To Operate On Hills; To Transport; Before Starting The Engine; Check Engine Oil Level - Craftsman 917.271022 Owner's Manual

• 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 relative-
ly high; the second to desired height.
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.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
gage attachment clutch control.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
Attachment Clutch
Lever "Engaged"
Position
Attachment Lift
Lever High Position
Low
Position Position
clutcWbreke pedal quickly to brake posi-
tion and engage parking brake.
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
does not retum to neutral (N) position
when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
• Make all tums slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheeling position.
Freewheel control is located at the rear
drawbar of tractor.
• Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• Pull freewheel control knob out and hold
in position by inserting retainer spring
into forward hole of control rod.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) MPH.
• To reengage transmission, reverse
above procedure.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when
transporting your tractor on a truck or a
trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured
Guard
mowemso equipped, or the discharge
guard in place.
_O OPERATE ON HILLS_ _,
CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hillswith slopes greater than 15° and do
not drive across any slope. Use the slope
guide provided at the back of this manual.
• Choose the slowest speed before start-
ing 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
to tractor. Use an appropriate means of
tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER
ATTACHMENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy of
a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
Tires can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
• The engine in your tractor has been
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