Beginning a Craftsman driving mower is a comparatively easy process, however it’s vital to observe the right steps to make sure that the mower begins correctly and runs safely. Earlier than you start, just be sure you have the proprietor’s guide in your particular mower mannequin useful, because the directions might range barely relying on the mannequin. Moreover, you will want to assemble just a few fundamental instruments, together with a wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver.
Step one is to examine the oil stage. The oil stage needs to be checked earlier than every use, and it needs to be modified each 50 hours of operation or yearly, whichever comes first. To examine the oil stage, merely take away the dipstick and wipe it clear with a rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the engine and pull it out once more. The oil stage needs to be between the “Full” and “Add” marks on the dipstick. If the oil stage is low, add oil till it reaches the “Full” mark. As soon as the oil stage has been checked, you may proceed to the following step.
The subsequent step is to examine the battery. The battery needs to be checked earlier than every use, and it needs to be changed each 2-3 years. To examine the battery, merely use a voltmeter to measure the voltage on the battery terminals. The voltage needs to be between 12.6 and 13.2 volts. If the voltage is under 12.6 volts, the battery must be changed. As soon as the battery has been checked, you may proceed to the following step.
Prepping the Mower
Earlier than trying to start out your Craftsman driving mower, it is important to arrange it correctly for a protected and profitable operation. This entails finishing a number of essential steps to make sure that the mower is in good working situation and prepared to be used.
1. Refueling the Mower
As a primary step in making ready your Craftsman driving mower, be sure that it has adequate gasoline to function. Completely different fashions might require particular gasoline sorts, comparable to gasoline or diesel. Examine the mower’s person guide to find out the advisable gasoline kind and observe the directions for protected refueling.
Find the gasoline tank on the mower and punctiliously take away the gasoline cap. Fill the tank with the suitable gasoline, leaving a small quantity of house on the high to permit for gasoline enlargement. Keep away from overfilling the tank, as this will result in gasoline spills and potential hazards.
As soon as the gasoline tank is crammed, securely tighten the gasoline cap to forestall leaks. Wipe up any spilled gasoline instantly to attenuate the chance of fireside or explosions.
Gas Tank Capability
| Mower Mannequin | Gas Tank Capability |
|—|—|
| 917.288690 | 3.6 gallons |
| 917.288691 | 4.5 gallons |
| 917.288692 | 5.0 gallons |
Participating the Blades
To interact the blades in your Craftsman driving mower, observe these steps:
- Make sure the mower is on a stage floor and the parking brake is engaged.
- Find the blade engagement lever, which is usually situated on the fitting aspect of the mower close to the steering wheel.
- Pull the lever in direction of you to have interaction the blades. You must hear a “click on” sound indicating that the blades are actually rotating.
Further Suggestions for Participating the Blades:
- Examine the mower deck for any obstructions, comparable to rocks or particles, earlier than participating the blades.
- Begin the mower engine and let it idle for a couple of minutes earlier than participating the blades to permit the oil to flow into.
- If you have to disengage the blades, merely push the lever away from you.
- By no means have interaction the blades when the mower is shifting in reverse.
| Blade Engagement Lever Location | Potential Blade Engagement Points |
|---|---|
| Proper aspect of mower, close to steering wheel | – Lever could also be caught or damaged – Wiring points – Electrical swap malfunction |
Adjusting the Mower Deck
Adjusting the mower deck is essential to make sure a clear and even lower. Here is a step-by-step information:
- Measure the grass peak: Decide the specified grass peak and measure it utilizing a tape measure or ruler.
- Find the deck adjustment levers: On most Craftsman driving mowers, there are levers on both aspect of the deck. These levers management the entrance and rear peak of the deck.
- Alter the levers: Utilizing a wrench or socket, loosen the nuts on the adjustment levers. Pull the levers up or down to boost or decrease the deck. Be sure that the deck is parallel to the bottom and the specified grass peak is achieved.
- Tremendous-tune the adjustment: Examine the lower high quality after mowing a small space. If the lower is just too excessive, elevate the deck barely by adjusting the levers just a few notches increased. If the lower is just too low, decrease the deck by adjusting the levers just a few notches decrease.
| Desired Grass Top | Lever Place |
|---|---|
| 1.5 inches | Lever 1 |
| 2 inches | Lever 2 |
| 2.5 inches | Lever 3 |
Security Precautions
Earlier than working your Craftsman driving mower, make sure you learn and perceive the operator’s guide. At all times put on applicable security gear, together with security glasses, earplugs, gloves, and closed-toe sneakers. Examine the mower earlier than every use, checking for free or broken components and making certain the blades are sharp.
Beginning the Mower
To begin the mower, have interaction the parking brake and make sure the blade engagement lever is within the disengaged place. Insert the ignition key and switch it to the “Begin” place. As soon as the engine begins, launch the ignition key and permit the mower to idle for a couple of minutes earlier than participating the blades.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Battery-Associated Points:
If the mower fails to start out, examine the battery terminals for corrosion or free connections. Clear or tighten the terminals as wanted. If the battery is weak, recharge or substitute it.
Gas-Associated Points:
Make sure the gasoline tank has adequate gasoline and is utilizing the right kind of gasoline specified within the operator’s guide. Examine for gasoline leaks or clogs within the gasoline line or carburetor. Clear or substitute the gasoline filter if vital.
Electrical Points:
Examine {the electrical} connections and wiring for any free, broken, or corroded parts. Examine the spark plug and substitute it if vital. Check the ignition swap and starter relay to make sure they’re functioning accurately.
Blade-Associated Points:
If the blades fail to have interaction, examine the blade engagement lever and guarantee it’s totally engaged. Examine the blades for injury or extreme put on and sharpen or substitute them as wanted. Confirm that the mower deck is correctly adjusted and never obstructed.
Correct Mowing Methods
1. Mowing Top: Alter the mowing peak in line with the kind of grass and the season. Taller grass throughout sizzling, dry climate helps preserve moisture and scale back stress on the garden.
2. Mowing Frequency: Mow your garden commonly, particularly throughout lively development intervals. Frequent mowing encourages denser, more healthy development and prevents grass from getting too lengthy and matted.
3. Overlapping Mowing: Overlap your mowing paths by about one-third to make sure even protection. This prevents missed areas and promotes a uniform look.
4. Alternating Mowing Patterns: Mow in several instructions every time to forestall ruts and compaction. This additionally helps distribute clippings extra evenly.
5. Sharp Blades: Sharp mower blades are important for a clear, even lower. Uninteresting blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges and growing the chance of illness.
6. Correct Blade Pace: The optimum blade pace varies relying on the kind of grass and the mowing circumstances. Typically, slower blade speeds are higher for dense, moist grasses, whereas sooner speeds are applicable for dry, sparse grasses. Consult with the next desk for advisable blade speeds:
| Grass Sort | Blade Pace |
|---|---|
| Tremendous-leaf grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass) | Gradual (3,000-3,500 RPM) |
| Turf-type tall fescues | Reasonable (3,500-4,000 RPM) |
| Coarse-leaf grasses (e.g., Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass) | Quick (4,000+ RPM) |
Sustaining the Mower Usually
Sustaining your Craftsman driving mower commonly is crucial for its longevity and efficiency. Here is a complete information to maintain your mower operating easily:
Altering Oil and Filter
Consult with your proprietor’s guide for the advisable oil kind and alter intervals. Use high-quality oil and a brand new filter to make sure correct lubrication and stop engine injury.
Servicing Air Filter
A clear air filter ensures the engine receives ample air, bettering efficiency and lowering gasoline consumption. Clear or substitute the air filter commonly in line with the producer’s directions.
Inspecting and Changing Spark Plugs
Study the spark plugs for put on or injury. Substitute them if vital, making certain the right hole is ready for optimum ignition timing and engine efficiency.
Checking and Adjusting Tire Stress
Correct tire stress ensures traction, dealing with, and trip consolation. Consult with the proprietor’s guide for the advisable tire stress and modify accordingly.
Lubricating Transferring Components
Lubricate all shifting components, together with the mower deck, linkages, and pulleys, to cut back friction and put on. Use a high-quality lubricant particularly designed for out of doors energy tools.
Cleansing the Deck
A clear mower deck permits for environment friendly grass reducing. Take away any amassed grass clippings, filth, or particles to forestall clogging and guarantee correct airflow.
Checking Blades
Examine the mower blades commonly for sharpness and injury. Uninteresting or broken blades may end up in uneven cuts and decreased mowing effectivity. Sharpen or substitute the blades as wanted, making certain correct stability for optimum efficiency.
By following these upkeep steps, you may hold your Craftsman driving mower operating optimally for years to return.
Winterizing the Mower
Earlier than storing your Craftsman driving mower for the winter, correctly winterizing it’s essential to forestall injury and guarantee a easy start-up come spring. Here is an in depth information on the way to winterize your mower:
1. Clear the Mower
Completely clear the mower’s deck, underside, and engine to take away grass clippings, particles, and dirt. This prevents corrosion and prolongs the mower’s life.
2. Change the Oil
Drain the outdated oil and substitute it with recent, clear oil. You may guarantee optimum lubrication and efficiency in the course of the subsequent season.
3. Stabilize the Gas
Add gasoline stabilizer to the gasoline tank and run the engine for a couple of minutes to distribute it all through the gasoline system. This prevents gasoline degradation and potential carburetor injury.
4. Disconnect the Battery
Take away the detrimental battery cable to forestall battery drain throughout storage. Alternatively, use a trickle charger to take care of the battery’s cost.
5. Lubricate Transferring Components
Apply lubricant to all shifting components, comparable to wheels, levers, and linkages. This reduces friction and ensures easy operation subsequent season.
6. Retailer the Mower in a Dry Place
Discover a dry, well-ventilated location to retailer the mower. Cowl it with a tarp or plastic sheet to guard it from moisture and dirt.
7. Take away the Spark Plugs
Take away the spark plugs and squirt a small quantity of penetrating oil into the cylinders. This helps forestall corrosion and makes beginning the mower simpler within the spring.
8. Upkeep Schedule for Winter Storage
Consult with the desk under for an in depth upkeep schedule to make sure your Craftsman driving mower is correctly ready for winter storage:
| Job | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clear the mower | Yearly, earlier than storage |
| Change the oil | Yearly, earlier than storage |
| Stabilize the gasoline | Yearly, earlier than storage |
| Disconnect the battery | Month-to-month, throughout storage |
| Lubricate shifting components | Yearly, earlier than storage |
| Retailer the mower in a dry place | All through winter storage |
| Take away the spark plugs | Yearly, earlier than storage |
Utilizing Attachments Successfully
Attachments can significantly broaden the capabilities of your Craftsman driving mower. Listed here are some recommendations on utilizing them successfully:
- Be sure you have the fitting attachment for the job. There are a selection of attachments out there, so it is vital to decide on the one which’s finest suited in your wants.
- Learn the directions for the attachment rigorously earlier than use. It will assist you make sure that you are utilizing it safely and accurately.
- Set up the attachment securely. Observe the directions within the guide to make it possible for the attachment is correctly put in and secured.
- Begin the mower and have interaction the attachment. Most attachments are engaged by pulling a lever or pushing a button.
- Function the attachment in line with the producer’s directions. It will enable you obtain the perfect outcomes and keep away from damaging the attachment or the mower.
- Disengage the attachment if you’re completed utilizing it. It will assist forestall the attachment from damaging the mower or your self.
- Clear and retailer the attachment correctly. It will assist hold the attachment in good working situation and lengthen its lifespan.
- Here’s a desk summarizing the steps to make use of attachments successfully:
- By following the following pointers, you need to use attachments successfully to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of your Craftsman driving mower.
- At all times watch out concerning the attachments’ security design. Guarantee all the protection options for the attachment you used are in situation.
- Do common upkeep in your mower and the attachment. It would extend the lifetime of your mower and the attachment. Ensure the attachment is free from any deformation, crack, corrosion, or different damages.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the suitable attachment for the duty. |
| 2 | Learn the directions for the attachment rigorously. |
| 3 | Set up the attachment securely. |
| 4 | Begin the mower and have interaction the attachment. |
| 5 | Function the attachment in line with the producer’s directions. |
| 6 | Disengage the attachment when completed utilizing it. |
| 7 | Clear and retailer the attachment correctly. |
Learn how to Begin a Craftsman Driving Mower
Beginning a Craftsman driving mower is an easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. By following these steps, you may be sure that your mower begins shortly and simply each time.
- Place the mower on a stage floor. It will assist to forestall the mower from tipping over if you begin it.
- Have interaction the parking brake. It will assist to maintain the mower from shifting if you begin it.
- Insert the important thing into the ignition and switch it to the “on” place. The engine ought to begin after just a few seconds.
- Launch the parking brake. The mower will now be prepared to make use of.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I troubleshoot beginning issues with my Craftsman driving mower?
In case you are experiencing issues beginning your Craftsman driving mower, there are some things you may examine:
- Examine the battery. The battery could also be useless or weak, which might forestall the mower from beginning.
- Examine the spark plugs. The spark plugs could also be fouled or broken, which might additionally forestall the mower from beginning.
- Examine the gasoline stage. The mower could also be out of gasoline, which is able to forestall it from beginning.
- Examine the air filter. The air filter could also be clogged, which might prohibit airflow and stop the mower from beginning.
How do I keep my Craftsman driving mower?
To maintain your Craftsman driving mower operating easily, it is very important carry out common upkeep. This contains:
- Altering the oil and filter. The oil and filter needs to be modified at the least as soon as a season.
- Cleansing the air filter. The air filter needs to be cleaned at the least as soon as a season.
- Sharpening the blades. The blades needs to be sharpened at the least as soon as a season.
- Checking the tires. The tires needs to be checked for put on and tear, and needs to be changed if vital.
