Operation; Before Starting The Engine - Craftsman 917.28845 Operator's Manual

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse
Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by
the operator to travel in the reverse direction
with the attachment clutch engaged will shut
off the engine unless ignition key is placed
in the ROS "ON" position.
,_WARNING: Backing up with the at-
tachment clutch engaged while mowing is
strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS"ON",
to allow reverse operation with the attach-
ment clutch engaged, should only be done
when the operator decides it is necessary to
reposition the machine with the attachment
engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary.
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION
SYSTEM -
Only use if you are certain no children or other
bystanders will enter the mowing area.
1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way
down and hold.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key
counterclockwise to ROS "ON" position.
3. Look down and behind before backing.
4. Move gear shift lever to reverse (R)
position and slowly release clutch/brake
pedal to start movement.
5. When use ofthe ROS is nolonger needed,
turn the ignition key clockwise to engine
"ON" position.
I
Engine "ON" Position
ROS "ON" Position (Norma_ Operating)
I
e®
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_I, WARNING: Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes greater than 15 ° and do not drive
across any slope. Use the slope guide at the
back of this manual.
• Choose the slowest speed before starting
up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
16
If stopping is absolutely necessary, push
clutch/brake pedal quicklyto brake position
and engage parking brake.
Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure
you have allowed room for tractor to roll
slightly as you restart movement.
To restart movement, slowly release park-
ing brake and clutch/brake pedal.
Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
Raise attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure gearshift lever is in neutral position.
Do not push or tow tractor at more than
five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when
transporting you r tractor on a truck or a trailer,
be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor.
Use an appropriate means of tying hood to
tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-
MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy
of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
Tires can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.
SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number
of hours the engine has run and flashes to
indicate that the engine or mower needs ser-
vicing. When service is required, the service
reminder will flash for two hours. To service
engine and mower, see the Maintenance
section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the
ignition key is in any position but "STOP".
For acurate reading, be sure key remains
in the "STOP" position when engine is not
running.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped,
from the factory, already filled with summer
weight oil.
1. Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
2. Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dipstick;
wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the
tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do
not thread the cap onto the tube. Remove
and read oil level. If necessary, add oil
until "FU LE' mark on dipstick is reached.
Do not overfill.