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 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 attachment clutch control.

To stop mower blades -

,_engage 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 Clutch Lever

Position

-Attachemnt Uft Lever

High Position

Position

Shield

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 at the back of this manual.

Choose the slowest speed before starting 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 gearshift leverto lstgear. 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 recommended 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.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

1.Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

2.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If neces- sary, add oil until =FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

For cold weather operation you should

change oil for easier starting (See =OIL

VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual).

To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section in this manual.

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Craftsman 917.25801 owner manual To Transport, Towing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments, To Operate Mower, To Operate on Hills