Craftsman EZ3 917.270710 Owner's Manual page 15

o The averagelawnshouldbe cutto
approximately 2-1/2 inchesduringthe
cool seasonandto over3 inchesduring
hot month& Forhealthier
and better
looking lawns, mow often and after
moderate growth.
o For best cutting performance, grass
over 6 inches in height should be
mowed twice. Make the first cut rela-
tively high; the second to desired
height.
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. Any attempt by
the operator to leave the seat with the
engine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engine.
• Select desired height of cut.
, Lower mower with attachment lift con-
trol.
o Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control.
o TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
gage attachment clutch control.
Attachment Lift Lever Attachment Lift Lever
High Position High Position
"Disengaged :_. Low
Position Position
_kCAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the discharge
guard in place.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_.CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do
not drive across any slope, A slope guide
at the back of your manual is provided for
your use.
o Choose the slowest speed before start-
ing up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping o_"changing speed on
hills.
• If slowing is necessary, move throttle
control lever to slower poeition.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary,
push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake
position and engage parking brake.
o Move gearshift leverto 1st gear. Be
sure you have allowed room for tractor
to roll slightly as you restart movemenL
o To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
° Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
o Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N)
position.
o Do not push ortow tractor at more than
five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your 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,
etCo).
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
• The engine in your tractor has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with summer weight oil.
o Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
o Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe
clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw
cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level If necessary,
add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is
reached. Do not overfill.
- For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See "OIL
VISCQSlTY CHART" in the Mainten-
ance section of this manual).
o To change engine oil, see the Mainten-
ance section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank, Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline_ Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshnes&
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather starting.