Sears 917.25597 - Manual (Page 12)

OPERATION
The operation of any tractor can result; n oreign 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 repair s. 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. 9)
» 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 switch to “DISENGAGED"
position.
GROUND DRIVE -
" Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE" position,
*> Move gearshift lever to “NEUTRAL" position,,
ENGINE-
® Move throttle control to “SLOW"position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to “SLOW"position
or 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 gasses
may cause “browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibil­
ity, always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass
areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com­
pletely, as described above, before leav­
ing the operator's position; to empty
) grass catcher, etc.
12
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)
Use choke control whenever you ar e starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
0 To engage choke control, puil knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage,,
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 mower performance.
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" position.
« Move gearshift and range shift levers to desired posi­
tion.
° 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 to raise cutting height,
» Turn knob counterclockwise (i^) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2".
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 type of grass being mowed.
» The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season ana 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.