The average lawn should be cut to ap- proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.

For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equip- ment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.

1.Select desired height of cut.

2.Start mower blades by engaging at- tachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control. _I_,CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

 

igh Position

Attachment _

f 4

Clutch Lever

/'_"-_- Low

"Engaged

Position

Position

 

Shield

TO OPERATE

ON HILLS

_,WARNING:

Do not drive up or down

hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do

not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide at the back of this manual.

Choose the slowest speed before start- ing up or down hills.

Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.

If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position.

If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi- tion and engage parking brake.

Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.

When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position.

Do not push or tow tractor at more than

five (5) MPH.

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-

MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

1.Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

2.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, re- move and read oil level. If necessary,

add oil until "FULE'mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual).

To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section in this manual.

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Craftsman 917.273392 To Operate On Hills, To Transport, Towing Carts and Other Attach Ments, Before Starting the Engine

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.