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 been cut. Have

the cut area to the right of the tractor. 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 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 attachment being used.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use.

•The special mulching btade 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 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 heavy 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 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.

Max 1/3"

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Craftsman 917.271142 manual Mulching Mowing Tips
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917.271142 specifications

The Craftsman 917.271142 is a versatile and robust lawn mower that caters to homeowners seeking an efficient solution for their yard care needs. This model is designed for residential use and combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.271142 is its powerful 21-inch steel deck, which provides an ideal cutting width for tackling a variety of grass conditions. This deck is designed for durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of lawn maintenance season after season. The mower's adjustable cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, offering flexibility to achieve the desired grass length to suit individual preferences and seasonal variations.

The Craftsman 917.271142 is equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its potent performance and ease of start. This engine provides sufficient power to handle thick grass and tough terrain while ensuring consistent cutting results. Additionally, the mower includes a self-propelled feature, which significantly reduces fatigue during long mowing sessions, allowing users to navigate uneven landscapes effortlessly.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.271142 integrates a mulch kit, allowing for efficient grass clipping recycling. This system breaks down clippings into fine pieces that can be evenly distributed back onto the lawn, promoting healthier soil and reducing waste. For those who prefer traditional bagging, the mower also features a rear bagger option, making cleanup a breeze.

User convenience is further enhanced by ergonomic design elements. The adjustable handle ensures a comfortable grip for different user heights and can be easily folded for compact storage. The mower's large rear wheels provide improved maneuverability on various terrains, giving users better control during operation.

Maintenance is straightforward due to the mower's design, enabling easy access to the air filter and spark plug, which simplifies routine check-ups and repairs. Overall, the Craftsman 917.271142 combines power, efficiency, and user-centric features to make lawn care less of a chore and more of an enjoyable outdoor activity. Whether you are dealing with an expansive yard or a smaller garden, this mower is engineered to deliver reliable performance year after year.
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