Craftsman 917.273134 To Adjust Gauge Wheels, To Operate Mower, To Operate On Hills, To Transport

•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 look-

ing lawns, mow often and after moder- ate growth.

•For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be 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 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.

Gauge Wheel	=_
Mounting \ _f_-_		_
o ,c,et
Locknut	_trJ_	Y	"
	_.L_	_/	Shoulder
3/8 Washer	"_.,,.,.,-,_		Bolt

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.

1.Select desired height of cut.

2.Start mower blades by engaging at- tachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control.

•ILCAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

Attachment
Clutch Lever	Attachemnt
"Engaged"	gh
Position	Position
	Low
	Position
"Disengaged'_
Position
	Shield
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 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 posi- tion and engage parking brake.

•Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

•To restart movement, slowly release parking 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) position.

•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.).

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-

MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use

common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.

Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

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