Operation - Craftsman 917.288600 Operator's Manual

If stopping is absolutely necessary,push
brake pedal quickly to brake position and
engage parking brake.
• Torestartmovement,slowly releasepark-
ing brake and brake pedal.
• Slowly depressappropriatedrive pedalto
slowest setting.
Make all turns slowly.
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse
Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by
the operator to travel in the reverse direction
with the attachment clutch engaged will shut
off the engine unless ignition key is placed
in the ROS "ON" position.
_IbWARNING: Backing up with the at-
tachment clutch engaged while mowing is
stronglydiscouraged. Turning the ROS "ON",
to allow reverse operation with the attach-
ment clutch engaged, should only be done
when the operator decides it is necessary to
reposition the machine with the attachment
engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary.
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION
SYSTEM -
Only use if you are certain no children or other
bystanders will enter the mowing area.
1. Depress brake pedal all the way down.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key
counterclockwise to ROS "ON" position.
3. Look down and behind before and while
backing.
4. Slowly depress reverse drive pedal to
start movement.
5. When use of the ROS is no longer
needed, turn the ignition key clockwise
to engine "ON" position.
ROS "ON" Position
Engine "ON" Position
(Normal Operating)
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_IbWARNING: Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes greater than 15 ° and do not
drive across any slope. Use the slope guide
provided at the back of this manual.
• Choosethe slowest speed before starting
up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheeling position.
Freewheel control is located at the rear
drawbar of tractor.
1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
2. Pull freewheel control out and into
the slot and release so it is held in the
disengaged position.
Transmission Engaged
Transmission Diaengaged
Do not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) MPH.
• To re-engage transmission, reverse above
procedure.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when
transporting you r tractor on a truck or a trailer,
be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor.
Use an appropriate means of tying hood to
tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATrACHMENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy of
a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires
can lose traction with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number
of hours the engine has run and flashes to
indicate thatthe engine or mower needs ser-
vicing. When service is required, the service
reminder will flash for two hours. To service
engine and mower, see the Maintenance
section of this manual.
16