Craftsman EZ 917.272040 Owner's Manual page 15

engine not running. These heights are ap-
proximate and may vary depending upon
soil conditions, height of grass and types
of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to
approximately 2-112 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 shouldbe
mowed twice. Make the first cut rela-
tively 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 dock in proper position to help
prevent scalping in most terrain condi-
tions.
• Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a
flat level surface.
• Adjust mower to desired cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING
HEIGHF in the Operation section of
this manual).
• With mower in desired height of cut po-
sition, 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.
• Repeat for opposite side installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
Mounting.
Bracket
3/8-16
Locknut Shoulder Bolt
3/8 Washer ._auge 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.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Lower mower with attachment lift con-
trol.
• Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
g_gc e attachment clutch control.
AUTION: Do not operate the
mower without either the entire grass
catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the
discharge guard in place.
Attachment Clutch Attachment Lift Lever
Switch Pull Out To
High
Position
=Enga_ Low
.;::_'Position
Y
- "\ Discharge
_/ Guard
Push In To _-._"_ _._
=Disengage" .._ ,_'
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_,CAUTION: 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 slowing is necessary, move throttle
control lever to slower position.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary,
push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake
position 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/brak_pedal is depressed.
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
• Make all turns 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. -
15