Craftsman 917.25023 Operator's Manual page 12

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the gearshift lever (J).
!. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedai de-
pressed and gearshift lever in neutral
position.
2, Move gearshift lever to desired posi-
tion.
3. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to
start movement.
IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete
stop before shifting or changing gears,
Failure to do so will shorten the useful life
of your transaxle.
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 condi-
tions.
NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor
on a flat _evel 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
assembled so they are slightly off the
ground. Install gauge wheel in appro-
priate hole. Tighten securely.
3, Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel
in same adjustment hole.
• Put attachment liftlever in desired cut-
ting height slot.
The cutting height range is approximate-
}y 1" to 4", The heights are measured
from the ground to the blade tip with the
engine not running. These heights are ap-
proximate and may vary depending upon
soil conditions, height of grass and types
of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to ap-
proximately 2-1/2" during the cool sea-
son 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" in height should be mowed
twice. Make the first cut relatively high;
the second to desired height.
TO OPERATE MOWER
"four 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 wilt 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 with at-
tachment lift lever.
2. Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES
Disengage attachment clutch control.
_I_CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield (S) in place,
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