Craftsman 917.274990 - Manual (Page 15)

The cutting height range is approximately
1-1/2" to 4-1/2*. 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
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
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 fiat level surface.
1. Adjust mower to desired cutting
height.
2. Lower mower with lift control. Re­
move rear retainer spring and clevis
pin which secure each gauge wheel.
3. Lower gauge wheels to ground.
Raise gauge wheels slightly to align
holes in bracket and gauge wheel bar
and insert clevis pins. Gauge wheels
should be slightly off the ground.
4. Replace retainer springs into clevis
pins.
Clevis Pin
Retainer
Spring
Gauge
Wheel Bar
Gauge
Wheel
Bracket
3. Start mower blades by engaging
attachment 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 Clutch High Position
Switch Pull Out I y Lovr
“Engage”/ i .^Position
Deflector
' Shield
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.
1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Lower mower with attachment lift
control.
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 con­
trol lever to slower position.
• if stopping is absolutely necessary, push
clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi­
tion and engage parking brake.
• Move gearshift lever to 1 st gear and range
shift lever to tow (L) position. Be sure you
have allowed roomfortractorto roll slightly
as you restart movement.
• To restart movement, slowly release park­
ing brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) posi­
tion.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than five
(5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your tractor on a truck
or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate
means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord,
etc.).
15