Craftsman 917.25024 Operator's Manual page 16

TO
MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the gearshift lever (J).
1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal
depressed and gearshift lever in neutral
position.
2. Move gearshift lever to desired position.
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 wilt shorten the useful life of your transaxte.
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 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, gauge wheels should be assembled
so they are slightly off the ground. Install
gauge wheel in appropriate hole. Tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting
height slot.
Slide pointer tab (T) to desired cutting
height as a reminder for next time you
mow.
The cutting height range is approximately
1 to 4". The heights are measured from the
ground to the blade tip with the engine not
running. These heights are approximate
and may vary depending upon soil condi-
tions, 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.
16
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.
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
(S) in place.