Craftsman C459.60101 Operator's Manual page 17

DrIVINg ON SlOpeS
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Safety Instructions section of the
manual to help determine slopes where you may operate this tractor
safely.
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Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn
and cause serious injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn
down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance
of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop
while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce
the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.
eNgAgINg THe BlADeS
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck
or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the blades,
proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle/choke control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward
into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most
efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available)
attachments.
NOTE: The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged
with the shift lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in
the ON position.
MUlCHINg
A mulch kit is available as an attachment. Mulching is a process of
recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The
ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as
a natural fertilizer.
A mulch kit can be purchased through the retail location in which you
purchased this tractor. For more information, simply contact Sears
at 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
USINg THe DeCk lIfT leVer
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place
it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to Setting The
Cutting Height earlier in this section.
OPERATION
MOWINg
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystand-
ers, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck
with your tractor:
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or
grass collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut
with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two
laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside
for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the
lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth
and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the
cut area a second time to get a clean cut.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely
tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear
brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. Refer
to Cutting Blades in the Service section of this manual for proper
blade sharpening instructions.
HeADlIgHTS
• The lamps are ON whenever the tractor's engine is running.
• The lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is moved to the STOP
position.
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