Craftsman 917.272245 Owner's Manual page 12

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
approximately 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
height in operating position. Gauge
wheels then keep the deck in proper
position to help prevent scalping in most
terrain conditions.
NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level
surface.
1. Lower mower and adjust mower to
desired cutting height.
2. Remove retainer spring and clevis pin
which secure each gauge wheel bar.
3. Lower gauge wheels to ground. Raise
gauge wheels slightly to align holes in
bracket and gauge wheel bar and
insert clevis pin. Gauge wheels
should be slightly off the ground.
4. Replace retainer spring into clevis pin.
5. Be sure all gauge wheels are in the
same setting.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to readjust gauge
wheels if you change the cutting height
of the mower deck.
J
Retainer
Spring
Clevis Pin
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.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Start mower blades by engaging
attachment 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.
Attachment Clutch
SwitchPull Out To
"Eng_
Y
"Disengage _"_'_ _
Attachment Lift
Lever High Position
,4
i.'__...-Low
"" Position
,,,',,'
?\ Deflector
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_CAUTION: 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
starting up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on
hills.
i f stopping is absolutely necessary,
push brake pedal quickly to brake
position and engage parking brake.
To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and brake pedal.
• Slowly depress appropriate drive pedal
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.
Transmission Engaged
Transmission Disengaged
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.).
12