Craftsman 917.28827 Operator's Manual page 12

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 gearshift lever (J).
1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal de-
pressed and gearshift lever in neutral
position.
2. Move gearshift lever to desired po-
sition.
3. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to
start movement.
IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete
stop before shifting or changing gears.
Failure to do so will shorten the useful life
of your transaxle.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUFFING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting height.
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 condi-
tions.
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 appro-
priate hole. Tighten securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel
in same adjustment hole.
TO OPERATE MOWER
• Put attachment lift lever in desired cut-
ting height slot.
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 look-
ing lawns, mow often and after moder-
ate growth.
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 with at-
tachment lift lever.
2. Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
_bCAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield (S) in place.
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