Craftsman 12AE764Y099 Operator's Manual page 16

STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Disengage all controls on the mower.
2. Move the gear shift lever into the neutral (N) position.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
4. If starting a cold engine, place the throttle/choke control all the
way forward, into the CHOkE
engine, place the throttle/choke control into the Fast
5. turn the ignition key clockwise to the
the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the RUN
position.
6. Move the key to the RUN/LIGHT
mower using the headlight.
CAUTION
Do NOt hold the key in the START position for longer than five
seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine's
electric starter.
7. Move the throttle/choke control into the
NOTE: Never leave the throttle/choke control in the CHOkE
position while operating the mower. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine and remove the ignition
key. thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and operating.
1. If the blades are engaged, release the Blade Control.
2. Move the throttle/choke control into the
3. turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
4. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended
starting.
ENGAGING THE DRIVE
WARNING
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
Start the engine as instructed earlier in this section and move the
throttle/choke control into the FAST
to travel FORWARD:
a. Place the gear shift lever in any of the four forward ground
speeds. Select a speed appropriate for the conditions and a
pace you're comfortable with.
b. Slowly squeeze the Drive Control against the left handle grip
and the mower will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
OPERATION
position. If restarting a warm
position.
START position. After
position to operate the
FAST
position.
STOP position.
STOP
position.
position.
to travel in REVERSE,
a. Check that the area behind is clear.
b. Place the gear shift lever in Reverse (R).
c. Slowly squeeze the Drive Control against the left handle grip
and the mower will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
Do NOt attempt to change the direction of travel when the mower is
in motion. Always release the drive control and bring the mower to a
complete stop before repositioning the gear shift lever from a forward
gear into Reverse. Failure to do so may result in serious damage to
your transmission.
Do not leave the operator's position without first releasing the Blade
Control. If leaving the mower unattended, also turn the engine off and
remove the ignition key.
ENGAGING THE bLADES
to help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystand-
ers, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while
it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
1. Move the throttle/choke control to the
2. Slowly squeeze the Blade Control against the right handle grip
and the blades will engage. Release it and the blades will stop.
OPERATING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GUIDE on page 7 to help determine slopes where
you may operate the mower 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 mower could overturn
and cause serious injury.
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps which can
cause you to slip or trip. tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious
personal injury. If you feel you are losing your balance, release
the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three (3) seconds.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you could
lose your footing or balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the
slope gauge.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause slipping.
16
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
FAST
position.
WARNING