Craftsman 247.203750 Operator's Manual page 15

WARNING
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.
WARNING
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.
Reverse Caution Mode
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to
maneuver in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING
Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION
MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor
immediately if someone enters the area.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
NOTE: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.
1. Start the engine as previously instructed on the previous page.
2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position to the REVERSE
CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module. See Figure 10.
3. Press the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular Button) at the top,
right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left
corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated. See Figure 10.
OPERATION
Indicator
Light
Reverse
Caution
Mode
Position
Stop
position
4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with
the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.
5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no
children are around. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the
NORMAL MOWING position.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING position or STOP
position or
b. The operator leaves the seat.
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.
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.
15
Figure 10
WARNING
Reverse
Push
Button
Normal
Driving
Mode
Start
position