Mulching Mowing Tips

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.

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•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.

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.

917.273392 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273392 is a robust and versatile lawn mower designed to meet the needs of homeowners who value efficiency, performance, and convenience. This model combines power and user-friendly features to ensure an optimal mowing experience.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.273392 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, it delivers exceptional cutting performance, making it ideal for various lawn types and sizes. The engine’s overhead valve design enhances fuel efficiency and provides better torque.

The cutting deck is another impressive aspect of this lawn mower. It features a wide 42-inch cutting deck that allows for quicker mowing of large areas. The deck is equipped with a dual-blade system, which guarantees a clean and precise cut. Additionally, the adjustable cutting height gives users the flexibility to choose their preferred grass length, accommodating different lawn care preferences.

In terms of convenience, the Craftsman 917.273392 does not disappoint. The mower includes a hydrostatic transmission, which provides seamless shifting without the need for a clutch. This feature ensures a smooth operation, allowing the user to focus on mowing rather than managing gears. The ergonomic design of the control panel enhances user comfort, with easy-to-reach levers for controlling speed and cutting height.

Safety is also a priority in the Craftsman 917.273392 design. The mower is equipped with a safety switch that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator leaves the seat, preventing accidents and enhancing peace of mind during operation.

Another valuable characteristic of this mower is its mulching capability. The optional mulching kit enables users to finely chop grass clippings, returning nutrients back to the soil, which can improve lawn health over time. The rear bagger option adds further versatility, allowing for efficient collection and disposal of grass clippings.

Maintenance has been made simpler with the inclusion of easy-access features. The mower deck can be easily cleaned without having to reach underneath, and regular maintenance tasks such as oil changes are straightforward.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.273392 combines power, versatility, and user-centric design elements, making it a reliable choice for homeowners looking to maintain a well-manicured lawn with ease.