Sears 917.258473 owner manual HOW to USE Your Tractor

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OPERATI

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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 anyadjustments or repairs. We recommend awide vision safety mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

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HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 8)

Your tractor 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.

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NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idlewith 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.

iA	CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
	pletely, as described above, before leav-	I
	ing the operator's position; to empty	I
	grass...........................catcher, etc.	I

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. 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,.

ATTACHMENT	CLUTCH LEVER	"DISENGAGED"
"ENGAGED"	POSITRON
		POSITION

IGNITION

KEY

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 bagging and mower perfor-

manceo

THROTTLE/CHOKEPARKING

CONTROL LEVERBRAKE "ENGAGED"

POSITION

GEAR-

SHIFT

LEVER

"BRAKE"

POSITION

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL	PARKING BRAKE
"DRIVE" POSITION	"DISENGAGED" POSITION

FIG, 8

STOPPING (See Fig. 8)

MOWER BLADES -

°Move attachment clutch lever to "DISENGAGED" po- sition.

GROUND DRIVE -

•Depress clutch/brake pedal into fult "BRAKE" position..

•Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position

ENGINE -

•Move throttle control to slow position°

NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow 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.

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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 lever to desired position.

o Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.

IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP

BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE TO DO SO WELLSHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR TRANSAXLE.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)

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 1-1/2 to 4",.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 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°