Craftsman 917.20380 Operator's Manual

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TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-MENTSTow only the attachments that are recom-mended by and comply with specificationsof the manufacturer of your tractor. Usecommon sense when towing. Too heavy ofa load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tirescan lose traction with the ground and causeyou to lose control of your tractor.REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)Your tractor is equipped with a ReverseOperation System (ROS). Any attempt bythe operator to travel in the reverse directionwith the attachment clutch engaged will shutoff the engine unless ignition key is placedin the ROS "ON" position._WARNING: Backing up with the at-tachment clutch engaged while mowing isstrongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON",to allow reverse operation with the attach-ment clutch engaged, should only be donewhen the operator decides it is necessary toreposition the machine with the attachmentengaged. Do not mow in reverse unlessabsolutely necessary.USING THE REVERSE OPERATIONSYSTEM -Only use if you are certain no children orother bystanders will enter the mowing area.1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the waydown and hold.2. With engine running, turn ignition keycounterclockwise to ROS "ON" position.3. Look down and behind before and whilebacking.4. Move gear shift lever to reverse (R)position and slowly release clutch/brakepedal to start movement.5. When use of the ROS is no longerneeded, turn the ignition key clockwiseto engine "ON" position.ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position(Normal Operating)13BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINECHECK ENGINE OIL LEVELThe engine in your tractor has been shippedfrom the factory already filled with summerweight oil.1. Check engine oil with tractor on levelground.2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipeclean, reinsertthe dipstick and screw captight, wait for a few seconds, remove andread oil level. If necessary, add oil until"FULL' mark on dipstick is reached. Donot overfill.* For cold weather operation you shouldchange oil for easier starting (See the oilviscosity chart inthe Maintenance sectionof this manual).* Tochange engine oil, seethe Maintenancesection in this manual.ADD GASOLINE• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Donot overfill. Use fresh, clean, regulargasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchasefuel in quantities that can be used within_1_0 days to ensure fuel freshness.CAUTION" Wipe offany spilled oil or fuel.Do not store, spill or use gasoline near anopen flame.IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-tures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, cleanwinter grade gasoline to help ensure goodcold weather starting._CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (calledgasohol or using ethanol or methanol) canattract moisture which leads to separationand formation of acids duringstorage. Acidicgas can damage the fuel system of an enginewhile in storage. To avoid engine problems,the fuel system should be emptied beforestorage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gastank, start the engine and let it run until thefuel lines and carburetor are empty. Usefresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-tions for additional information. Never useengine or carburetor cleaner products in thefuel tank or permanent damage may occur.Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative inminimizing the formation of fuet gum depositsduring storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline infuel tank or storage container. Always followthe mix ratio found on stabilizer container.Run engine at least 10 minutes after addingstabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach thecarburetor. Do not empty the gas tank andcarburetor if using fuel stabilizer.