Craftsman 917.273800 - Manual (Page 14)

• The average lawn should be cut to ap­
proximately 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 rela­
tively high; the second to desired height.
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS
Gauge wheels are properly adjusted
when they are slightly off the ground when
mower is at the desired cutting height in
operating position. Gauge wheels then
keep the deck in proper position to help
prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.
NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor
on a flat level surface.
1. Adjust mower to desired cutting height
(See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING
HEIGHT” in this section of manual).
2. With mower in desired height of cut
position, gauge wheels should be
assembled so they are slightly off the
ground. Install gauge wheel in ap­
propriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8
washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for opposite side, installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. Any attempt
by the operator to leave the seat with the
engine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engine. You must
remain fully and centrally positioned in the
seat to prevent the engine from hesitating
or cutting off when operating your equip­
ment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Start mower blades by engaging at­
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
ACAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
Attachemnt
Lift Lever
High
Position
Attachment
Clutch Lever
“Engaged”
Position
Low
Position
“Disengaged
Position ,, , .. .................... .. ,
Deflector
Shield
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
^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 start­
ing 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 posi­
tion and engage parking brake.
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
does not return to neutral (N) position
when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
• Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheeling position.
Freewheel control is located at the rear
drawbar of tractor.
1. Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
2. Pull freewheel control out and down
into the slot and release so it is held in
the disengaged position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) MPH.
• To re-engage transmission, reverse
above procedure.
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