Craftsman 917.274751 Owner's Manual page 14

• 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.
• 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
Shoulder
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. 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.
_IbCAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
Clutch Lever
"En(
Position
Lift
Lever High Position
,!,-'_"_'-_ Low
,"? Position
//
,& Shield
\
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse
Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by
the operator to travel in the reverse direc-
tion with the attachment clutch engaged
will shut off the engine unless ignition key
is placed in the ROS "ON" position.
,_WARNING: Backing up with the at-
tachment clutch engaged while mowing
is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS
"ON", to allow reverse operation with the
attachment clutch engaged, should only
be done when the operator decides it is
necessary to reposition the machine with
the attachment engaged. Do not mow in
reverse unless absolutely necessary.
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION
SYSTEM -
1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way
down and hold.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key
counterclockwise to ROS "ON" posi-
tion.
3. Look down and behind before backing.
4. Move gear shift lever to reverse (R) po-
sition and slowly release clutch/brake
pedal to start movement.
5. When use of the ROS is no longer
needed, turn the ignition key clockwise
to engine "ON" position.
ROS "ON" Position
Engine "ON" Position
(Normal Operating)
14