Craftsman 917.259172 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
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 a wide vision safety mask over the
spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 8)
Yourtractor 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 ciutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE" position
and hold.
" Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
release pressure from ciutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER
“ENGAGED"
POSmON
CHOKE
CONTROL
THROTTLE
CONTROL
“BRAKE
POSITION
"DiSENGAGEO”
POSITION
PARKING BRAKE
"ENGAGED"
POSITION
MOTION
CONTROL
LEVER
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL “DRIVE”
POSITION
HEIGHT'
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION
FIG. 8
STOPPING (See Fig. 8^
Rl AnPR -
• Move attachment clutch lever to “DISENGAGED" po­
sition.
GROUND DRIVE -
® Depress ciutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE" position.
® Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
ENGINE -
® Move throttle control to slow position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and
allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine
to “backfire".
» 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 standing
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
A
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com­
pletely, as described above, before leav­
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
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. 8)
Use choke contr ol whenever you are starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine,
o To engage choke control, puli 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 corrtro! lever.
® Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N)
position.
» Release parking brake and ciutch/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
(r^) 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 second to desired height.
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 9)
Yourtractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. Any attempt by tire operator to leave the seat with
the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will
shut off the engine.
“ Select desired height of cut.
® Lower mower with attachment lift control.
» Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch
control.
® TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment
•|2 clutch control.