Craftsman 917.37945 Quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back, To Stop Engine, Mowingtips

IMPORTANT:Donot crank engine more

than five continous seconds between

each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.

1.To start engine using the auxiliary starter handle, follow the steps above.

Exchange the use of the start key for starter handle. Pull starter handle

quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

•To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWINGTIPS

•Under certain conditions, such as very tail 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 cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

•When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

•If a trail of clippings is left on the dght

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small

ovedap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

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

use and catchers will 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

MAINTENANCE section of this manual.

•The special mulchingblade will reout the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall ontothe lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed.Also, the mulched grass will biedegrade quicklyto provk:lanutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recuttJngactionof the blades.

•Avoidcuttingyour lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tendsto form clumps and interferes with the mulchingaction.The best time to mow your lawn is the early aftemcon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly

cut area will not be exposed to the direct

sun.

•For best results,adjust the lawn mower cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cuts off onlythe top one-thi,'dof the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raisethe height of cut to reduce pushing effortand to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching,reduce your width of cut by overlappingpreviouslycut path and mow slowly.

•Certain types of grass and grass condi- tions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

•Change your cutting pattem from week to week. Mow nor_ to south one week then

change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and grainingof the lawn.

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