Craftsman 917.272074 Owner's Manual page 14

• 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" Adjust gauge wheels with tractor
on a flat level surface.
1. Adjust mower to desired cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUf'rlNG
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
appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/
8 washer, and 3/8-16 Iocknut and
tighten securely.
3. Repeat for opposite side, installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment
hole.
Gauge Wheel _.\ \_._.
Mounting \ 2_-_ _"
Bracket ._ _, _
_J'__'_ _ Shoulder
3/8 Wash..er.'_- _)).,SBol t
Gauge Wheel
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.
A_achment
Clutch Lever A_achemnt
"Engaged" Lever High
Posffion Posi_on
Low
Position
Position
Deflector
Shield
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 clown 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 position 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
recommended 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
14of your tractor.