Sears Craftsman 917.251570 Owner's Manual page 13

OPERATION
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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 a wide vision safety mask over the
spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 7)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the
operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking
brake will shut off the engine.
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position
and hold.
o Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal° Pedal should
remain in "BRAKE" position° Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
PUSH IN TO ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
THROTTLE "DISENGAGE" SWITCH PULL OUT TO
CONTROL LEVER
CHOKE
CONTROL
CLUTCHIBRAKE
PEDAL"BRAKE"
POSITION
IGNITION
MOTION
CONTROL
LEVER
HEIGHT
"DRIVE" ADJUSTMENT PARKING
POSITION KNOB BRAKE
"DISENGAGED .... ENGAGED"
POSITION POSITION
FIG. 7
STOPPING (See Fig. 7)
MOWER BLADES -
• Move attachment clutch switch to "DISENGAGED"
position.
GROUND DRIVE-
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position°
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position_
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL iS DEPRESSED,
ENGINE -
o Move throttle control to slow (,_) position,
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow (-_.)
position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may
cause engine to "backfire"°
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.,
• Never use choke to stop engine,.
NOTE: Under certain conditions when unit is standing idle
with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass, To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas°
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
t pletely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)
Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine,,
o To engage choke control, pull knob out, Slowly push
knob in to disengage,,
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)
Always operate engine at full throttle_
- Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
. Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-
mance,
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 7)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
motion control lever.
= Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N)
position.
• Release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
o Slowly move motion control lever to desired position_
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See
Fig. 7)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction,
,, Turn knob clockwise (f",l) to raise cutting height,,
. Turn knob counterclockwise (F-_) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2'L
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approxi-
mate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height
of grass and types of grass being mowed.,
o The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2_ 1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months,. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth,
- For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in
height should be mowed twice., Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.
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