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

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower

without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector

shield place.

 

Attachment Clutch Lever

"Engaged"

Position

._rnnt Lift

 

Lever High

 

Position

•':::!'_

Low

 

Position

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.

Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.

Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual).

With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appro- priate 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.

3/8-16

 

 

Locknut_

 

 

Gauge

 

 

Wheel

 

 

Mounting

 

 

Bracket

 

 

3/8

 

3houlder

Gauge

Wheel

Bolt

 

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 control.

Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen- gage attachment clutch control.

"Disenc 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.

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 motion control lever to neutral (N)

position.

IMPORTANT: The motion control lever does not return to neutral (N) position when the clutch/brake pedal is de- pressed.

To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brakepedal.

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. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor.

Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.

Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in

the disengaged position.

Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH.

To reengage transmission, reverse

13

above procedure.

Page 13
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Craftsman 917.271142 manual To Adjust Gauge Wheels, On Hills, To Transport

917.271142 specifications

The Craftsman 917.271142 is a versatile and robust lawn mower that caters to homeowners seeking an efficient solution for their yard care needs. This model is designed for residential use and combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.271142 is its powerful 21-inch steel deck, which provides an ideal cutting width for tackling a variety of grass conditions. This deck is designed for durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of lawn maintenance season after season. The mower's adjustable cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, offering flexibility to achieve the desired grass length to suit individual preferences and seasonal variations.

The Craftsman 917.271142 is equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its potent performance and ease of start. This engine provides sufficient power to handle thick grass and tough terrain while ensuring consistent cutting results. Additionally, the mower includes a self-propelled feature, which significantly reduces fatigue during long mowing sessions, allowing users to navigate uneven landscapes effortlessly.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.271142 integrates a mulch kit, allowing for efficient grass clipping recycling. This system breaks down clippings into fine pieces that can be evenly distributed back onto the lawn, promoting healthier soil and reducing waste. For those who prefer traditional bagging, the mower also features a rear bagger option, making cleanup a breeze.

User convenience is further enhanced by ergonomic design elements. The adjustable handle ensures a comfortable grip for different user heights and can be easily folded for compact storage. The mower's large rear wheels provide improved maneuverability on various terrains, giving users better control during operation.

Maintenance is straightforward due to the mower's design, enabling easy access to the air filter and spark plug, which simplifies routine check-ups and repairs. Overall, the Craftsman 917.271142 combines power, efficiency, and user-centric features to make lawn care less of a chore and more of an enjoyable outdoor activity. Whether you are dealing with an expansive yard or a smaller garden, this mower is engineered to deliver reliable performance year after year.