Craftsman 917.270851 Owner's Manual page 14

• Turn knob counterclockwise (P_) to
lower cutting height.
The cutting height range is approxi-
mately !-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
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.
• Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a
fiat level surface.
• Adjust mower to desired Cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING
HEIGHT" in the Operation section of
this manual).
• 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.
• Repeat for opposite side installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
%
3/8-16
Locknut_
Gauge
Wheel
Mounting
Brack
3/8 ;houlder
Gauge Wheel Bolt
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.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Lower mower with attachment !ift
control.
• Start mower blades by engaging
attachment clutch control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
__gage attachment clutch control.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the discharge
guard in place.
Attachment Clutch Lever "Engaged"
Positionsltion_,_ _--_/ /Attachemnt Lift
e L_n_ _ jj'/_ Lever High
7ZJtJ
V.-_ ''_-_ Position
Posit_n" t-..
_ e
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do
not drive across any slope.
• Choose the slowest speed before
starting up or down 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.).
14