Craftsman T1000 Operator's Manual page 15

Stopping the Engine
WARNING
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and
operating
1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade
Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal
and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also
turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
WARNING
Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a back-
over accident.
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal to release the parking brake and then let the
pedal up.
2. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
3. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the direction of travel when
the tractor is in motion. Always use the clutch-brake pedal to bring the tractor to a
complete stop before shifting.
4. Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake pedal and
positioning the speed control lever in the desired position.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1 or 2. Become
completely familiar with the tractor's operation and controls before operating the
tractor in higher speed positions.
5. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion.
6. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little difference
between the highest two speeds until after the belts have seated
themselves into the pulleys during the break-in period.
WARNING
Before leaving the operator's position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the shift lever in neutral, engage the parking brake,
shut engine off and remove the key.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass
surface, always:
1. Place the shift lever in neutral.
OPERATION
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Shut engine off and remove the key. Doing so will minimize the possibility
of having your lawn ''browned'' by hot exhaust from your tractor's running
engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit will not operate with speed
control lever in a low speed position, proceed as follows:
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow normal operating
procedures.
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.
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 (Blade Engage) lever is
moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.
15
WARNING