Craftsman 917.203850 Operator's Manual page 11

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 bythe operator to leave
the seat without first setting the parking brake
will shut off the engine.
1. Depress clutch/brake pedal (B) all the
way down and hold.
2. Putt parking brake lever (C) up and hold,
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal
(B), then release parking brake lever. Ped-
al should remain in brake position. Ensure
parking brake will hold tractor secure.
STOPPING
MOWER BLADES -
• To stop mower blades, move attachment
clutch controlto disengaged position (t_l).
• Turn ignition key (F) 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
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.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leaving
the operator's position.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)
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.
(1"_) Attachment (1_"1) Attachment
Clutch Control Clutch Control
"Engaged .... Disengaged"
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal
all the way down.
• Move motion control lever to neutral posi-
tion.
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 stopping, may cause engine to"backfire".
TO MOVE FORWARD AND
BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the motion control lever. (J)
1. Start tractor with motion control lever in
neutral position.
2. Release parking brake.
3. Slowly move motion control lever to
desired position.
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