Craftsman 247.28911 - Manual (Page 16)

OPERATION
STOPPING THE ENGINE
A warning
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and
operating
1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended
starting.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
A warning
I Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
A warning
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO
(Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing
the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor
unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
A warning
Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a
back-over accident.
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal to release the parking brake and
then let the pedal up.
2. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
3. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE
position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the direction of
travel when the tractor is in motion. Always use the clutch-brake pedal
to bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting.
4. Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake pedal
and positioning the speed control lever in the desired position.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1 or
2. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls
before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
5. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion.
6. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the clutch-
brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little difference
between the highest two speeds until after the belts have seated
themselves into the pulleys during the break-in period.
A warning
WARNING! Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason,
disengage the blades, place the shift lever in neutral, engage the
parking brake, shut engine off and remove the key.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a
grass surface, always:
1. Place the shift lever in neutral,
2. Engage the parking brake,
3. Shut engine off and remove the key. Doing so will minimize the
possibility of having your lawn “browned” by hot exhaust from
your tractor’s running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or it unit will not operate
with speed control lever in a low speed position, proceed as follows:
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow
normal operating procedures.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Safety Instructions section of the
manual to help determine slopes where you may operate this tractor
safely.
A warning
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn
and cause serious injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch tor holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn
down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance
of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop
while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce
the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.
ENGAGING THE BLADES
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck
or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the blades,
proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle/choke control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position tor the most
efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available)
attachments.
NOTE: The engine will automatically shut off it the PTO is engaged
with the shift lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in
the NORMAL MOWING position.
MULCHING
A mulch kit is available as an attachment. Mulching is a process of
recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck.
The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where
they act as a natural fertilizer.
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