To Adjust Gauge Wheels; To Operate On Hills; To Transport - Craftsman EZ3 917.270781 Owner's Manual

The cutting height range is approxi-
mately 1-1/2 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 inches during the
cool season and to over 3 inches dur-
ing 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 rela-
tively 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 posi-
tion to help prevent scalping in most ter-
rain conditions.
• Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a
flat 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 po-
sition, gauge wheels should be as-
sembled so they are slightly off the
ground. Install gauge wheel in appropri-
ate 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.
Gauge Wheel
Mounting
Bracket_
3/8-16
Locknut
3/8Washer
Gauge Wheel
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. Any attempt by
the operator to leave the seat with the en-
gine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engine.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment 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 Attachment Lift
Lever "Engaged" Lever High Position
Position ,__._..._
"Di senga ged_.._..-, ..:.:;
Position / _ Low
----:_'_, Position
_'__ DiuSaChd r ge
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_)&CAUTION: De not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do
not drive across any slope.
• Choose the slowest speed before start-
ing 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 motion control lever to neutral (N)
position.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
does not return to neutral (N) position
when the clutch/brake pedal is de-
pressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
• Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by plac-
ing freewheel control in freewheeling po-
sition. Free wheel control is located at the
rear drawbar of tractor.
• Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• Pull freewheel control out and down
into the slot and release so it is held in
14 the disengaged position.