Craftsman 917.272955 Owner's Manual page 15

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 ol 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
dudng 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 GAUGEWHEELS
Gauge wheels are propedy 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 CUT-rING
HEIGHT" in the Operation section of
this 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
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
LocknL
Gauge Wheel
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. Lower mower with attachment lift
control.
3. Start mower blades by engaging
attachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
_kCAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
AttachmentClutch
Switch Pull OutTo
"Disengage" _'_\_
jAttachment lift
Lever High
._S" PosiSon
_,,_£_ PoNtOon
Deflector
p,, f Shield
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15° and do
not drive across any slape. Use the slope
guide provided 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 1st gear and
range shift lever to low (L) position. Be
sure you have allowed room for tractor
to rollslightly 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.
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,
15 etc.).