Craftsman 917.250222 Operator's Manual page 12

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift Fever(A)
determines the cutting height.
• Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting
height slot.
The cutting height range is approximately 1
to 4" (25,4 to t01,6 ram). 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 conditions, height of grass and
types of grass being mowed.
° The averagelawn should be cut to approxi-
mately 2-1/2" (63,5 ram) during the cool
season and to over 3" (76,2 ram) during
hot months. For healthier and better look-
ing lawns, mow often and after moderate
growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass over
6" (152,4 ram) 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 posi-
tion, gauge wheels should be assembled
so they are slightly offthe ground. Install
gauge wheel inappropriate hole, Tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for all, installinggauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
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 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.
_.CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, orthe deflector shield
in place,
N.-
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_WARNING: 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 starting
up or down hills,
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills,
• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push
clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi-
tion and engage parking brake.
- Move gearshift leverto lstgear. Ensure
you have allowed room for tractor to roll
slightly as you restart movement.
• Torestart movement, stowly release park-
ing brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all turns slowly,
TO TRANSPORT
- Raise attachment lift Feverto its highest.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure gearshift lever is in neutral position,
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than
five (5) mph (8 kin/h).
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