Craftsman 917.273623 Owner's Manual page 12

TO ADJUST GAUGEWHEELS
Gaugewheels are properlyadjusted
when they are slightly off the groundwhen
moweris at the desiredcutting height in
operatingposition.Gaugewheels then
keepthe deck in proper positionto help
preventscalping in most terrainconditions.
NOTE:Besuretractorison a flatlevel s urface.
1. Lower mowerand adjust mowerto
desiredcutting height.
2. Removeretainerspring and clevis pin
which secureeach gauge wheel bar.
3. Lower gaugewheels to ground.Raise
gaugewheels slightly to align holes
in bracketand gauge wheel bar and
insert clevis pin. Gaugewheels should
be slightly off the ground.
4. Replaceretainerspring into clevis pin.
5. Be sure all gaugewheels are in the
same setting.
mMPORTANT: Be sure to readjustgauge
wheels if you change the cutting height
of the mowerdeck.
TO OPERATEON HmLLS
_WARNmNG: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greaterthan 15° and do
not drive across any slope.Use the slope
guide providedat the back of this manual.
,, Choosethe slowestspeed beforestart-
ing up or down hills.
,, Avoidstoppingor changingspeedon hills.
,, If slowingis necessary,movethrottle
control leverto slower position.
,, If stopping is absolutelynecessary,push
clutch/brakepedal quicklyto brakeposi-
tion and engage parkingbrake.
Movemotioncontrol leverto neutral (N)
position.
iMPORTANT:The motioncontrollever
does not return to neutral (N) position
when the clutch/brakepedal is depressed.
To restart movement,slowly release
parking brakeand clutch/brakepedal.
Slowly movemotioncontrol leverto
slowestsetting.
Makeall turns slowly.
J
Retainer Spring
CUevis Pin
,j J"
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. Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
_CAUTION: Do not operate the mower with-
out either the entire grass catcher, on mowers
so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.
Push In To "Disengage"
Lift Lever
High
Position
Attachment
Clutch Switch
Pull Out To
"Engage"
Position
Deflector
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.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH=
IVlENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended 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.
12