Mulching Mowing Tips

MOWING TIPS

CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

bladeattachmentson your mower.Such attachmentsare hazardous,will damage your mowerand couldvoid your warranty.

•Undercertainconditions,such as very tall grass,it may be necessaryto raise the heightof cut to reducepushing effort andto keepfrom overloadingthe engineand leavingclumpsof grass clip- pings. It mayalsobe necessaryto re-

ducegroundspeedand/orrun the lawn mowerover the areaa secondtime.

•For extremelyheavycutting,reducethe width of cut by overlappingpreviously cut path and mow slowly.

•For bettergrassbaggingandmost cut- ting conditions,the enginespeedshould be set in the FASTposition.

•For sidedischargelawnmowers,cutting in a counter-clockwisedirection,start- ing at the outsideof the areato be cut, spreadsgrass clippingsmoreevenly and putsless loadon the engine.To keepclippingsoff of walkways,flower

beds, etc.,makethe first cuts in a clock- wise direction.

•Pores in cloth grass catcherscan be- comefilledwith dirt anddustwith use

and catcherswill collectless grass. To preventthis, regularlyhosecatcheroff with water and letdry beforeusing.

•Keeptop of enginearoundstarterclear and cleanof grass clippingsand chaff. Thiswill helpengineair flow and extend enginelife.

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

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

•For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path 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.

917.38514 specifications

The Craftsman 917.38514 is a versatile and powerful lawn tractor that stands out in the market for its reliability and advanced features, making it an appealing choice for homeowners with medium to large yards. Designed to tackle a variety of mowing tasks, this model is equipped with numerous technologies that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

One of the most significant features of the Craftsman 917.38514 is its robust 42-inch cutting deck, which allows for efficient mowing of larger areas in less time. The deck is designed with a 2-in-1 capability, enabling users to either discharge the grass clippings or mulch them for added lawn health. This dual functionality not only provides convenience but also reduces the need for additional clean-up after mowing.

Powering the Craftsman 917.38514 is a reliable 19 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its durability and performance. This engine ensures consistent cutting power across varying turf conditions, allowing the user to tackle thicker grass with ease. The electric start feature adds an extra layer of convenience, eliminating the hassle of manual starting.

In terms of user comfort, the Craftsman 917.38514 comes equipped with an adjustable high-back seat that provides good support for extended mowing sessions. Its ergonomic controls are intuitively placed for easy access, ensuring that users can operate the tractor without strain. The model also features a tight turning radius, which makes it easier to maneuver around obstacles like flower beds and trees.

The hydrostatic transmission offers a smooth and responsive driving experience, allowing users to seamlessly adjust their speed without the need for constant gear shifting. This feature not only enhances the mowing experience but also simplifies operation, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

Additionally, the Craftsman 917.38514 includes a sturdy frame and chassis, which contribute to its overall durability. This design ensures stability during operation, even on hilly terrains. With a range of available attachments, including baggers and plows, the model also proves to be a multi-functional tool, suitable for year-round use.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.38514 combines power, versatility, and user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking efficiency and reliability in lawn care. Whether for mowing, bagging, or mulching, this lawn tractor is equipped to handle a variety of tasks with ease and precision, ensuring that your lawn maintains its pristine appearance throughout the seasons.