Craftsman 917.273753 Owner's Manual page 14

o 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 healthier and better looking lawns, mow
often and after moderate growth.
o 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.
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
position, gauge wheels should be assem-
bled so they are slightly off the ground.
Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole
with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-
16 Iocknut and tighten securely.
3. Repeat for opposite side, installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
Gauge Wheel
Mounting
Bracket
3/8-16
Locknut
3/8 Washer
Gauge Wheel
Shoulder
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. Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
_/ICAUTmON: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place,
Clutch Lever
"Engaged'
"Disengag
Position
Shield
TO OPERATE ON HmLLS
_IWARNmNG: 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.
o Choose the slowest speed before start-
ing up or down hills.
o Avoid stopping or changing speed on
hills.
o If slowing is necessary, move throttle
control lever to slower position.
o If stopping is absolutely necessary, push
clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi-
tion and engage parking brake.
o Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be
sure you have allowed room for tractor
to roll slightly as you restart movement.
o To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch!brake pedal.
o Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
o Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
o When pushing or towing your tractor,
be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N)
position.
o Do not push or tow tractor at more than
five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your tractor on a truck
or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate
means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord,
etc.).
TOWmNG CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-
MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy
of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
Tires can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.
14