Craftsman 917.252711 Owner's Manual page 13

PE
The operation of any tractor can resuRt in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. A_ways wear safety glasses or eye shietds 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. 8)
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 Pedalshould
remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure parking brake
will hold vehicle secure.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH
PULL OUT TO "ENGAGE"
IGNITION KEY
PUSH4NTO
"DISENGAGE"
CHOKE
CONTROL
CLUTCH/BRAKE PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL"DRIVE" HEIGHT
POSITION ADJUSTMENT "DISENGAGED"
KNOB POSITION
FIG. 8
STOPPING (See Fig. 8)
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.
IMPOFtTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
ENGINE o
Move throttle control to stow (_) position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow (_)
position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may
cause engine to "backfire".
o 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 tractor is standinf:_
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" ol grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas
CAUTWON: Always stop tractor como
pletely, as described above, before leavo
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
Always operate engine at full throttteo
• Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
o Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower peffor.
mance.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
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 MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig, 8)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
motion contro! lever.
• Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N)
position.
Release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to desired position.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 8)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction.
, Turn knob clockwise (f_) to raise cutting height.
- Turn knob counterclockwise (_)to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1_1/2" to 4". The
heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with
the 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.
For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut
relatively high; the secorld to desired height°
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