Craftsman 917.273401 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips

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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, the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

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.

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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 (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.

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Contents Icrrftsmrni Limited Warranty on Battery Limited Warranty on Craftsman Riding EquipmentII. Slope Operation General OperationIII. Children IV. ServiceDo not Page Customer Responsibilities Sears Installation ServiceRepair Protection Agreements HomeSlope Sheet Steering WheelInstall Seat Tools Required for AssemblyTo Remove Tractor from Before Removing Tractor from Skid Attach Steering WheelCheck Battery Check Deck Levelness Install Mulcher PlateDischarging Check for Proper Position of ALL BeltsH L I,,I Ammeter Know Your TractorLift Lever Plunger AttachmentTo SET Parking Brake HOW to USE Your TractorGround Drive EngineTo Operate on Hills To Operate MowerTransmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged Before Starting the EngineAutomatic Transmission Warm UP ADD GasolineTo Start Engine Mowing Tips Purge TransmissionMulching Mowing Tips Check tire pressure General RecommendationsBefore Each USE Tractor BatteryOperator Presence System Blade RemovalLubrication EngineTransaxle Pump Fluid Engine OIL Filter Clean AIR ScreenAIR Filter Muffler CleaningSpark Plugs Protect painted surfaces with auto- motive type waxTo Install Mower Service or AdjustmentsTractor To Remove MowerBelt Removal To Level Mower HousingSIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment Belt Installation BeltinstallationTransmission Removal Replacement Transaxle Motion Control LE VER Neutral AdjustmentTo Adjust Steering Wheel Align Ment To Start Engine with a Weak BAT- TeryTo Attach Jumper Cables Replacing BatteryInterlocks and Relays To Replace FusePreliminary Setting To Adjustthrottle Control CableTo Adjust Carburetor Fuel System BatteryEngine OIL CylindersCause Correction Troubleshooting ChartProblem Mower blades will CauseNot rotate Poor grassWhen turning Battery Will NotHeadlights Not WorkingFuel SHUT-OFF Solenoid Tractor - Model Number SchematicTractor - Model Number Electrical KEY Part Description Tractor - Model Number 917.273401 Chassis and Enclosures 208 Tractor - Model Number Chassis and EnclosuresTractor - Model Number Ground Drive KEY Part Description Tractor - Model Number 917.273401 Steering Assembly Tractor - Model Number 917.273401 Steeringassembly Tractor -- Model Number Engine Tractor -- Model Number 917.273401 Seat Assembly Tractor -- Model Number Decals X202O2O Tractor -- Model Number Lift AssemblyTractor - Model Number Mower Deck Tractor - Model Number Mowerdeck 44B 150 115 32 49 106 65 Li 114,i 127 208 183 T85 182 4371D .078W 434 13J OZZCARBURETOROASKETSET121AOVERHAUL KIT Intake 146 691639 Key-Timing 691279 309 693551 Motor-Starter 868 690968 Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe Operation Your Home

917.273401 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273401 is a powerful and versatile lawn tractor designed to tackle a variety of landscaping tasks while providing users with a smooth and efficient mowing experience. This model combines robust construction with advanced technologies to meet the needs of homeowners and gardeners alike.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.273401 is its reliable engine. Powered by a 20-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this lawn tractor delivers ample power to handle thick grass and uneven terrain. The engine is designed for easy starts and dependable performance, ensuring users can rely on their mower season after season.

In terms of cutting capabilities, the Craftsman 917.273401 is equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck. This wide deck allows for efficient mowing over medium to large lawns, reducing the time it takes to cover ground. Moreover, the deck is adjustable, providing users with the flexibility to select different cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. This feature is essential for achieving the desired lawn appearance and accommodating various grass types.

The tractor's transmission system is another highlight, featuring a hydrostatic transmission that offers smooth and effortless speed adjustments. This technology allows users to drive at their preferred pace without the need for manual gear shifting, making the mowing process more enjoyable and less strenuous.

Comfort and usability are prioritized in the Craftsman 917.273401, showcased by its ergonomic seating and user-friendly controls. The high-back seat reduces fatigue during long mowing sessions, while the easy-access dashboard ensures that all necessary controls are within reach. Additionally, the tractor is designed with a tight turning radius, enabling users to maneuver around obstacles and tight spaces with ease.

Furthermore, the Craftsman 917.273401 is compatible with various attachments and accessories, such as baggers, snow plows, and mulching kits. This versatility extends the lawn tractor's utility beyond mowing, allowing users to tackle different tasks throughout the year.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.273401 stands out in the realm of lawn maintenance with its powerful engine, adjustable cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, and user-centric design. Whether you're mowing a suburban lawn or managing a larger property, this lawn tractor offers the features and performance necessary to achieve a well-groomed landscape with ease.