Craftsman 917.276350 Owner's Manual page 12

The cutting height range is approximately
1-1/2" to 4-1/2". The heightsare mea-
suredfrom the ground to 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 inchesduring
hot months. For healthierand better
looking lawns,mowoften and after
moderategrowth.
• For best cutting performance,grassover
6 inches in height should be mowed
twice. Makethe first cut relativelyhigh;
the second to desiredheight.
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: Be sure tractor is on a flat level
surface.
1. Lower mower and adjust mower to de-
sired cutting height(See "TO ADJUST
MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in this
section of manual).
2. Remove retainer spring and clevis pin
which secure each gauge wheel bar.
3. Lower gauge wheels to ground. Raise
gauge wheels slightly to align holes
in bracket and gauge wheel bar and
insert clevis pin. Gauge wheels should
be slightly off the ground.
4. Replace retainer spring into clevis pin.
5. Be sure all gauge wheels are in the
same setting.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to readjust gauge
wheels if you change the cutting height
of the mower deck.
Retainer
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" x_" Position
,;,"
Deflector
Shield
Push In To
"Disengage"
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse
Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by
the operator to travel in the reverse direc-
tion with the attachment clutch engaged
will shut off the engine unless ignition key
is placed in the ROS "ON" position.
,_,WARNING: Backing up with the at-
tachment clutch engaged while mowing
is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS
"ON", to allow reverse operation with the
attachment clutch engaged, should only
be done when the operator decides it is
necessary to reposition the machine with
the attachment engaged. Do not mow in
reverse unless absolutely necessary.
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION
SYSTEM -
1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way
down and hold.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key
counterclockwise to ROS "ON" posi-
tion.
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