Craftsman 247.28933 - Manual (Page 112)

OPERATION
I
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
IMPORTANT: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden
stops.
NOTE: Your Revolution tractor is equipped with an innovative drive
system. It is normal for some forward movement of the tractor to occur
when the brake is released.
1. Briefly depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake.
Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
2. To travel forward: Slowly depress the forward drive control pedal
until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 5.
To travel in reverse: Check that the area behind is clear, then
slowly depress the reverse drive control pedal until the desired
speed is achieved. See Figure 5.
Release the depressed drive pedal and depress the brake pedal
to stop the tractor.
A warning
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO/
Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engaging
the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the
engine off and remove the ignition key.
STEERING THE TRACTOR
Your Revolution tractor is equipped with an innovative steering system.
Turning the steering wheel not only turns the front wheels, but also
adjusts the position of the drive control linkage of the transmissions
that drive the tractor. This steering system allows you to vary the radius
of turns from a normal wide U-turn down to a zero turn (a tight “about-
face” turn). Some practice may be needed to become accustomed to
the steering of your tractor. The steering works as follows:
16
1. The steering wheel rotates approximately two full turns from its
stopping point on one side to its stopping point on the other, with
the center position being the straight ahead position.
2. Minor turns of the steering wheel from the center position
(approximately 10° to 15°) turn only the front axles and will result
in wider turns.
3. Increasing the turn of the steering wheel (beyond 10“-15°) results
in increasingly tighter turns. As the steering mechanism turns the
front wheels, it also changes the position of the transmission drive
control linkage to slow down the inner rear wheel in the turn, and
adjusts the speed of the outer wheel as necessary to complete
the desired turn. Turn the steering wheel back to the center
position as the turn is completed.
NOTE: It is not necessary to release the drive pedal when making a
turn. The change to the transmission linkage occurs regardless of how
far the drive pedal is depressed. When the steering wheel is straight­
ened, the tractor will return to the speed set by the drive pedal.
4. Turning the steering wheel fully to its stop in either direction
will fully turn the front wheels, reverse the direction of the inner
wheel and adjust the outer wheel speed to execute a zero turn in
the chosen direction. Turn the steering wheel back to the center
position as the turn is completed.
NOTE: The steering wheel has to be turned all the way UNTIL IT
STOPS to complete a zero turn. As the steering wheel is turned further
toward its stop, the effort needed to turn the steering wheel increases.
IMPORTANT: Making tight or zero turns on grass will greatly increase
the potential for damage to the turf.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
IMPORTANT: Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help deter­
mine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
• Mow up and down slopes, never across.
• 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
downhill on the slope. Turning uphill increases the possibility of a
tractor rollover.
• 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 PARKING BRAKE
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat
with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.
To set the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal completely down with your left foot and
hold it that position.
2. Push the parking brake lever downward and hold it in that
position.