Craftsman 917.276140 Owner's Manual page 15

The cuttingheight range is approximately
1-1/2"to 4-1/2". The heightsare mea-
sured from the groundto the blade tip with
the enginenot running. These heights
are approximateand may vary depending
upon soil conditions,height of grass and
types of grass being mowed.
• The averagelawn should be cut to
approximately2-1/2 inches during the
cool season and to over 3 inchesduring
hot months. For healthierand better
looking lawns,mow often and after
moderategrowth.
• For best cuttingperformance,grass over
6 inches in height should be mowed
twice. Makethe first cut relativelyhigh;
the second to desiredheight.
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 de-
sired cutting height(See "TO ADJUST
MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in this
section of manual).
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.
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. 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.
2. Lower mower with attachment lift con-
trol.
3. 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.
Attachment Lift Lever
Attachment C utch H _" D^_ ÷^,
Switch Pull Out To ,u.... _'- Low
"Enga_ : _,ZPosition
..:_"
{ _J _)_'_Q_/ _ _"?" Deflector
'_ '_,_!,/ \_ / \ _,'/\ Shield
o l ""
Push In To _\j _/_
'Disengage" )_
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
AI_WARNING: 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 stopping is absolutely necessary, push
brake pedal quickly to brake position
and engage parking brake.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
returns to neutral (N) position when the
brake pedal is depressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
• Make all turns slowly.
15