General Safety; Safety Interlock System - Craftsman 247.20400 series Operator's Manual

Park Brake/Cruise Control Lock Pedal
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
The park brake/cruise control lock pedal is located at the base
of the steering column. It is used to engage the park brake
when the riding mower is at rest. Engaging the lever while the
riding mower is in motion allows the riding mower to remain
at a constant ground speed without applying pressure to the
forward drive pedal. Refer to the Operation section of this
manual for detailed instructions regarding the parking brake as
well as the cruise control feature.
NOTE: Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the riding mower's
fastest ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so,
the riding mower will automatically decelerate to the fastest
optimal mowing ground speed
NOTE: The park brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat
with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut
off.

General Safety

• RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator's manual. Learn to
operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those
who have become competent in its usage to operate this riding mower.
• Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the
controls. The operator should be in the operator's seat. The PTO switch must
be in the disengaged position and the parking brake engaged.
• Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts.
• NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away. Look behind and
down to both sides of the riding mower before and while backing up.
• DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people.
• Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes greater than 15°. Slopes
with a greater incline present dangerous operating conditions. Riding mowers
can be rolled over.
• Before leaving the operator's seat shut off the PTO and engage the parking
brake, shut off the engine and remove the ignition key. Wait for all
movement to stop before servicing or cleaning.
• Avoid any sudden movements of the steering wheel when starting and stopping.
Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the riding mower motion
and wait for vehicles to pass before operating along the road.
• Do not operate the riding mower with the mower deck removed. Removal of
the deck will change the balance of the riding mower, and could contribute
to a riding mower rollover.
• Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable; use extreme caution
if the surface is slippery.
OPERATION
WARNING
CRUISE
CONTROL
• Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop before any zero turn
maneuver.
• Do not stop the riding mower or park the riding mower over combustible
materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc.
• Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or while the engine is
hot. Allow the engine several minutes to cool before refueling. Tighten the
fuel cap securely.
Before Operating Your Riding Mower
• Before you operate the riding mower, study this manual carefully to
familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls.
It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your riding mower
efficiently.
• This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh, unleaded regular
gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves less combustion
chamber deposits and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline
is not recommended and must not be used where exhaust emissions are
regulated.
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left over
from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system.
• Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an
approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
• Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a
maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether
blends are not approved.
• Check the engine oil level.
• Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
• Check the tire inflation pressures.
• Adjust the seat for operator's maximum comfort, visibility and for
maintaining complete control of the riding mower.

Safety Interlock System

This riding mower is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of
the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the
riding mower. Contact a Sears or other qualified service dealer for system repair.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting
unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO knob is in the disengaged
(OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before
engaging the parking brake.
Do not operate the riding mower if the interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your safety and protection.
13
WARNING