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 917.374101 manual Mulching Mowing Tips
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917.374101 specifications

The Craftsman 917.374101 is a versatile and reliable lawn mower designed to meet the needs of homeowners seeking to maintain a well-manicured lawn with ease. Renowned for its durability and efficient performance, this mower brings a robust set of features and technologies that prioritize user comfort and effective yard care.

One of the standout characteristics of the Craftsman 917.374101 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, it provides ample power for cutting through thick grass and tackling uneven terrain. This engine is designed to offer reliable starting performance, ensuring that users can quickly get to work without the frustration of long startup times.

The mower features a 21-inch steel cutting deck, which not only ensures a wide cutting path for quicker mowing sessions but also enhances durability. This material ensures longevity and reduces the likelihood of deck damage over time. The adjustable cutting height feature allows users to choose from multiple settings, ranging from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches, accommodating various grass types and mowing preferences.

Another key feature of the Craftsman 917.374101 is its easy maneuverability. The mower is designed with a lightweight frame that allows for effortless navigation around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles in the yard. Coupled with its rear bagging capability, users can efficiently collect grass clippings, making cleanup simpler and facilitating a cleaner lawn appearance.

Technologically, this model includes a reliable self-propulsion system that alleviates the strain of pushing the mower manually. This feature not only ensures efficient mowing but also enhances user control, making it easier to navigate slopes and varied terrain. Additionally, the mower is designed with user-friendly controls, making adjustments straightforward and intuitive.

Safety features like the blade brake and the foldable handle for compact storage further enhance the usability of the Craftsman 917.374101. The easy-to-use controls and ergonomic design make it suitable for a wide range of users, from novice homeowners to experienced landscapers.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.374101 stands out as a practical solution for lawn maintenance needs. Its powerful engine, versatile cutting deck, innovative self-propulsion technology, and user-centric design all contribute to making yard work efficient, effective, and enjoyable. Whether for small residential lawns or larger estates, this mower delivers a reliable performance that meets the challenges of diverse mowing tasks.
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