Sears 917.257462 Before Starting The Engine, TO OPERATE MOWER See Figs. 10 and, To Transport

OPERATION

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

(See Fig. 10)

The position of the mower lift lever determines the cutting height. The position of the mower lift lever can be adjusted by moving the height adjustment knob to desired position.

•With lift lever back and locked in highest position, pull out the adjustment knob and move to desired position.

•Move mower lift lever out and forward to adjustment knob.

The cutting height range is approximately 1" to 3-1/2". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate 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.

MOWER LIFT

LEVER

MOWER HEIGHT

ADJUSTMENT KNOB

FIG. 10

TO OPERATE MOWER (See Figs. 10 and 11)

Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the mower clutch engaged will shut off the engine.

•Select desired height of cut.

•Engage mower by slowly moving mower clutch lever to "ENGAGED" position.

•TO STOP MOWER - Move mower clutch lever to "DISENGAGED" position.

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the dis- charge guard in place.

MOWER

CLUTCH LEVER

"ENGAGED"

POSITION

MOWER CLUTCH LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION

FIG. 11

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and CAUTION: Do not drive up or down do not drive across any slope.

Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills.

•Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.

•If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position.

•If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake

pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.

Move gearshift lever to 1st gear and be sure you have

allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

•Raise mower lift lever to highest position.

•When pushing or tow,!ng your unit, be sure gearshift lever is in NEUTRAL position.

•Do not push unit at more than five (5) MPH.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 16)

•The engine in your unit has been shipped from the factory already filled with summer weight oil.

•Check engine oil with unit on level ground.

•Remove oil fill dipstick and wipe clean, replace and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (see "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the

Maintenance section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.

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