Craftsman 917.28973 Operator's Manual page 15

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)
Always operate engine at full speed (fast).
• Operating engine at less than full speed
(fast) reduces engine's operating ef-
ficiency.
• Ful! speed (fast) offers the best mower
performance.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND
BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the forward and reverse drive
pedals.
1. Start tractor and release parking brake.
2. Slowly depress forward (K) or reverse
(L) drive pedal to begin movement.
Ground speed increases the further
down the pedal is depressed.
TO USE CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control feature can be used for
forward travel only.
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The cruise control should only be used
while mowing or transporting on relatively
smooth, straight surfaces. Other conditions
such as trimming at slow speeds may
cause the cruise control to disengage. Do
not use the cruise control on slopes, rough
terrian or while trimmimg or turning.
• With forward drive pedal depressed to
desired speed, pull cruise control lever
(J) up and hold while lifting your foot off
the pedal, then release the lever.
To disengage the cruise control, depress
the brake pedal or tap on forward drive
pedal.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting height.
• Put attachment lift lever in desired cut-
ting height slot.
The cutting height range is approxi-
mately 1" to 4". The heights are mea-
sured 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 2-1/2" during the cool sea-
son and to over 3" during hot months.
For healthier and better looking lawns,
mow often and after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass
over 6" 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 CUTTING
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 appro-
priate hole. Tighten securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
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