Craftsman 917.257360 - Manual (Page 11)

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 Wide Vision Safety Mask for over
the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 7)
Your unit 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 clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE" position
and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and
release pressurefrom clutch/brake pedal Pedal should
remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure parking brake
will hold vehicle secure
STOPPING (See Fig. 7)
MOWER BLADES -
• Move attachment clutch lever to "DISENGAGED"
position.
GROUND DRIVE -
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position
• Move motion control lever to "NEUTRAL" position.
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES
NOT RETURNTO "NEUTRAL" POSITION
WHEN THE CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS
DEPRESSED.
ENGINE-
■ Move throttle control to "SLOW" position
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key,
Always remove key when leaving vehicle to prevent
unauthorized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine,
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 7)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
• Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate and the engine cooling air flow
• Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower per­
formance.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See
Fig. 6) '
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
motion control lever.
•
• Start unit with the motion control lever in "NEUTRAL"
position.
• Release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to desired position
FIG. 7
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTiNG HEIGHT (See
Fig. 6) '
The position of the attachment lift lever determines the
cutting height
• Grasp lift lever.
• Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired
position.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/4" to 3-3/4".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approx^
mate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height
of grass and types of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and 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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