To Adjust Gauge Wheels; To Operate Mower; To Operate On Hills; To Transport - Craftsman EZ3 917.272201 Owner's Manual

The cuttingheight rangeis approximately
1.1/2" to 4% The heights
are measured
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-I/2 inches during the
Coot season and to over 3 inches dur-
ing hot months. For healthier and bet-
ter looking lawns, mow often _nd after
moderate 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 stightty off the ground
when mower is at the desired cutting
height in operating position. Gauge
wheels then keep the deck in proper po-
sition to help prevent scalping in most ter-
rain conditions.
• Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a
flat level surface°
• Adjust mower to dssired cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING
HEIGHT" in the'_Q, p eration section of
this manual). _"
, With mower in desired height of cut po-
sition, gauge wheels should be as-
sembled so they are slightly off the
ground_ Install gauge wheel in appro-
priate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8
washer, and 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten
securely.
• Repeat for opposite side installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
Gauge Wheel
Mounting "_
Bracket
3/8-I6
Locknut ;houlder Bolt
3/8 Washer 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 en-
gine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engiqe.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Lower mower with attachment lift con-
trol.
• Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment clutch control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
gage attachment clutch control.
A CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
Attachment Clutch Attachment Lift Lever
Out To High Position
_witch Pull
Engage _'_'._"" i. . Low
(/__ ,:!_ Posit,on
_"-_(3_ _ Y \- _;_:N, Deflector
"Disengage" --"_ _._ .,_. (_
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 provided 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°
• tf stopping is absolutely necessary,
push clutch/brake pedal quickly to
brake position and engage parking
brake,
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
does not return to neutra! (N) position
when the clutch/brake pedal is de-
pressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting°
• Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by plac-
ing freewheel control in freewheeling po-
sition. Free wheel control is located at the
rear drawbar of tractor.
• Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• Pull freewheel control out and down
into the slot and release so it is held in
the disengaged position.
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