Craftsman 917.273134 - 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 look­
ing lawns, mow often and after moder­
ate 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.
Gauge Wheel
Mounting
Bracket
Attachment
Clutch Lever
“Engaged”
Position
Shoulder
Bolt
3/8-16
Locknut
3/8 Washer
Gauge Wheel
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. Any attempt
by the operator to ieave the seat with the
engine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engine.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Start mower blades by engaging at­
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
^CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
“Disengaged:
Position
Aitachemnt
Lift Lever High
Position
Low
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 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 to highest position
with attachment lift control.
When pushing or towing your tractor,
be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N)
position.
Do not push or tow tractor at more than
five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your tractor on a truck
or a trailer, 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 ATTACH­
MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom­
mended 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.
14