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 917.385140 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips

917.385140 specifications

The Craftsman 917.385140 is a robust and versatile lawn tractor designed for homeowners seeking efficiency and ease of use in their yard maintenance. This riding mower combines power, comfort, and advanced engineering to deliver impressive performance on various terrains.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.385140 is its powerful 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. This reliable engine provides the necessary torque and speed to tackle tough grass and uneven land. Coupled with a 42-inch cutting deck, the mower allows for a wider cutting path, reducing the time needed to mow your lawn. The cutting height is adjustable, giving users the flexibility to choose between six different heights, ensuring a clean and precise cut suitable for all types of grass.

The tractor's design incorporates a hydrostatic transmission, which offers a smooth and seamless driving experience. This technology allows for an infinite range of speed and direction without the need for shifting gears. Farmers or homeowners alike will appreciate the ease of operation, making the mower user-friendly even for those who are new to riding mowers.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Craftsman 917.385140 is its comfortable seating and ergonomic controls. The adjustable high-back seat provides excellent support during prolonged use, while the strategically placed controls enhance maneuverability. Safety features include a brake pedal that automatically engages when the operator leaves the seat, ensuring maximum safety during operation.

Moreover, the Craftsman 917.385140 showcases versatility through its compatibility with a range of attachments, such as mulching kits, baggers, and snow blades. This adaptability allows users to expand their lawn care capabilities and make effective use of the tractor year-round.

The Craftsman brand is known for durability, and the 917.385140 is built to last, featuring a sturdy steel frame and a resilient construction. Regular maintenance is made easy with its accessible design, allowing users to perform checks and repairs without hassle.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.385140 stands out as an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly lawn tractor. With its powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission, and comfortable features, it is well-suited for managing lawns of all sizes while ensuring a pleasant mowing experience. Whether you're maintaining a small garden or a vast lawn, this tractor is designed to meet your needs effectively.