System Characteristics - Craftsman 917.288341 Operator's Manual

SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The cruise control should only be used
while mowing or transporting on relatively
smooth, straight surfaces. Otherconditions
suchas trimmingat slowspeeds may cause
the cruise controlto disengage. Do not use
the cruise control on slopes, rough tertian
or while trimmimg or turning.
• Withforwarddrive pedal (K)depressedto
desiredspeed, pullcruisecontrollever (J)
up and hold while lifting your foot off the
pedal, then release the lever.
Todisengagethe cruisecontrol,depressthe
brake pedal or tap on forward drive pedal.
TO ADJUST MOWER CU'I-rlNG HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting height.
• Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting
height slot.
The cutting height range is approximately
1" 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 condi-
tions, height of grass and types of grass
being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to approxi-
mately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season
and to over 3 inches during hot months. For
healthierand better looking lawns, mowoften
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.
2. With mower in desired height of cut posi-
tion, gauge wheels should be assembled
so they are slightly offthe ground. Install
gaugewheel in appropriate hole. Tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
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 equipment
on rough, rolling terrain or hills.
1. Select desired height of cut with attach-
ment lift lever.
2. Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
_I, CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield
(S) in place.
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
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse
Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by
the operator to travel in the reverse direction
with the attachment clutch engaged will shut
off the engine unless ignition key is placed
in the ROS "ON" position.
HEIGHT" in this section of manual). 12