Mulching; Using The Deck Lift Lever; Mowing; Headlights - Craftsman 247.288812 Operator's Manual

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 mulchkit can be purchased.See the Replacement P arts& Attach-
mentssectionof this manualfor moreinformation.
USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER
To raisethe cuttingdeck,movethe deck lift leverto the left,then place
itin the notchbest suitedfor yourapplication.Referto SettingThe
CuttingHeightearlier in this Operationsection.
MOWING
Tohelp avoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury, k eepbystand-
ers, helpers,childrenand pets at least 75 feet fromthe machine
[wh e t s n operaton. Stop roachne f anyoneenters thearea.
Thefollowinginformation will be helpfulwhen usingthecuttingdeck
with yourtractor:
Planyour mowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialstoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersand the like.Also, avoiddischarging
materialagainsta wallor obstructionwhich maycausedischarged
materialto ricochetback towardthe operator.
HEADLIGHTS
* The lampsare ON wheneverthetractor'sengineis running.
o The lampsturn OFFwhenthe ignition key ismovedto the STOP
position.
Do not mowat high groundspeed,especiallyifa mulch kit or
grasscollectorisinstalled.
Forbest resultsit isrecommended that the firsttwo lapsbe cut
with thedischargethrowntowardsthe center.Afterthe first two
laps, reversethe directionto throwthe dischargeto the outside
for the balanceof cutting.This willgive a betterappearanceto the
lawn.
Do notcut thegrass too short.Shortgrass invites weedgrowth
and yellowsquicklyindry weather.
Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewith the engineat full throttle.
• Underheavierconditionsitmay be necessaryto go back overthe
cut area a secondtime to geta cleancut.
• Do NOTattemptto mow heavybrushand weedsand extremely
tall grass.Yourtractorisdesignedto mowlawns,NOTclear
brush.
• Keepthe bladessharpand replacethe bladeswhenworn. Refer
to CuttingBladesin the Servicesectionof this manualfor proper
blade sharpeninginstructions.
16