Craftsman 917.204040 Operator's Manual

Also see for 917.20403: Operator's manual Operator's manual

TOCONTINUEMOWINGReturntoseat.• Place attachment clutch switch first in"DISENGAGED" position and then in"ENGAGED" position.NOTE: Any attempt to place attachmentclutch switch in the "ENGAGED" positionwithout the operator first being in the seatwill immediately shut off engine.TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)Always operate engine at full speed (fast).* Operating engine at less than full speed(fast) reduces engin e's operating efficiency.* Full speed (fast) offers the best mowerperformance.TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARDThe direction and speed of movement iscontrolled by the forward and reverse drivepedals.1. Start tractor and release parking brake.2. Slowly depress forward(K) or reverse(L)drive pedal to begin movement. Groundspeed increases the further down thepedal is depressed.TO USE CRUISE CONTROL (J)The cruise control feature can be used forforward travel only.SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICSThe cruise control should only be usedwhile mowing or transporting on relativelysmooth, straight surfaces. Other conditionssuch as trimming at slow speeds may causethe cruise control to disengage. Do not usethe cruise control on slopes, rough terrainor while trimming or turning.• With forward drive pedal depressed todesired speed, pull cruise control lever(J) up and hold while lifting your foot offthe pedal, then release the lever.To disengage the cruise control, depress thebrake pedal, tap on forward drive pedal orpush the cruise control lever down.TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHTThe position of the attachment lift lever (A)determines the cutting height.Put attachment lift lever in desired cuttingheight slot.• Stidepointertab (T)todesiredcuttingheightas a reminder for next time you mow.The cutting height range is approximately 1to 4" (25,4 to 101,6 mm). The heights aremeasured from the ground to the blade tipwith the engine not running. These heightsare approximate and may vary dependingupon soil conditions, height of grass andtypes of grass being mowed.The average lawn should be cutto approxi-mately 2-1/2" (63,5 mm) during the coolseason and to over 3" (76,2 mm) duringhot months. For healthier and better look-ing lawns, mow often and after moderategrowth.For best cutting performance, grass over6" (152,4 mm) in height should be mowedtwice. Make the first cut relatively high; thesecond to desired height.16