HOW to USE Your Lawn Mower

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the

eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always

wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recom- mend a standard safety glasses or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

•Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

•Self-propelling is controlled by hold- ing the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive control lever rearward to the handle. The farther toward the handle the lever is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

•Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the drive control lever only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing

without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.

•To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on the handle to lift the front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

Operator presence control bar

		Drive
	TO	control
	TO	lever
Adjustment	ENGAGE	lever	DRIVE
Adjustment	ENGAGE		DRIVE
turnbuckle	DRIVE	CONTROL
(on underside) CONTROL		DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may become “loose”, resulting in decreased speed. There is a turnbuckle on the underside of the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable. Pro- ceed as follows:

1.Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2.Turn nut on underside of drive control to increase drive speed.

3.Operate mower to test drive speed. Readjust as required.

4.If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

•To change cutting height, squeeze ad- juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD	Plate tab
TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

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.