Craftsman 917.27285 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips

Page 16

COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and below)

7.When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the en- gine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require

an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period and may

require the choke control be pulled out slightly.

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 performance (see "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" 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 already been

cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more

even distribution 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.

f

,m,

00272

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and pos- sible 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 at- tachment 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 recut- ting 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 grass, re- duce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

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 sec- ond cut, mow across or perpendicular 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.

16

Image 16
Contents IC.nFTSMnNI Limited Warranty on Craftsman Riding Equipment Limited Warranty on BatteryII. Slope Operation General OperationIII. Children IV. ServiceDo not Page Product Specifications Sears Installation ServiceCustomer Responsibilities Repair Protection AgreementsSeat Tools Required for Assembly HOW to SET UP Your TractorBefore Removing Tractor from Skid To Remove Tractor fromInstall Seat Install Mulcher Plate Checktire PressureCheck Brake System Check Deck LevelnessH L I\I Know Your Tractor To USE Choke Control HOW to USE YOU R TractorTo Move Forward and Backward To Operate on Hills To Adjust Gauge WheelsTo Transport Check Engine OIL Level Before Starting the EngineTo Start Engine Mowing Tips Mulching Mowing TipsChart General RecommendationsBefore Each USE LubricationBattery TractorBrake Operation Blade RemovalEngine Transaxle CoolingBelts To Change Engine OILTo Service Cartridge CleaningAIR Filter Spark PlugsTractor Service or AdjustmentsTo Remove Mower SIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment To Level Mower HousingBelt Removal To Adjust Brake Belt InstallationTransaxle Gear Shift Lever NEU- Tral Adjustment Front Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBERTo Remove Wheel for Repairs To Start Engine with a Weak BAT TeryReplacing Battery To Replace Headlight BulbInterlocks and Relays To Replace FuseTo Adjustthrottle Control Cable To Adjust Choke ControlTo Adjust Carburetor EngineBattery Fuel SystemEngine OIL CylindersTroubleshooting Chart ProblemExcessive Problem Cause Correction Remove Obstruction Not rotateTractor - Model Number Schematic RED01115BLACKTractor - Model Number Electrical KEY Part Description Tractor -- Model Number Chassis and Enclosures KEY Part Description Tractor Model Number Ground Drive Tractor -- Model Number Ground Drive X .1845/1865Tractor -- Model Number Steering KEY Part NO. NO.DESCRIPTION Tractor -- Model Number Engine 137180 Tractor -- Model Number Seat Assembly Tractor -- Model Number Decals 186368Tractor -- Model Number Lift Assembly Tractor -- Model Number Lift Assembly Loa Tractor -- Model Number Mower DeckUNC 35A Teeth 265 22 o 783 I 240 Included in Engine Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Sears