Craftsman 917.276340 Owner's Manual page 15

• The averagelawn should be cut to
approximately2-1/2 inches during the
cool season and to over 3 inchesduring
hot months. For healthierand better
looking lawns,mow often and after
moderategrowth.
• For best cuttingperformance,grass over
6 inches in height should be mowed
twice. Makethe first cut relativelyhigh;
the second to desiredheight.
TO ADJUST GAUGEWHEELS
Gaugewheels are properlyadjusted
when they are slightly off the groundwhen
moweris at the desired cuttingheight in
operatingposition.Gaugewheels then
keepthe deck in proper positionto help
preventscalpingin most terrainconditions.
NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level
surface.
1. Lower mowerand adjust mowerto de-
sired cutting height(See"TOADJUST
MOWERCUTTINGHEIGHT"in this
sectionof manual).
2. Removeretainer spring and clevis pin
which secureeach gauge wheel bar.
3. Lower gaugewheels to ground.Raise
gaugewheels slightly to align holes
in bracketand gaugewheel bar and
insert clevis pin.Gaugewheels should
be slightly off the ground.
4. Replaceretainerspring into clevis pin.
5. Be sure all gaugewheels are in the
same setting.
IMPORTANT:Be sure to readjust gauge
wheels if you change the cutting height
of the mowerdeck.
Retainer
Spring
Clevis
,;, Pin
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. Lower mower with attachment lift con-
trol.
3. Start mower blades by engaging at-
tachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES -
disengage attachment clutch control.
_CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.
Attachment Lift Lever
Attachment C utch H _" o^_ +^_
Switch Pull Out To ,u.... '7" Low
"Enga_ _ Position
( _J _,_c_/ _ ,"?' Deflector
'_ '_,_./ \_ / \ <,';"\ Shield
o I ';/
Push In To _\/ _
'Disengage" )_ _
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. Move motion control lever to neutral
(N) position.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key
counterclockwise to ROS "ON" posi-
tion.
3. Look down and behind before backing.
4. Slowly move motion control lever to
reverse (R) position 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)
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