Sears Craftsman 917.257720 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result
in sewere eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields white operating your tractor
or perforfning any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over
the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 8)
* Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
release pressuretromclutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold vehicle secure.
PARKING BRAKE
“ENGAGED
POSITION
CHOKE
CONTROL
IGNITION KEY
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH
SWITCH
“ENGAGED”
POSITION
THROTTLE
CONTROL
LEVER
RANGE
SHIFT
LEVER
GEARSHIFT
LEVER
CLUTCH/
BRAKE
PEDAL
“BRAKE”
POSITION
“DRIVE”
POSITION
“DISENGAGED”
POSITION
FIG. 8
STOPPING (See Fig. 8)
MOWER BLADES -
• Move attachment clutch switch to “DISENGAGED”
position.
GROUND DRIVE-
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE-
• Move throttle control to slow (•m) position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow (ia»)
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 mower performance.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)
Use choke control wheneveryouare starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
• To engage choke control, pull 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
gearshift lever.
• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move gearshift and range shift levers to desired posi­
tion.
• Slowly release ciutch/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 OFYOUR
TRANSAXLE.
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 ) to raise cutting height.
• Turn knob counterclockwise (rT) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1 -1/4“ to 4-1 /4".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approxi­
mate 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.
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