General Operation, II. Slope Operation

I. GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times.

•Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to oper- ate the machine.

•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.

•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

•Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.

•Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the opera- tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

•Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

•See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

•Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

•Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

•Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

•Mow only in daylight or good artiﬁ cial light.

•Do not operate the machine while under the inﬂ uence of alcohol or drugs.

•Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a ﬁ rm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

•Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.

•If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe in- jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

•Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

•Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot- ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

•Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

•Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

•Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely ﬂ ammable and the vapors are explosive.

•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

•Use only an approved container.

•Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

•Never refuel the machine indoors.

•Never store the machine or fuel contain- er where there is an open ﬂ ame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

917.37658 specifications

The Craftsman 917.37658 is a robust and highly efficient lawn mower designed to cater to the needs of homeowners who seek a reliable and powerful machine for maintaining their yards. This model is particularly well-regarded for its user-friendly features and advanced technologies, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.37658 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, this mower ensures consistent performance and durability, even when tackling tougher mowing conditions. The engine offers ample horsepower, enabling it to handle a variety of grass types, including those in challenging terrains.

Another notable characteristic of this mower is its 21-inch cutting deck, which allows for a wide cutting path. This feature optimizes mowing efficiency, as it requires fewer passes to cover a given area. Additionally, the cutting height is adjustable, giving users the flexibility to set the blade to the preferred height. Whether trimming grass for aesthetic purposes or scalping for a fresh start, the Craftsman 917.37658 can accommodate diverse mowing preferences.

The mower is also engineered with a rear-wheel drive system that enhances maneuverability. This makes it easier to navigate around obstacles like trees and flower beds while providing better traction on uneven surfaces. The comfortable handle design further improves the mowing experience, with options for height adjustment to suit users of different statures.

A key feature of the Craftsman 917.37658 is its versatility in cutting options. This model supports both side discharge and mulching capabilities, allowing users to choose how they want to manage grass clippings. The mulching feature is especially useful for those looking to recycle clippings back into the lawn, promoting healthier grass growth and reducing the need for additional fertilizer.

Safety is another priority in the design of the Craftsman 917.37658. It comes with a safety key, which prevents the engine from starting unless it is engaged, ensuring that users can operate the mower without unnecessary risks.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.37658 is a well-rounded lawn mower that combines power, efficiency, and user-friendly features. With its robust engine, adjustable cutting heights, versatile options, and focus on safety, this mower is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a well-manicured lawn with ease. Whether you're tackling a small patch of grass or a larger yard, the Craftsman 917.37658 is designed to meet your mowing needs effectively.