Craftsman 247.288843 Operator's Manual page 16

Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Safety Instructions section of the manual to help
determine slopes where you may operate this tractor safely.
WARNING
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 tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the
slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while
driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility
of flipping the tractor over backward.
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle/choke control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the
engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use
of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.
NOTE: The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged with the shift
lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in the ON position.
Mulching
A mulch kit is available as an attachment. Mulching is a process of recirculating
grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are
then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.
A mulch kit can be purchased through the retail location in which you purchased
this tractor. For more information, simply contact Sears at 1-800-659-5917.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the
notch best suited for your application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in
this section.
OPERATION
Mowing
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your
tractor:
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector
is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the
discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the
direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting.
This will give a better appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows
quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a
second time to get a clean cut.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass.
Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. Refer to Cutting
Blades in the Service section of this manual for proper blade sharpening
instructions.
Headlights
• The lamps are ON whenever the tractor's engine is running.
• The lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is moved to the STOP position.
16
WARNING
WARNING