Craftsman 247.288843 Operator's Manual page 15

CAUTION
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
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.
OPERATION
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.
Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a back-
over accident.
1. Depress the 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 brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete
stop before shifting.
4. Gradually begin to apply pressure to the drive pedal. The further down the
pedal is pushed, the faster the tractor will travel in the desired direction
based on the position of the shift lever.
5. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by releasing the drive pedal and then
depressing the brake pedal.
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.
When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface,
always:
1. Place the shift lever in neutral,
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.
15
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING