Craftsman 917.256544 - 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. 9)
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 engirie.
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in ‘BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
STOPPING (See Fig. 9)
MOWER BLADES -
• Move attachment dutch lever to “DISENGAGED” po­
sition.
GROUND DRIVE -
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE" position.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
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. 9)
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 MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 9)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever.
• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move gearshift lever to desired position.
• Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE
TO DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 9)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust­
ment knob in desired direction.
• Turn knob clockwise (y^) to raise cutting height.
• Turn knob counterclockwise (|f^) 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 (awn 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.
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