1, Be surelawnmoweris level,

2.Removeoil dipstickfromoil fill spout.

3.You receivea containerof oilwith the uniL Slowlypourtheentirecontainer

downtheoilfill spoutinto the engine. NOTE:Initialoilfill requiresonly 18 oz. due to residualoil in enginefrom the manufacturersI00% qualitytesting. Whenchangingoil you mayneed20 oz.

4.Insertand tightendipstick.

IMPORTANT:

• Checkoil levelbeforeeach use. Add oil

if needed,,Fill to full lineon dipstick°

-Changetheoil after every25 hoursof operationor eachseason. Youmay needto changethe oil moreoften

underdusty,dirtyconditions,,See "TO CHANGEENGINEOIL"in the Mainte- nancesectionof this manual,

Engine oil cap

Primer

Gasoline filler cap

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. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh- ness_

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or'use gasoline

near an open flame.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) 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 fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer° Empty 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° 9

TO STOP ENGINE

o To stop engine, release operator pres _ ence control bar°

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal°

1.To start a cold engine, push primer' three (3) times before trying to start° Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an

engine which has already run for a few minutes.

2_ Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start° If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

,_ CAUTION: Do not use de4hatcher

blade attachments on your mower° Such attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower and could void your warranty_ o Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise

tile height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings

It may also be necessary to reduce

ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

°For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly

°For better grass bagging and most cut- ting conditions, the engine speed should

be set in the FAST position°

o Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using°

,,Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

Page 9
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Craftsman 917.388191 manual ADD Gasoline, To Stop Engine, To Start Engine, Mowing Tips

38819, 917.388191 specifications

The Craftsman 917.388191 is a versatile and powerful lawn tractor, designed for homeowners who desire both efficiency and ease of use in their lawn maintenance tasks. This model showcases a blend of advanced technology, user-friendly features, and robust construction, making it an ideal choice for those with medium to large lawns.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.388191 is its reliable engine. Powered by a potent 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, it delivers sufficient power to tackle various mowing and gardening tasks with ease. This engine is designed for optimal performance, ensuring smooth operation and durability, which means less downtime and more time enjoying a well-manicured lawn.

The tractor boasts a 42-inch cutting deck, allowing users to cover more ground in less time. The cutting height can be easily adjusted between several positions, providing flexibility for users to achieve their desired lawn finish. This feature is especially useful in adapting to different grass types and varying seasonal growth patterns.

Another significant aspect of this model is its hydrostatic transmission, which offers a smooth and effortless driving experience. With no gears to shift, users can enjoy seamless acceleration and deceleration, making it easier to maneuver the tractor around obstacles and tight corners. This feature significantly enhances the overall user experience and efficiency during operation.

Comfort is another priority in the Craftsman 917.388191 design. The adjustable high-back seat provides ample support, ensuring users can operate the tractor for extended periods without discomfort. Moreover, the ergonomically designed controls are easy to reach and use, making the mowing process more convenient.

Maintenance is made simple with the inclusion of an automatic blade engagement system, which allows users to start the blades simply by engaging a lever. This not only saves time but also promotes safety by minimizing the risk of accidental engagement.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.388191 is a robust lawn tractor that combines power, efficiency, and comfort. Its reliable engine, large cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, and user-friendly features make it an excellent investment for homeowners looking to maintain their outdoor spaces effectively. Whether dealing with a regular mowing schedule or tackling overgrown areas, this tractor demonstrates its versatility and reliability with each use. With Craftsman’s reputation for quality and innovation, the 917.388191 is a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a lawn tractor.