Craftsman 917.253540 Operator's Manual page 13

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses
or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments
or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. When engine is
running, any attempt by the operator to leave
the seat withoutfirst setting the parking brake
will shut off the engine.
1. Depress brake pedal (B) all the way down
and hold.
2. Pull parking brake lever (C) up and hold,
release pressure from brake pedal (B),
then release parking brake lever. Pedal
should remain in brake position. Make
sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.
STOPPING
MOWER BLADES -
* To stop mower blades, move attachment
clutch lever into disengaged position (r_'l).
GROUND DRIVE -
* To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal
all the way down.
ENGINE -
* Move throttle control (D) between half and
full speed (fast) position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control be-
tween half and full speed (fast) position, be-
fore stoppi ng, may cause engine to "backfire".
* Turn ignition key (F) to "STOP" position
and remove key. Always remove key when
leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use.
IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in
any position other than "STOP" will cause the
battery to discharge and go dead.
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor
is standing idle with the engine running, hot
engine exhaust gases may cause "brown-
ing" of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor
on grass areas.
_IbOAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leaving
the operator's position.
(_ |) Attachment
Clutch
Engage Position
(t_) Disengaged
Position
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL
Always operate engine at full speed (fast).
* Operating engine at less than full speed
(fast) reduces engine's operating efficiency.
* Full speed (fast) offers the best mower
performance.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL
Use choke control whenever you are start-
ing a cold engine. Do not use to start a
warm engine.
* To engage choke control, pull knob out.
Slowly push knob in to disengage.
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