Craftsman 917.27317 owner manual •The average lawn should be cut to approxi

•The average lawn should be cut to approxi-

mately 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 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 assem- bled so they are slightly off the ground.

Install gauge wheel in appropriate 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		o\\ _.
Mounting	\____
Bracket	o_	__
3/8-16 _l		_
Locknut		_*_[/J/_	\y	"_
		V_-_,_._m _Y		Shoulder
3/8 Washer		/_._,,_........._13ol_[-
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. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equip- ment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.

1.Select desired height of cut.

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

TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control.

AI_,CAUTION: Do not operate the mower

without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

Lever High Position

Attachment / Clutch Lever "Enc

"Disengag 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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