Craftsman 917.272862 Owner's Manual page 14

1. With forward drive pedal depressed to Gauge
desired speed, move cruise control le- Wheel
ver forward to "SET" position and hold Mounting
while lifting your foot off the pedal, then Bracket_
release the cruise control lever.
To disengage the cruise control, pull the 3/8-16
lever backward to "OFF" position, or fully Locknut
depress the brake pedal.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever
determines the cutting height.
• Grasp lift lever.
• Press plunger with thumb and move
lever to desired position.
The cutting height range is approxi-
mately 1-1/2 to 4". 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 ap-
proximately 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
assembled so they are slightly off the
ground. Install gauge wheel in ap-
propriate 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.
3/8Washe
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.
J:_CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
Attachment
Clutch Lever
"En
Lift Lever
High
Position
Position _
Shield
14
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_ILWARNING: Do not drive up or down
hills with 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 stopping is absolutely necessary, push
brake pedal quickly to brake position
and engage parking brake.
To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and brake pedal.
Slowly depress appropriate drive pedal
to slowest setting.
Make all turns slowly.