Craftsman 944.604212 Owner's Manual page 11

OPERATION
I
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 op-
erating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE
(See Fig. 6)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens-
ing 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.
• 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.
CHOKE
CONTROL
A'n'ACHMENT CLUTCH
POSITION
•IGNITION KEY
ENGAGED"
POSITION
BRAKE
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL "DRIVE"
POSITION
GEARSHIFT LEVER
PARKING BRAKE
"DISENGAGED" POSITION
FIG. 6
STOPPING (See Fig. 6)
MOWER BLADES -
• To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch lever
to "DISENGAGED" position.
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full "BRAKE" position.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE -
• Move throttle control between half and full speed (fast)
position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half end
full speed (fast) position, before stopping may cause engine
to "backfire".
• Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BA'I-FERY
TO RE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibility, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com- [
pletely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.
11
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
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 USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Use choke control wheneveryou are starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
• To engage choke control, pull knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 6)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled bythe
gearshift lever.
• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move gearshift lever to desired position.
• Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start move-
ment.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE
TO DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 6)
The position of the attachment lift lever determines the
cutting height.
• Grasp lift lever.
• Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired
position.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
withthe engine not running. These heights are approximate
and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of
grass and types of grass being mowed.
• 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.