Craftsman 917.274980 Owner's Manual page 12

• Turn knob clockwise (('_) to raise
cutting height.
• Turn knob counterclockwise ()_'_)to
lower cutting height.
The cutting height range is approximately
1-1/2" to 4-1/2". 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
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.
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
appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/
8 washer, and 3/8-16 Iocknut and
tighten securely.
3. Repeat for opposite side, installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment
hole.
3/8-16
Locknut
3/8
Gaug_
Shoulder 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 oft the engine.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Lower mower with attachment lift
control.
3. Start mower blades by engaging
attachment 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 Clutch
Switch Pull Out to
"Engage"
Attachemnt Lift
Lever High Position
/
Position
to
"Disengage"
Deflector
Shield
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
A(_CAUTION: Do not drive uD 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
starting 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.
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