To Move Forward And Backward; To Use Cruise Control; To Adjust Mower Cutting Height; To Adjust Gauge Wheels - Craftsman 917.28858 Operator's Manual

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the forward and reverse drive
pedals.
1, Start tractor and release parking
brake,
2, Slowly depress forward (K) or reverse(L)
drive pedal to begin movement. Ground
speed increases the further down the
pedal is depressed.
TO USE CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control feature can be used for
forward travel only.
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The cruise control should only be used
while mowing or transporting on relatively
smooth, straight surfaces. Other conditions
such astrimming at slowspeeds may cause
the cruise control to disengage. Do not use
the cruise control on slopes, rough terdan
or while trimmimg or turning.
• With forward drive pedal depressed to
desired speed, pull cruise control lever
(J) up and hold while lifting your foot off
the pedal, then release the lever.
To disengage the cruise control, depress the
brake pedal, tap on forward drive pedal or
push the cruise control lever down.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1"
to 4". The heights are measured from the
groundtothe bladetip withthe engine not run,
ning,These heights are approximate 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 grov4h,
• 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 properlyadjusted 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, gaugewheelsshould be assembled
so they are slightly off the ground. Install
gaugewheel inappropriate hole,Tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
• Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting
height slot.
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. Any attempt bythe
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
offwhen operating your equipment on rough,
rolling terrain or hills,
1. Select desired height of cut with attach-
ment lift lever.
2. Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control,
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