Craftsman 917271150 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

MODEL NO. 271150

13.5 HP 38 INCH LAWN TRACTOR

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Troubleshooting

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor:

call 1-800-849-1297 ForTechnicalAssistance: call 1-800-829-5886

• Repair Parts

185514 11,25.02 RD

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Safety Rules .......................................... 2

Product Specifications ........................... 5

Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 7

Operation ............................................. 10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 16

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw-

ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions in the manual and on the machine

before starting.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate

the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-

lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

° Be aware of the mower discharge direc-

tion and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in

place.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unat-

tended. Always turn off blades, set park- ing brake, stop engine, and remove keys

before dismounting.

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass

catcher or unclogging chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or un- loading the machine into a trailer or

truck.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60

years and above, are involved in a large

percentage of dding mower-related in-

juries. These operators should evaluate

their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

Maintenance ........................................ 16

Service and Adjustments ..................... 20

Storage ................................................ 25

Troubleshooting ................................... 26

Repair Parts ......................................... 30

Warranty .............................................. 46

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch

hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow

leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel

spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before

storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss- of-control and tipover accidents, which can

result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back

up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do

not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-

even terrain could overturn the machine.

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift

while on the slope.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommend- ations for wheel weights or counter-

weights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change

the stability of the machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not make sudden

changes in speed or direction.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.

If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight

down the slope.

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless neces-

sary, and then, turn slowly and grad- ually downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could

suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge

caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not use grass catcher on steep

slopes.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted,to the ma-

chine and the mowing activity. Neveras-

sume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Never carry children. They may tall off and be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine,

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and

other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is

an open flame, such as a

water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-

ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build.up. Clean oil or fuel spillage, Allow machine to cool before

storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

• Grass catcher components are subject

to wear, damage, and deterioration.

which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Ad- just and service as required.

_anap_er.(_ (_ _)

• Be sure the area is clear of other people • Be alert and turn machine off if children before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enter the area.

enters the area.

• Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off,

• Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and

behind before and while backing.

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed, Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift

while on the slope.

• Avoidstartingorstoppingon aslope.If tireslosetraction,disengagetheblades

andproceedslowlystraightdownthe slope.

• Ifmachinestopswhilegoinguphill, disengageblades,shiftintoreverseand

backdownslowly.

• Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary, andthen,turnslowlyandgradually

downhill,ifpossible.

_I, WARNING:Inordertopreventac-

cidentalstartingwhensettingup,trans- porting,adjustingormakingrepairs, alwaysdisconnectsparkplugwireand

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

_I_WARNING. Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

_b WARNING: Tow only the attachments

that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing.

Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. 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. ,_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some

of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other reproduc-

tive harm.

,_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals

and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling,

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline 1.25

Capacity and Unleaded and

Type: Regular

Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) (API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30

(below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 3 Pints Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030")

Ground Speed (MPH):

Forward: 1st 1.1

2nd 2.2 3rd 3.4 4th 4.3

5th 5.5

Reverse: 1.7

Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI

Rear: 12 PSI

Charging 3 Amps Battery System: 5 Amps Headlights

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in main- taining, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Mainte- nance" and "Storage" sections of this

owner's manual.

_ILWARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-

proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark

arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working

order by the operator. In the state of California the above is

required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other

states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark ar- rester for the muffler is available through

your nearest authorized service center/de- partment (See REPAIR PARTS section of

this manual).

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed,

engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance. Should you experience any problem you

cannot easily remedy, please contact

your nearest authodzed service center/ department. We have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper tools to

service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The

instructions will enable you to assemble

and maintain your tractor properly. Always

observe the "SAFETY RULES".

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

(1) Hex 8olt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4

_L Steedng Wheel

Adapter

(1) Hex nut 1/2-20

(1) Locknut

1/4-28 _teedngBoot

Seat

17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

(1) Large Flat Washer

Steering

Extension Shaft

(1) Washer

_rain Tub_

For Future Use

Keys

I_(1)Knob

Slope Sheet

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before you begin.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need

are listed below. (1) 3/4"wrench (1) Pliers

(2) 7/16"wrench (1) Utility knife (1) Tire pressure gauge ,

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means, from your point of

view, when you are in the operating posi- tion (seated behind the steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM

CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes from carton.

2. Cut along dotted lines on all four pan- els of carton. Remove end panels and

lay side panels flat.

3. Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR

FROM SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel.

8. Remove protective materials from trac- tor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires

where tractor is to roll off skid.

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

1. Slide extension shaft onto lower steer- ing shaft. Align mounting holes in ex-

tension and lower shafts and install 1/4 hex bolt and Iocknut. Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut se- curely to 10-12 ft. Ibs torque.

2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

3. Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward.

4. Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.

5. Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide

inside boot and onto adapter.

6. Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex nut and tighten securely.

HOWTO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

1. Remove adjustment knob and flat

washer securing seat to cardboard

packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the

cardboard packing and discard.

3. Place seat on seat pan so head of

shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan.

4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder

bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor.

5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as-

semble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.

6. Lower seat into operating position and

sit in seat.

7. Slide seat until a comfortable position

is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

8. Get off seat without moving its ad-

justed position.

9, Raise seat and tighten adjustment

knob securely.

Shoulder

Seat

Flat Washer

Adjustmenl Knob

CHECK BATTERY

1. Uft seat pan to raised position.

NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label

(label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10

amps. (See 'BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual for charging instruc-

tions).

Seat

Terminal

Termin_

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate

instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid.

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See

Operation section for location and

function of controls)

1. Press lift lever plunger and raise

attachment lift lever to its highest po- sition.

2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal.

3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

4. Roll tractor forward off skid.

5. Remove banding holding deflector shield up against tractor.

TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See

Operation section for location and

function of controls) A(_WARNING: Before starting, read, un-

derstand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure

tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other

people and objects.

1. Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed.

2. Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline.

3. Sit on seat in operating position.

depress clutch/brake pedal and set the

parking brake,

4. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

5. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest posi-

tion.

6. Start the engine. After engine has started, move throttle control to idle

position.

7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position and hold. Move

gearshift lever to 1st gear.

8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive tractor off skid.

9. Apply brake to stop tractor, set park- ing brake and place gearshift lever in

neutral position.

10. Turn ignition key to "STOP" position.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECKTIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overin-

flated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best

cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section

of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replac-

ing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are

muted correctly. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower hous- ing should be properly leveled. See "TO

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your trac-

tor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in

the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

,/" CHECKLIST

Before you operate your new tractor, we

wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product.

Please review the following checklist:

,Z All assembly instructions have been

completed.

#" No remaining loose parts in carton. ,1"Battery is properly prepared and

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).

# Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-

ened securely.

,/All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-

ping purposes, the tires were overin-

flated at the factory).

J Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated

for leveling).

,/Check mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys

and inside all belt keepers.

,I' Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly

clamped. While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra attention to the following important

items:

•/ Engine oil is at proper level. ,/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regu-

lar unleaded gasoline. ,/Become familiar with all controls, their

location and function. Operate them

before you start the engine. ,/Be sure brake system is in safe operat-

ing condition.

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product.

Learn and understand their meaning.

R N H L I',,I

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNmON

ENGINE OFF UGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE

OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT

LIGHT

LOCKED UNLOCKED

@@@@@

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automate Models only)

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

Failure to follow instructions

could result in serious injury or

death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform-

ation about hazards which can _.dr. result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.

Jl¢

AND FEET AWAY

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious iniury.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when usedwithout the alert symbol, indicatesa situationthatcould result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicatesa hazardwhich,

ifnotavoided, could result In death, serious Injury and/or property damage.

FIRE indicatesa hazardwhich,ifnotavoided, could result in death, serious Injury and/or property damage.

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of

various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Attachment Clutch Lever Ignition Switch

"itSwitch Position

Lever

Plunger

Throttle/Choke Control

"Attachment

LiftLever

Pedal

Gearshift Lever

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the

Amedcan National Standards Institute.

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage the mower blades, or other at-

tachments mounted to your tractor. ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to

raise, lower, and adjust the mower deck or

other attachments mounted to your tractor.

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for

declutching and braking the tractor and

starting the engine. GEARSHIFT LEVER - Selects the speed

and direction of tractor.

o Height

Adjustment

Indicator

Brake Lever

IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting

and stopping the engine.

LIFT LEVER PLUNGER - Used to re- lease attachment lift lever when changing

its position. LIGHT SWITCH POSITION - Turns the

headlights on and off.

PARKING BRAKE LEVER - Locks clutch/brake pedal into the brake position.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for starting and controlling engine speed.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses

or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments

or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE

Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator

to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and hold.

2. Pull parking brake lever up and release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should remain in brake

position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.

Attachment Clutch

Throttle/Choke Lever "Engaged" Control -- _., ,, ,\__ _%_./ Position

"_,k_:_ _;.._/Ignition Key

'/'o,sengaged

C_u!cn/ ] ,-_.'_'_===J_ [;_.JPosition BraKe I _ \ \ .--_\ "YP

Pedal_ _ '_ \\;, \ ,/A Parking

", _\, \ _' _ /Brake

I ""_,"_ '_'__.-_ "Engaged"

I _',_" .... _;_ Position

_arshifl

/_ _ / _ Lever

"Brake" "Disengaged" Position Position

STOPPING MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, move at- tachment clutch lever to disengaged

position.

GROUND DRIVE -

• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/

brake pedal all the way down.

• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N)

position,

ENGINE -

• Move throttle control to slow position. NOTE: Failure to move throttle control

to slow position to allow engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to

"backfire".

• Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key when

leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized

use.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch

in any position other than "STOP" will

cause the battery to discharge and go

dead.

NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine

running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate

this possibility, always stop engine when

stopping tractor on grass areas. _CAUTION: Always stop tractor

completely, as described above, before

leaving the operator's position.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL Always operate engine at full throttle.

• Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the battery charging

rate.

• Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower performance,

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

The direction and speed of movement is

controlled by the gearshift lever.

1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal

depressed and gearshift lever in neu- tral (N) position.

2. Move gearshift lever to desired po-

sition.

3. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement,

IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete stop before shifting or changing gears.

Failure to do so will shorten the useful life of your transaxle.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of the attachment lift lever

determines the cutting height.

• Grasp lift lever.

• Press plunger with thumb and move

lever to desired position.

The cutting height range is approxi-

mately 1-1/2 to 4", The heights are measured from the ground to the blade

tip with the engine not running. These

heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of

grass and types of grass being mowed.

• The average lawn should be cut to ap- proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool

season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking

lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.

• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed

twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the

engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine.

1. Select desired height of cut.

2. Start mower blades by engaging at-

tachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control.

A(_CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher,

on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

Attachment Clutch Lever "Engaged" Position

Lift Lever High Position

control lever to slower position.

• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi-

tion and engage parking brake.

• Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

• To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

• Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment lift to highest position

with attachment lift control.

• When pushing or towing your tractor,

be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position.

• Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.

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.

Position

Shield

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

_I, WARNING: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do

not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide provided at the back of this manual.

• Choose the slowest speed before start-

ing up or down hills.

• Avoid stopping or changing speed on

hills.

• If slowing is necessary, move throttle

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 "FULU' mark on dipstick is

reached. Do not overfill.

• For cold weather operation you should

change oil for easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte-

nance 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

_l_Aure fuel freshness.

UTION: 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. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set

parking brake.

2. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)

position.

3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

4. Move throttle control to choke position.

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm

and cold starting procedures below.

5. 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)

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

• 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.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below)

6. When engine starts, leave throttle

control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly.

Once rough running begins, imme-

diately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may

take from several seconds to several

minutes (the colder the temperature,

the longer the warm-up).

• The attachments can also be used dur-

ing the engine warm-up period.

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).

MOWING TIPS

• Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor.

• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual.

• The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

• Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of

the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more

uniform cutting.

• When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished.

• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and pos-

sible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second

to the desired height.

• Do not mow grass when it is wet.

Wet grass will plug mower and leave

undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

• Always operate engine at full throttle

when mowing to assure better mow-

ing performance and proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the

mower cutting performance as well as

the quality of cut desired.

• When operating attachments, select a

ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the at- tachment being used.

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