Craftsman 247.28905 - Manual (Page 16)

OPERATION
STARTING THE ENGINE
A warning
Do not operate the tractor it the interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the Gasoline and Oil flll-up Instructions earlier In this
section.
1. Insert the tractor key Into the Ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever In the disengaged (OFF)
position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control by moving the throttle/choke lever all
the way up Into the choke position.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the
engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON (or Normal
Mowing) position.
A CAUTION
DO NOT hold the key In the START position tor longer than ten
seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s
electric starter.
6. After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control and place the
throttle control in the FAST position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating the tractor.
Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the engine to run
poorly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
A warning
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wlre(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. Move the throttle lever Into the FAST (rabbit) position.
NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the throttle/choke control lever
In the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting
deck or other (separately available) attachments.
2. Release the parking brake by depressing the brake pedal
3. Position the speed control lever In desired position. The further
forward or rearward that the lever Is moved, the faster the tractor
will travel.
A warning
Do NOT attempt to change the direction of travel when the tractor
Is In motion. Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before
moving the speed control lever from forward to reverse or vice versa.
Failure to do so could result In serious damage to your tractor’s
transmission.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use slower speeds.
Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls
before operating the tractor in at higher speed.
4. The lawn tractor Is brought to a stop by depressing the brake
pedal.
5. Set the parking brake by fully depressing the brake pedal and
keeping it depressed while placing the parking brake lever In the
ON position. Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake
to engage.
A warning
Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the speed control 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 speed control lever In N (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.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation Practices
section of the manual to help determine slopes where you may operate
the 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.
16
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.