OFFlever

Fuel valve lever

MOWING TiPS

_I, CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will 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.

×[MAX 1/3

AH I I fll_

. 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.

11

Page 11
Image 11
Craftsman 917.376542 owner manual Mulching Mowing TiPS

917.376542 specifications

The Craftsman 917.376542 is a riding lawn mower that embodies performance and durability, making it a reliable choice for homeowners with medium to large lawns. Known for its robust build and user-friendly features, this model offers both efficiency and comfort, appealing to gardening enthusiasts and casual users alike.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.376542 is its powerful engine. Equipped with a 19.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this riding mower delivers ample power for tackling tough terrains and thick grasses. Its vertical, air-cooled design ensures reliable start-up and smooth operation, setting the stage for an efficient mowing experience.

The mower features a 42-inch cutting deck, which is ideal for maneuvering around garden beds, trees, and other obstacles. This cutting deck is designed for precision and can be easily adjusted to multiple cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. This versatility allows users to customize their lawn's appearance based on seasonal conditions and personal preferences.

In terms of user comfort, the Craftsman 917.376542 is equipped with a high-back seat that offers excellent support during long mowing sessions. The ergonomic steering wheel enhances handleability, while the foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission provides seamless speed adjustments without the need for shifting gears. This technology contributes to a smoother ride and simplifies operation, especially for those who may be less experienced with handling riding mowers.

Another significant characteristic of this lawn mower is its ease of maintenance. The mower's design allows for straightforward access to essential parts, facilitating routine upkeep tasks such as oil changes or air filter replacements. Additionally, the mower features an easy-to-clean cutting deck, helping to maintain optimal performance over time.

For those seeking versatility in yard care, the Craftsman 917.376542 can accommodate a wide range of attachments, including baggers, snow blades, and mulching kits. This adaptability enables users to transition their mower into a multi-functional tool, extending its usability beyond the mowing season.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.376542 stands out with its powerful engine, maneuverable design, comfortable operation, and maintainability. These features align to make it an excellent investment for homeowners seeking an efficient and dependable riding lawn mower.