking system provide peace of mind while operating on inclines or uneven surfaces.

The tractor also integrates modern technologies such as a quick-connect deck wash system, which simplifies maintenance and keeps the cutting deck clean for optimal performance. The heavy-duty tires provide excellent traction, ensuring stability on various terrains.

In conclusion, the Craftsman 917.28726 combines power, efficiency, and user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for homeowners and light commercial users. With its durable construction, versatile cutting options, and safety enhancements, this lawn tractor stands out in the market, providing a reliable solution to meet your lawn care needs. Whether you are tackling your backyard or maintaining a larger property, the Craftsman 917.28726 delivers performance and reliability in every cut.