Craftsman 247.27050 Series Operator's Manual

19OPERATIONExecuting a “Y” ManeuverFor low traction conditions, follow these procedures for zero turns (the“Y-maneuver”):To turn clockwise (front of machine moves toward RIGHT) when travelingFORWARD:1. Come to a stop,2. Then slowly move both lap bars rearward (no more than ½ maximumreverse speed) to initiate REVERSE travel,3. Then slowly move the LEFT lap bar forward while maintaining the RIGHT lap bar inthe rearward travel position.4. To stop the turn and re-initiate FORWARD travel, slowly move the RIGHT lap barfrom the REVERSE travel position to a FORWARD travel position equal to that ofthe LEFT lap bar.5. For counterclockwise turns, reverse the above procedure.Stopping the Tractor1. Move both drive control levers to the neutral position to stop the motion ofthe tractor.2. Push the PTO knob downward to the disengaged position.3. Use the deck lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position by depressing thebutton at the end of the handle and pulling upwards. Make sure the latch engageson the pin. See Figure 20.Figure 204. If dismounting the tractor, move the drive control handles fully outward inthe neutral position engaging the parking brake, move the throttle controllever to the mid-throttle or SLOW position, turn the ignition switch toSTOP and remove the key from the switch.WARNINGDo not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO, movingdrive control levers fully outward in the neutral position engaging theparking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, turn the ignition key offand remove key.Driving On SlopesRefer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Section to help determine slopeswhere you may not operate safely.WARNINGDo not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise ofapproximately 2-1⁄2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn andcause serious injury.1. Always drive across slopes, never up and down. Control the speed anddirection of the tractor using primarily the control lever on the downhill sideof the tractor, with the uphill control lever remaining essentially in a fixedposition.2. Avoid turning downhill if possible. Start at the bottom of a slope and workupward. Always slow down before turning.3. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill.Operating The PTOOperate the PTO clutch as follows:NOTE: During your units initial break-in period, in order to engage the PTO andavoid engine stall, allow the engine to warm before engaging the PTO. Break-Inperiod varies depending on your engine.1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST position.2. Pull the PTO knob upward to the ENGAGED position.3. The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operatorshould leave the seat without disengaging the PTO, the tractor’s engine willshut off.4. The PTO clutch cannot be operated when the tractor is driving in the reversedirection. The PTO will disengage when both drive control levers are movedto the reverse position and will re-engage when one (or both) controllever(s) is moved to the neutral or forward position.MowingWARNINGMake certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire orother objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades.NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear andpossible failure of the ‘V” belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or moveto a non grassy area before engaging the mower deck.1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and workupward to ensure turns are made uphill.2. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed.3. Engage the PTO and move the throttle control to the FAST position.4. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the deck lifthandle.5. Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers forward tomove the tractor forward, and keep the tractor headed directly toward thealignment point.NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the mower cut. Mowingat full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground speedwith the control levers.