Craftsman 247.28902 - 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 for 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.
pedal up.
2. Move the throttle lever Into the FAST (rabbit) position.
3. Place the shift lever In either the FORWARD or REVERSE
position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the direction
of travel when the tractor Is In motion. Always use the brake pedal to
bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting.
4. Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake pedal
and positioning the speed control lever In desired position.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1 or
2. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls
before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
5. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion.
6. The lawn tractor Is brought to a stop by depressing the clutch-
brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit Initially, there will be little difference
between the highest two speeds until after the belts have seated
themselves Into the pulleys during the break-in period.
A warning
Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the shift 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 shift lever In 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.
If unit stalls with speed control In high speed, or it unit will not operate
with speed control lever in a low speed position, proceed as follows:
1. Place shift lever In NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever In highest speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever In desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow
normal operating procedures.
1. Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the 16