Craftsman 917.25147 Owner's Manual page 13

PERATION
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into_
_u_ _ resultinsevereeyedamage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while-operating your I
tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safe_ mask
_andard safety glass?.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE
(See Fig. 6)
Your tractor is equipced with an operator presence sensing
switcn. When engine is running, any a[[emp[ cy the
operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking
crake wilt shut off the engine.
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE position
and hold.
Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
"emaln in "BRAKE" uosition. Make sure parking crake
will hold tractor secure.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER
"ENGAGED" POSITION
THROTTLE/CHOKE
CONTROL /
"DISENGAGED"
"_
/
POSITION
'BRAKE"
POSITION
PARKING BRAKE
"ENGAGED"
POSITION
./
/
/" GEARSHIFT
LEVER
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
CLUTCH/BRAKE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
PEDAL "DRIVE" KNOB
POSITION
FIG.6
I _ p_edab(_ve, beforeleav-
_ ingthe o_ , J,_,'_ position; to empty
_r, etc. ....
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL
(See Fig. 6)
Always operate engine ot full throttle.
Operating engine at tess than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-
mance.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Use choke control whenever you are starting a co_e engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
To engage choke control, pu! knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 6)
The direction and soeed of movement _scontrolled by me
gearshift _ever.
Start tractor wnth clutch/brake peoal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move gearshift lever to desired position.
Slowly release clutc, ,,,J_ _e 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.
STOPPING (See Fig. 6)
MOWER BLADES -
Move attachment clutch lever to "DISENGAGED" po-
sition.
GROUND DRIVE -
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into futI "BRAKE" position.
, Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE -
. Move throttle control to slow ("gl,) position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow (=gk.)
position and allowing 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.
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.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 6)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction.
Turn knob clockwise (/'-_) to raise cutting height.
Turn knob counterclockwise (_) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-!/2" to 4". The
heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with
the engine not running. These heights are approximate
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 heighL
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