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 917.374355 manual Mulching Mowing Tips
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917.374355 specifications

The Craftsman 917.374355 is a robust and reliable lawn tractor that exemplifies the high-quality standards associated with the Craftsman brand. Known for its durability and performance, this model is ideal for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently while enjoying the benefits of advanced features and technologies.

At the heart of the Craftsman 917.374355 is its powerful 20-horsepower Kohler engine, providing ample power for various mowing tasks. This engine is tuned for optimal performance, ensuring that users can tackle even the toughest grass with ease. The automatic hydrostatic transmission allows for smooth and effortless speed adjustments, making the mowing process seamless and enjoyable.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.374355 is its 42-inch cutting deck, which allows users to cover larger areas in less time. The cutting deck is adjustable, offering multiple height settings to accommodate different grass types and preferences. This flexibility means that homeowners can achieve a professional-looking lawn without much hassle. The deck is designed with a durable steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance, while the washout port makes cleaning the underside of the deck easy and convenient.

Furthermore, the Craftsman 917.374355 features an innovative turning radius that enhances maneuverability. This makes it particularly effective in navigating around gardens, trees, and other obstacles, ensuring that users can achieve a thorough cut without leaving any unkempt patches.

Comfort is also a critical consideration in the design of the Craftsman 917.374355. It includes an ergonomic seat with adjustable settings, providing optimal support during extended mowing sessions. The intuitive dashboard layout, which features easy-to-read gauges and controls, enhances the user experience, making it accessible even for those new to lawn care.

In addition to its impressive performance features, the Craftsman 917.374355 incorporates essential safety mechanisms, including an automatic shut-off feature when the operator leaves the seat. This safety measure provides peace of mind for users while mowing.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.374355 is an outstanding lawn tractor that combines power, comfort, and safety. Its advanced technologies and practical features make it a top choice for homeowners seeking a dependable solution for their lawn maintenance needs, ensuring a beautiful and well-kept yard year after year.
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