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, 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 the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, seethe Maintenance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not

overfill. Usefresh, 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 ensure 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 tem- peratures 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 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 fuet 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 inthe 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 trans- mission engaged position.

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

3.Place motion control lever in neutral 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.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°0 and above)

7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.

•The attachments and ground drive can now be used. Ifthe engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to

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

COLD WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and below)

7.When enginestarts, leavethrottle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, immediately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the tem- perature, the longer the warm-up).

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as fol- lows:

1.Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

2.Placethe motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/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 CARBU R ETO R" in the Service

and Adjustments section of this manual).

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Craftsman 917.289362 owner manual Before Starting the Engine Check Engine OIL Level
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917.289362 specifications

The Craftsman 917.289362 is a robust and versatile lawn tractor that epitomizes the dedication to quality and functionality that Craftsman is well-known for. Designed for homeowners with medium to large yards, this lawn tractor stands out with its efficient performance and user-friendly features.

One of the main features of the Craftsman 917.289362 is its powerful engine. It is equipped with a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine that provides ample power to tackle various lawn care tasks. This reliable engine ensures smooth operation and quick starts, allowing users to mow their lawns effectively without hassles. The engine is paired with a hydrostatic transmission, which offers an effortless driving experience, enabling users to switch between speeds seamlessly without the need for manual gear shifting.

The cutting deck is another highlight of the Craftsman 917.289362. With a 42-inch deck size and a cutting height adjustment feature, this lawn tractor allows users to achieve a precise cut. The deck also comes with anti-scalp wheels, which prevent damage to the lawn and ensure even cutting across various terrains. The deck design also facilitates easy grass discharge or mulching, providing flexibility based on user preference.

Comfort is key when it comes to lawn maintenance, and the Craftsman 917.289362 does not disappoint. It features a high-back seat with adjustable settings to ensure maximum comfort during prolonged use. The ergonomic steering wheel design allows for easy maneuverability, making it simple to navigate around obstacles in the yard.

In terms of technology, this lawn tractor includes an advanced maintenance reminder system that alerts users when it's time for servicing. This feature ensures that the tractor remains in peak condition, thus prolonging its lifespan. Additionally, the tractor is designed with a cutting-edge air filtration system that enhances engine performance and efficiency, allowing for longer intervals between servicing.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.289362 is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a dependable and efficient lawn tractor. Its combination of a powerful engine, user-friendly design, and advanced features makes it suitable for a variety of lawn care tasks, ensuring that users achieve a beautifully manicured lawn with ease. Whether you're mowing, hauling, or mulching, this lawn tractor delivers reliability and performance, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor toolkit.
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