Starting The Engine; Engaging The Parking Brake; Setting The Cutting Height; Stopping The Engine - Craftsman T1200 Operator's Manual

• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the PTO (Blade
Engage) clutch will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is
moved into the engaged (ON) position with the drive pedal in position for
reverse travel.
WARNING
Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and protection.

Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:
1. Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your foot.
2. Move the speed control lever all the way down and into the parking brake
position.
3. Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depress the brake pedal and move the speed control lever out of the parking
brake position and into a desired speed.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in
any of the different cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.
2. Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-inch above
the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.
To adjust Deck Wheels:
1. Remove the flange lock nut on the shoulder bolt securing the deck wheel.
2. Position the wheel to the desired height as listed above. See Figure 8.
3. Secure the shoulder bolt with the flange lock nut.
WARNING
Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting
deck.
OPERATION
Figure 8
NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed
to support the weight of the cutting deck. Refer to Leveling in the Maintenance and
Service section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

Starting the Engine

Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions earlier in this section.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
3. Engage the tractor's parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control by moving the throttle/choke lever all the way up
into the choke position.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts,
release the key. It will return to the ON (or Normal Mowing) position.
Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than ten seconds
at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine's electric
starter.
6. After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control and place the throttle
control in the FAST position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating the tractor. Doing so will
result in a "rich" fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Stopping the Engine

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

Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
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.
14
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING