To Adjust Gauge Wheels; To Operate Mower; To Operate On Hills - Craftsman 917.276013 Owner's Manual

The cutting height rangeis approximately
1-1/2"to 4-1/2". The heights are mea-
sured from the groundto the blade tip with
the engine not running. These heights
are approximateand may vary depending
upon soil conditions,height of grass and
types of grass being mowed.
• The averagelawn should be cut to
approximately2-1/2 inches during the
cool season and to over 3 inches during
hot months. For healthierand better
lookinglawns,mow often and after
moderategrowth.
• For best cuttingperformance,grass
over6 inches in height should be
mowedtwice. Makethe first cut rela-
tively high;the second to desired height.
TO ADJUST GAUGEWHEELS
Gaugewheels are properlyadjusted
when they are slightlyoff the ground when
moweris at the desired cutting height in
operatingposition.Gaugewheels then
keepthe deck in proper positionto help
preventscalpingin most terraincondi-
tions.
NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level
surface.
1. Lowermower andadjust mowerto de-
sired cutting height(See"TOADJUST
MOWERCUTTINGHEIGHT"in this
section of manual).
2. Removeretainerspring and clevis pin
which secureeach gaugewheel bar.
3. Lowergauge wheels to ground. Raise
gauge wheels slightly to align holes
in bracketand gauge wheel bar and
insert clevispin. Gaugewheels should
be slightly off the ground.
4. Replaceretainerspring into clevis pin.
5. Be sure all gauge wheels are in the
same setting.
IMPORTANT:Be sure to readjustgauge
wheels if you change the cutting height
of the mowerdeck.
Retainer
S
Clevis
Pin
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 equip-
ment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Lower mower with attachment lift con-
trol.
3. Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment 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 Lift Lever
Attachment Clutch High Positi
Switch Pull Out To Low
"Engage" fPosition
Deflector
Shield
Push In To
"Disengage"
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
AI_WARNING: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do
not drive across any slope. Use the slope
guide at the back of this manual.
• Choose the slowest speed before starting
up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on
hills.
• Ifslowing 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 and range
shift lever to low (L) position. Be sure you
have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly
as you restart movement.
• To restart movement, slowly release park-
ing brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all turns slowly.
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