Craftsman CMXGRAM1130049, Instruction Manual

15

OPERATION

 WARNING

Do not operate the tractor if the safety interlock system is 

malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and 

protection.

Engaging the Parking Brake

1. 

Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your 

foot.

2. 

Move the parking brake lever back into the parking brake 

position. 

3. 

Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to 

engage.

Releasing the Parking Brake

1. 

Depress the brake pedal and move the parking brake 

lever forward out of the parking brake position.

Setting the Cutting Height

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the 

deck lift lever in any of the five (5) different cutting height 

notches on the right side of the fender.

 WARNING

Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting 

deck. 

Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Service & Maintenance 

section of this manual for more detailed instructions 

regarding deck adjustment.

Starting the Tractor

 WARNING

Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This 

system was designed for your safety and protection.

1. 

Unplug the charging cord (if necessary). If the cord is still 

plugged in a reminder will display on the VCM when the 

key switch is turned on.

2. 

Sit in the operator’s seat. A reminder will display on 

the VCM if the operator is not in the seat when the key 

switch is turned on.

3. 

Insert the power key into the key switch.

4. 

Fully depress the brake pedal or set the parking brake. If 

the brake is not engaged a reminder will display on the 

VCM when the key switch is turned on. 

5. 

Turn the power key clockwise to the ON (I)position. 

6. 

Press the start/stop button down for two seconds (two 

beeps).

Stopping the Tractor

 WARNING

If you strike a foreign object, stop the tractor, turn the power key to OFF 

and remove. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the 

damage before restarting and operating.

1. 

If the blade is engaged, press the PTO button to 

disengage the PTO.

2. 

Press the start/stop button for one second (one beep) 

or turn the power key counter-clockwise to the OFF (O) 

position.

3. 

Remove the key from the key switch to prevent 

unintended starting.

Driving the Tractor

 WARNING

Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

 WARNING

Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first pressing the PTO button 

to turn off the blade(s), depressing the brake pedal and engaging the 

parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the power key 

to the OFF position and remove the power key.

  WARNING

Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a 

back-over accident.

1. 

To travel FORWARD, slowly press the forward drive pedal 

to travel FORWARD until the desired speed is reached. 

2. 

To travel in REVERSE, slowly press the reverse drive pedal 

until the desired speed is reached.

3. 

The tractor is brought to a stop by releasing the forward 

or reverse drive pedal and/or depressing the brake pedal.

 WARNING

Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, disengage the 

blade(s), engage the parking brake, turn the key switch to OFF position 

and remove the power key.

Reverse Caution Mode (RCM)

The REVERSE CAUTION MODE button

allows the tractor to be 

operated in reverse with the blade(s) (PTO) engaged.

Note: 

Mowing in reverse is not recommended.

 WARNING

Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE 

CAUTION MODE

.

 Always look down and behind before and while 

backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are 

around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area.