Craftsman 917.289071 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
TO MOVE FORWARD AND
BACKWA RD
The direction and speed of movement
controlled by the gearshift lever (J).
1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal de-
pressed and gearshift lever in neutral
(N) position.
2. Move gearshift lever to desired posi-
tion.
3. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to
start movement.
IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete
stop before shifting or changing gears.
Failure to do so will shorten the useful life
of your transaxle.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever (A)
determines the cutting height.
For best cutting performance, grass over
6" in heightshoutd 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 posi-
tion, gauge wheels should be assembled
so they are slightly off the ground. Install
gauge wheel inappropriate hole. Tighten
securely.
3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole.
Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting
height slot.
The cutting height range is approximately
1" to 4". The heights are measured from
the ground to the blade tip with the engine
not running. These heights are approximate
and may vary depending upon soil condi-
tions, height of grass and types of grass
being mowed.
The average lawn should be cutto approxi-
mately 2-1/2" during the coot season and
to over 3" during hot months. For healthier
and better looking lawns, mow often and
after moderate growth.
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. Any attempt bythe
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
preventthe engine from hesitating or cutting
offwhen operating your equipmenton rough,
rolling terrain or hills.
1. Select desired height of cut with attach-
ment lift lever.
2. Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment 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
(S) in place.
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