Craftsman 917.25051 Owner's Manual page 13

OPERATION
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating
your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety
mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 7)
Your tracto r is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the
operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking
brake will shut off the engine.
, Depress clutch/brake pedal into fult "BRAKE" position
and hold.
Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
ATTACHMENT
IGNITION CLUTCH SWITCH
KEY PULL OUT TO
PUSHIN TO
"DISENGAGE" "ENGAGE"
LEVER
CHOKE
CONTROL
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTmON: A_ways stop tra
,_ _ pietely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty l
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
° Full throttle offers the best mower performance.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)
Use choke control whenever you are starting a cotd engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
• To engage choke control, pult knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 7)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever.
- Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
o Move gearshift and range shift ievers to desired posi-
tion.
o Stowly release clutch!brake pedal to start movement.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE
TO DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.
FIG. 7
STOPPING (See Fig. 7)
MOWER BLADES -
o Move attachment clutch switch to "DISENGAGED"
position.
GROUND DRIVE -
Depress clutch/brake pedal into furl "BRAKE" position.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE -
• Move throttle control to slow (_) position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow (,_)
position and alIowing engine to idle before stopping may
cause engine to "backfire".
= Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
13
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 7)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction.
- Turn knob clockwise (S-_) to raise cutting height.
Turn knob counterclockwise (1_-_) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/4" to 4-1/4".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approxi-
mate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height
of grass and types of grass being mowed.
, The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth,
. For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.