Craftsman 917.271142 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
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 and
above)
When enginestarts, movethethrottle
control to the fast position.
The attachments and ground drive
can now be used. If the engine does
not accept the load, restart the en-
gine and allow it to warm up for one
minute using the choke as described
above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and
below)
When engine starts, allow engine to run
with the throttle control in the choke
position until the engine runs roughly,
then move throttle control to fast
position. This may require an engine
warm-up period from several seconds
to several minutes, depending on the
temperature.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP
Before driving the unit in cold weather,
the transmission should be warmed up
as follows:
Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
Place the motion control lever in
neutral. Release the parking brake and
let the clutch/brake slowly return to
operating position.
Allow one minute for transmission to
warm up. This can be done during the
engine warm up period.
The attachments can also be used
during 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 CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
PURGE TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Never engage or disen-
gage freewheel lever while the engine is
running.
To ensure proper operation and perfor-
mance, it is recommended that the
transmission be purged before operating
tractor for the first time. This procedure will
remove any trapped air inside the
transmission which may have developed
during shipping of your tractor.
IMPORTANT: Should your transmission
require removal for service or replace-
ment, it should be purged after reinstalla-
tion before operating the tractor.
Place tractor safely on level surface
with engine off and parking brake set.
Disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheeling
position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this
section of manual).
Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine.
After the engine is running, move
throttle control to slow position. With
motion control lever in neutral (N)
position, slowly disengage clutch/brake
pedal.
Move motion control lever to full forward
position and hold for five (5) seconds.
Move lever to full reverse position and
hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this
procedure three (3) times.
NOTE: During this procedure there will
be no movement of drive wheels. The air
is being removed from hydraulic drive
system.
Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position. Shut- off engine and set
parking brake.
Engage transmission by placing
freewheel control in driving position
(See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section
of manual).
Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine.
After the engine is running, move
throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With
motion control lever in neutral (N)
position, slowly disengage clutch/brake
pedal.
Slowly move motion control lever
forward, after the tractor moves approxi-
mately five (5) feet, slowly move motion
control lever to reverse position. After
the tractor moves approximately five (5)
feet return the motion control lever to
the neutral (N) position. Repeat this
procedure with the motion control lever
three (3) times.
Your tractor is now purged and now
ready for normal operation.
15