To Adjust Gauge Wheels; To Operate Mower; To Operate On Hills; To Transport - Craftsman 917.273471 Owner's Manual

The cutting height range is approxi-
mately 1-1/2to 4". The heightsare mea-
sured from the ground to the bladetip with
the engine not running. These heights
are approximateand may vary depending
upon soil conditions,height of grassand
types of grass being mowed.
• The averagelawn should be cut to ap-
proximately2-1/2 inches during the cool
season and to over 3 inches during hot
months. For healthierand better look-
ing lawns,mowoften and after moder-
ate growth.
• For best cuttingperformance,grass
over 6 inches in height should be
mowedtwice. Make the first cut rela-
tively high;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.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. 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
Clutch Lever Attachemnt
"Engaged" gh
Position f,,,;_ Position
Low
Position
"Disengaged"
Position
Shield
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 at the back of this manual.
• 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 posi-
tion and engage parking brake.
• Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be
sure you have allowed room for tractor
to roll slightly as you restart movement.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• When pushing or towing your tractor,
be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N)
position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than
five (5) MPH.
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