To Move Forward And Backward; To Adjust Mower Cutting Height; To Adjust Gauge Wheels; To Operate On Hills - Craftsman 917.289081 Operator's Manual

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the motion control lever. (J)
1. Start tractor with motion control lever in
neutral position.
2. Release parking brake.
3. Slowly move motion control lever to
desired position.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting 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 posi-
tion, gauge wheels should be assembled
so they are slightly offthe ground. Install
gauge wheel in appropriate hole. Tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
• 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 cutto approxi-
mately 2-1/2" during the cool season 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 inches in height should be mowed twice.
Make the first cut relatively high; the sec-
ond to desired height.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
,_,WARNING" Do not drive up 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
clutch/brake pedal quicklyto brake position
and engage parking brake.
• Move motion control lever to neutral posi-
tion.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever does
not return to neutral position when the clutch/
brake pedal is depressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release park-
ing brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to slow-
est setting.
• Make all turns slowly.
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