To Adjust Gauge Wheels; To Operate Mower; To Operate On Hills; To Transport - Craftsman 917.276051 Owner's Manual

The cutting height range is approximately
1-1/2" to 4-1/2". The heights are mea-
sured from the ground to the blade tip with
the engine not running. 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
approximately 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.
• 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.
2. Lower mower with lift control. Remove
rear retainer spring and clevis pin
which secure each gauge wheel.
3. Lower gauge wheels to ground. Raise
gauge wheels slightly to align holes in
bracket and gauge wheel bar and in-
sert clevis pins. Gauge wheels should
be slightly off the ground.
4. Replace retainer springs into clevis
pins.
Clevis Pin
Retainer
Spring
Gauge
Wheel
Bar
Gauc
Wheel
Bracket
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 Position
Switch Pull Out To Low
"Engage" _ Position
Deflector
Shield
Push In To
"Disengage"
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 starting
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 position
and engage parking brake.
• Move gearshift lever to 1 st gear and range
shift lever to low (L) position. Be sure you
have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly
as you restart movement.
• To restart movement, slowly release park-
ing 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.
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.).
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