Craftsman CTX 9500 Operator's Manual

..Clean the fuel cap area of dirt and debris. Removethe fuel cap (A, Figure 6).Fill the fuel tank with fuel. To allow for expansion ofthe gasoline, do not fill above the bottom of thefuel tank neck.3. Reinstall the fuel cap.Figure 6Starting the EngineWARNINGFuel and its vapors are extremely flammableand explosive.Fire or explosion can cause severe burns ordeath.When Starting Engine• Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and aircleaner (if equipped) are in place and secured.• Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.• If engine floods, set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN position, move throttle (if equipped) to FASTposition and crank until engine starts.ooWARNINGEngines give off carbon monoxide, anodorless, colorless, poison gas.Breathing carbon monoxide can causenausea, fainting or death.Start and run engine outdoors.Do not start or run engine in enclosed area, even ifdoors or windows are open.1. Check the oil level. See the How to Check/Add Oilsection.2. Make sure equipment drive controls are disengaged.3. Move the throttle control to the FAST position.Operate the engine in the FAST position.4. Turn the electric start switch to the ON/STARTposition.NOTE: If the engine does not start after repeatedattempts, go to www.craftsman.com or call 1=800=659 =5e 17 (in USA).NOTICE: To extend the life of the starter, use shortstarting cycles (five seconds maximum). Wait one minutebetween starting cycles.Driving the Tractor1. Sit in the seat and adjust the seat so that you cancomfortably reach all the controls and see thedashboard display.2. Engage the parking brake.3. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.4. Start the engine (see Starting the Engine).5. Disengage the parking brake and release thebrake pedal.6. Depress the forward ground speed control pedal totravel forward. Release the pedal to stop. Note that thefurther down the pedal is depressed the faster the tractorwill travel.7. Stop the tractor by releasing the ground speed controlpedals, setting the parking brake, and stopping theengine (see Stopping the Tractor and Engine).Mowing1. Set the mower cutting height to the desired level and setthe gauge wheels to the appropriate position.2. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switchis disengaged.3. Start the engine (see Starting the Engine).4. Set the throttle control to FULL.5. Engage the PTO (Mower Deck).6. Begin mowing.7. When finished, shut off the PTO and raise the mowerusing the attachment lift control lever.8. Stop the engine (see Stopping the TractorandEngine).16