Craftsman 28945 Operation Manual - Page 17

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. Ai_WARNING" Backing up with the at- tachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attach- ment clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM - Only use ifyou are certain no children or other bystanders will enter the mowing area. 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and hold. 2. With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise to ROS "ON" position. 3. Look down and behind before backing. 4. Move gear shift leverto reverse position and slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement. 5. When use ofthe ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position. ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position (Normal Operating) TO OPERATE ON HILLS AI:_WARNING" Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide at the back of this manual. • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. • Avoid stopping orchanging speed on hills. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quicklyto brake position and engage parking brake. • Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. 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 attachment lift lever to its highest position. • When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on atruck or atrailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs ser- vicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual. NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP". For acurate reading, be sure key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not running. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine ground. oil with tractor on level 2. Unthread and remove oilfill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. 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 the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, seethe Maintenance section in this manual. 17