Craftsman 917.28746 - Manual (Page 8)

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting height.
• Put attachment lift lever in desired cut-
ting height slot.
• Slide pointer tab (T) to desired cutting
height as a reminder for next time you
mow.
The cutting height range is approxi-
mately 1" to 4". The heights are mea-
sured 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 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 relatively 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 heightin
operating position. Gauge wheels then
keep the deck in proper position to help
prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.
NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractbr
on a flatlevel
surface.
1. Adjust mower to desired cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTI NG
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 appro-
priate hole. Tighten securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
TO USE CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control feature can be used for
forward travel only.
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The cruise control should only be used
while mowing or transporting on relatively
smooth, straight surfaces. Other conditions
such as trimming at slow speeds may
cause the cruise control to disengage. Do
not use the cruise control on slopes, rough
terrian or while trimmimg or turning.
• With forward drive pedal depressed to
desired speed, pull cruise control lever
(J) up and hold while lifting your foot off
the pedal, then release the lever.
To disengage the cruise control, depress
the brake pedal or tap on forward drive
pedal.
TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (N)
Use choke control whenever you are start-
ing a cold engine. Do not use to start a
warm engine.
• To engage choke control, pull knob out.
Slowly push knob in to disengage.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND
BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the forward and reverse drive
pedals.
,
1. Start tractor and release parl<irig brake.
2. Slowly depress forward (I<) or reverse
(l) drive pedal to begin movement.
Ground speed increases the further
down the pedal is depressed .
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)
Always operate engine at full speed (fast).
• Operating engine at less than full speed
(fast) reduces engine's operating ef-
ficiency.
• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower
performance.
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress brake
pedal all the way down.
ENGINE-
• Move throttle control (D) between half
and full speed (fast) position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control
between half and full speed (fast) posi-
tion, before stopping, may cause engine to
"backfire".
• Turn ignition key (F) to "STOP" position
and remove key. Always remove key
when leaving tractor to prevent unau-
thorized use.
• Never use choke (N) to stop engine.
IMPORTANT:
leaving the ignition switch
in any position other than "STOP" will
cause the battery to discharge and go
dead.
NOTE:
Under certain conditions when
tractor is standing idle with 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.
&AUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leaving
the operator's position.
O~3'lI
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE '
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.
1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way
down and hold.
2. Pull parking brake lever up and release
pressure from clutch/brake
pedal.
Pedal should remain in brake ~ition.
Make sure parking brake will hold trac-
tor secure.
STOPPING
MOWER BLADES -
• To stop mower blades, push attachment
clutch switch in to disengaged position
(0).
(I) Attachment (0) Push-In to
Clutch Switch "Disengaged"
Pull Out To "Engage"
~. . The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the
MIEIY..-
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses
,',> ".
or eye shields while operating your. tractor or performing any adjustments
• '0
or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vIsion safety
mask worn over spectacles.
14
15