MOWING TIPS

CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

bladeattachmentson your mower.Such attachmentsare hazardous,will damage your mowerand couldvoid your warranty.

•Undercertainconditions,such as very tall grass,it may be necessaryto raise the heightof cut to reducepushing effort andto keepfrom overloadingthe engineand leavingclumpsof grass clip- pings. It mayalsobe necessaryto re-

ducegroundspeedand/orrun the lawn mowerover the areaa secondtime.

•For extremelyheavycutting,reducethe width of cut by overlappingpreviously cut path and mow slowly.

•For bettergrassbaggingandmost cut- ting conditions,the enginespeedshould be set in the FASTposition.

•For sidedischargelawnmowers,cutting in a counter-clockwisedirection,start- ing at the outsideof the areato be cut, spreadsgrass clippingsmoreevenly and putsless loadon the engine.To keepclippingsoff of walkways,flower

beds, etc.,makethe first cuts in a clock- wise direction.

•Pores in cloth grass catcherscan be- comefilledwith dirt anddustwith use

and catcherswill collectless grass. To preventthis, regularlyhosecatcheroff with water and letdry beforeusing.

•Keeptop of enginearoundstarterclear and cleanof grass clippingsand chaff. Thiswill helpengineair flow and extend enginelife.

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.

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•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 917.37561 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips
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917.37561 specifications

The Craftsman 917.37561 is a powerful and versatile lawn tractor designed to cater to the needs of homeowners who require efficiency and reliability in lawn maintenance. This model is particularly respected for its performance, durability, and user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for both small and large yards.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.37561 is its robust engine. Powered by a 21 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, it delivers substantial power for tackling tougher mowing tasks. The engine is designed for easy starting and dependable performance, ensuring that users can efficiently care for their lawns without repeated interruptions. The automatic transmission adds convenience, allowing users to change speeds effortlessly, adapting to different mowing conditions.

The cutting deck of the Craftsman 917.37561 is another notable feature. It boasts a 42-inch deck size, providing an ample cutting width that maximizes efficiency during mowing sessions. The deck is constructed from durable materials, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear. Additionally, the deck features a deck wash port that allows for easy cleaning after mowing, maintaining the performance of the machine and extending its lifespan.

Moreover, the tractor is equipped with a tight turning radius, which enhances maneuverability around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles in your yard. This capability enhances its versatility, making it an attractive option for varied landscaping layouts.

Comfort is a priority in the design of the Craftsman 917.37561. The adjustable high-back seat, with its ergonomic design, provides support during extended mowing periods, reducing fatigue. Easy-to-use controls are strategically located for accessibility, allowing for smooth operation even for novice users.

Incorporating advanced technologies, this model features mulching capability, which allows users to finely chop grass clippings and return them to the soil, promoting healthier grass growth while reducing the need for bagging. Additionally, the dual blade system offers superior cutting performance, ensuring a clean and even cut every time.

With its combination of power, versatility, and user comfort, the Craftsman 917.37561 stands out as a reliable choice for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns effortlessly. Its blend of advanced features ensures that mowing is not only efficient but also an enjoyable task.
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