Craftsman 917.270814 owner manual

Page 17

MOWING TiPS

• .Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor.

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 been cut. Have

the cut area to the right of the machine. This will result in a more even distribu-

tion 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

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and

possible fire hazard from dried clip- pings. 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 the best cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

When operating attachments, select a ground speed that wilt suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT. For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up gras.= 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 t_ provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting 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 heaW mulching, reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly.

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 second cut, mow across or perpendicu- lar to the first cut path.

Change your cutting pattem 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 Raftxmiin Prpduct Specifications SafetyRulesMaintenance Schedule Parts Ordering Back Cover Limited TWO Year Warranty on Craftsman Riding EquipmentSlope Operation ServiceDo not ChildrenGrass can hide obstacles Safety is InvolvedProduct Specifications Parts BAG Contents Shown Full Size Boot Before Rolling Tractor OFF Skid Assemble Extension Shaft and BootInstall Steering Wheel Install Seat HOW to SET UP Your Tractor ConnectbatteryInstall Mulcher Plate Check Tire Pressure To Convert to Bagging or DischargingCheck Deck Levelness Check for Proper Position of ALL BeltsEi= Know Your Tractor Rules Before Operating To SET Parking Brake HOW to USE Your TractorStopping Mower Blades Ground DriveTo Adjust Gauge Wheels To Adjust Mower Cutting HeightBracket Positin =Disengaged LowTo Transport ADD GasolineTowing Carts and Other ATTACH- Ments Before Starting the Engine Check Engine OIL LevelWarm Weather Starting 50 F Above Cold Weather Starting 50 F BelowPage Customer Responsibilities Lubrication ChartGeneral Recommendations Before Each USETractor Lubrication EngineTo Service PRE-CLEANER Tractor To Remove Mower To Install MowerSIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment To Level Mower HousingFRONT-TO-BACK Adjustment To Replace Mower Blade DriveTo Adjust Brake Belt InstallationTransaxle Gear Shift Lever Adjustment To Replace Motion Drive BeltTo Start Engine with a Weak Battery To Adjust Steering Wheel AlignmentFront Wheel TOE-IN/CAMBER To Remove Wheel for RepairsTo Remove Hoodand Grill Assembly Replacing BatteryTo Replace Headlight Bulb Interlocks and RelaysPreliminary Setting To Adjust CarburetorAcceleration Test Idle Speed ScrewTo Clean Battery and Termi BatteryTractor Engine Fuel SystemProblem Cause ChartExcessive vibration Troubleshooting ChartProblem Cause Correction Correction Troubleshooting Chart ProblemcausePage Tractor - Model Number SchematicElectrical KEY Part Description Tractor --MODELNUMBERTractor -- Model Number 917.270814 Chassisand Enclosures KEY Part Tractor - Model Number 917.270814 Chassisand EnclosuresTractor - Model Number Ground Drive + + Model NumberTractor - Model Number 917.270814 Steeringassembly KEY Part NO. NO. Description Tractor ,MODEL Number 917,270814 Steering AssemblyOptional Equipment Cnp, Hose Tractor - Model Number 917.270814 Seatassembly Tractor -- Model Number DecalsWheels & Tires OnlyTractor - Model Number Lift Assembly KEY Part Description Tractor - Model Number Lift AssemblyTractor - Model Number Mower Deck ScrewThdrol 5/16-18 x 3/4 Tractor Model Number 917,270814 MowerdeckCw.-27 Ring Page 8ss 30a Y309 5101513 Tractor - Model Number697 #y803 797 @ 544801 Gasket SET27803 4r,Gasket-Breather KEY Part NO. no DescriptionCarburetor Kit, Ref Number Page Page Sighting Guide Only Ride UP and Down HILL, not Across Hill Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe OperationPartsDirect s