Craftsman 917.270732 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips

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COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below)

When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the

choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depend- ing on the temperature.

The attachments can also be used

during the engine warm-up period. NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need

to be adjusted for best engine perfor- mance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURE-

TOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

MOWING TIPS

Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have

the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribu- tion of clippings and more uniform cutting.

When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished.

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and

possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.

Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use.

The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly

to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will

provide the best recutting action of the blades.

Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

For best results, adjust the mower cutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly.

Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpen- dicular to the first cut path.

Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week

then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

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Contents Sears Craftsman Help Line Am 5 pm, Mon- Sat ICRIIFTSMIIHiLimited 90 DAY Warranty on Battery Children Slope OperationGeneral Operation Do notChine. Tall grass can hide obstacles ServiceCustomer Responsibilities Seat Tools Required for Assembly HOW to SET UP Your TractorTo Remove Tractor from To Drive Tractor OFF Skid Install SeatShoulder Seat Pan Bolt Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractorCheckforproperposition Ofallbelts ChecktirepressureTo Convert to Bagging or Discharging CheckdecklevelnessH L Knowyour Tractor Stopping HOW to USE Your TractorTowing Carts and Other Attachments To Adjust Gauge WheelsTo Operate Mower To Operate on HillsCheck Engine OIL Level Before Starting the EngineAddgasoline To Start EngineMowing Tips Mulching Mowing TipsCheck engine oil level Check brake operation Lubrication ChartGeneral Recommendations Before Each USEBlade Removal Raise mower to highest position to allow access to bladesOperator Presence System Blade CareBattery Transaxle CoolingEngine Muffler IN-LINE Fuel FilterEngine Cooling Fins AIR FilterTo Remove Mower CleaningTo Install Mower Install mower in reverse order of removal instructionsFront Links To Level Mower HousingSIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment GroundUneV.T-EATransaxle Gear Shift Lever To Adjust BrakeTo Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt To Replace Motion Drive BeltTo Start Engine with a Weak BAI-IERY To Adjust Steering Wheel AlignmentFront Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBER To Remove Wheel for RepairsTo Replace Headlight Bulb To Remove Hoodand Grill AssemblyIdle Mixture valve Preliminary SettingFinal Setting Acceleration TestCylinders TractorFuel System EngineoilTroubleshooting Chart ProblemCause Correction Engine valves out of adjustment Troubleshooting Chart Problem CauseProblemcause Troubleshooting ChartProblem Cause Correction Schematic Tractor --MODEL NumberRemovable Tractor --MODEL Number Electrical KEY Part Description Tractor -- Model Number ElectricalTractor - Model Number Chassis and Enclosures Chassis and Enclosures Tractor -.. Model Number Ground Drive Tractor - Model Number Ground Drive Tractor - Model Number Steering Assembly T.,I UM - Muuil FIUMUP,.H 911.2/U/32 Steering AssemblyTractor - Model Number IOPTIONALSpark ArresterEQUIPMENT8113 Bushing, Snap, Fuel Line Plug, Oil Drain See Engine BreakdownKEY Tractor --MODEL Number Seat AssemblyDecal, Hood, R.H Decal, ReplacementDecals Wheels Tires3219 Tractor - Model Number Lift AssemblyInch = 25.4 mm Mower Deck Washer #10 Numbers Here Screw 1/4 20 x 2 1/4 ReplacementMST 206-545CBrake Lever Screw 1/4 20 x 1-1 /4Valve Overhaul KIT Manual Choke Systems Carburetor GA.SKETSET 783A 105151137AO276A 130A 95A 633A 117A 137A 276A276A 5195A 117Aq 105A 633 231A 137A OBriggs ENGINE-MODEL Number 311707, Type Number 0132-E3 Tractor - Model Number 3RIGGS ENGINE-MODEL Page Page Page Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Au Canada pour service en franctais 800 488 1222 Anytime, day or nightDays a week