MOWING TIPS

A CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, wil! damage your mower and could void your warranty.

•Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings.

It may also be necessary to reduce

ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

•For better grass bagging and most cut- ting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the FAST position.

•Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers wil! collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.

•Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

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.

•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.

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Craftsman 917.374100 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips
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917.374100 specifications

The Craftsman 917.374100 is a notable lawn tractor that combines power, precision, and user-friendly features, making it an exceptional choice for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently. Designed with a focus on reliability and performance, this model is equipped to handle a range of mowing tasks with ease.

At the heart of the Craftsman 917.374100 is its robust engine. The tractor is powered by a reliable 17.5 HP Kohler engine, which delivers consistent performance and efficient fuel consumption. This powerful engine allows the tractor to tackle even the most challenging terrains effortlessly, ensuring that users can mow their lawns quickly and effectively.

One of the standout features of the 917.374100 is its 42-inch cutting deck. This wide cutting path not only reduces mowing time but also enables the tractor to cover more ground in a single pass. The deck is designed for versatility, allowing users to choose from multiple cutting heights to achieve their desired grass length. The easily adjustable cutting height feature ensures that users can adapt their mowing based on the season and grass type.

In terms of ease of use, the Craftsman 917.374100 excels. It comes equipped with a comfortable and ergonomically designed seat that enhances driver comfort during longer mowing sessions. The intuitive dashboard features easy-to-read gauges, allowing users to monitor their speed, fuel level, and engine status at a glance. Additionally, the tractor boasts a tight turning radius, making it suitable for navigating around flower beds and landscaping features.

The Craftsman 917.374100 also integrates advanced technology for enhanced functionality. The automatic transmission provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, allowing users to easily change speeds without the need for manual gear shifting. Moreover, the tractor is designed for easy maintenance, with a front access feature that facilitates easy cleaning and blade maintenance.

Safety features are paramount in the design of the 917.374100. The tractor includes a safety switch that automatically shuts down the engine if the operator leaves the seat while the blades are engaged. This thoughtful feature gives users peace of mind while working.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.374100 is a powerful and reliable lawn tractor that offers a range of user-friendly features, advanced technologies, and impressive cutting capabilities. It is an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to maintain their lawns efficiently and comfortably. With its combination of performance, versatility, and safety, this model stands out as a leading option in the lawn care market.
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