CRAFTSMAN 917.255920 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

Before operating your CRAFTSMAN 917.255920, you must read and follow all safety rules and instructions. The most critical safety precaution is to always disconnect the spark plug wire and place it where it cannot contact the spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting, or making repairs.

Safety standards require operator presence controls to minimize the risk of injury. Your unit is equipped with such controls. Do not attempt to defeat the function of the operator presence controls under any circumstances.

Before operating the CRAFTSMAN 917.255920, ensure you adhere to the following training guidelines:

• Know the controls and how to stop quickly. Read this owner’s manual and instructions furnished with attachments.

• Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.

• Do not carry passengers. Do not mow when children and others are around.

• Do not attempt to operate your vehicle or mower when not in the driver’s seat.

• Always get on or off your vehicle from the operator’s left hand side.

• The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and inspected for damage after striking a foreign object, and the damage should be repaired before restarting and operating the equipment.

Proper preparation is key to safe operation. Follow these steps:

• Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in moving parts.

• Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc.) which might be picked up and thrown.

• Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to start the engine.

• Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

Handle gasoline with care as it is highly flammable. Follow these safety rules:

• Use approved gasoline containers.

• Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that has not been allowed to cool for several minutes after running. Never fill tank indoors. Always clean up spilled gasoline.

• Open doors if the engine is run in the garage – exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not run the engine indoors.

• Keep your eyes and mind on your vehicle, mower, and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

• Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine before leaving the operator’s position.

• Disengage power to mower, stop the engine, and disconnect spark plug wire(s) before cleaning, making an adjustment, or repair. Be careful to avoid touching hot muffler or engine components.

• Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not in use.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle unattended. Disengage the power take-off, lower the attachments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the key.

• Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is unsure, or at a speed which could cause a skid.

• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep away from drop-offs.

• Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches, and public highways.

• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects to prevent the blades from striking them. Never deliberately run vehicle or mower into or over any foreign objects.

• Never shift gears until vehicle comes to a stop.

• Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge chute, or near any moving parts while vehicle or mower is running. Always keep clear of discharge chute.

• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

• When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the vehicle while in operation.

• Except for adjustments, do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is removed. Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine; severe damage or injury may result.

• Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill.

• Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face.

• Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• While going up or down slopes, place gearshift control lever in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without stopping.

When pulling loads or using heavy equipment with your CRAFTSMAN 917.255920, use care and follow these precautions:

• Use only approved drawbar hitch points.

• Limit loads to those you can safely control.

• Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.

• Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested in the owner’s manual.

When using the vehicle with the mower, proceed as follows:

• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

• Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.

• Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at frequent intervals.

• Disengage power to mower before backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after careful observation of the entire area behind the mower.

• Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating condition, and keep safety devices in place and working.

• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Do not clean product while engine is running.

• Do not operate without a muffler, or tamper with exhaust system. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create a fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary.

• Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is subject to deterioration and wear. It should be checked frequently for bag replacement. Replacement bags should be checked to ensure compliance with the original manufacturer’s recommendations or specifications.

This symbol is used to point out important safety precautions. It means: ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

Your CRAFTSMAN 917.255920 tractor is equipped with a special alternator system. The lights are not connected to the battery but have their own electrical source. Because of this, the brightness of the lights will change with engine speed. At idle, the lights will dim. As the engine is speeded up, the lights will become their brightest.

The ignition switch on the CRAFTSMAN 917.255920 has three positions with the following circuit connections: