Craftsman 28813 Operation Manual - Page 14

TO MOVE FORWARDAND BACKWARD The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever (J). 1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 2. Move gearshift lever to desired position. 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. 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 assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole. Tighten securely. 3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole. TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt • Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot. by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must 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 conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to ap- proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills. 1. Select desired height of cut with at- tachment lift lever. 2. Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. TO STOP MOWER BLADES disengage attachment clutch control. _I, CAUTION: Do not operate the mower lawns, mow often and after moderate without either the entire grass catcher, growth. • For best cutting performance, grass on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield (S)in place. over 6 inches in height should be 14