OPERATION

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 9)

When starting engine for the first time or'if engine has run

out of fuel, itwill take extra cranking time to move fue! from the tank to the engine.

•Depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

•Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position,

•Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position°

•Move throttle control lever to choke (t".]) positionfor cold engine start. Forwarm engine start, move throttle control to fast ('_e)position.,

•Insert key intoignition and turn keyclockwise to"START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast ('_i_) position, wait a few minutes and try again.

•When engine starts, move throttle control to desired position..

•Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging drive or'attachments.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor'fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See

"TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual.

MOWING TIPS

•Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor.

°Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See'q'OLEVEL MOWER HOUSING"in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

•The left hand side of mower should be used for trim- rning

•Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area

that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine_ This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.,

•When mowing large areas, start by turntng to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. Afterone or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished (See Fig° 11 )_

•If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip- pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired heighL

-Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry"before mowing.

•Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper dis- charge of material. Regulate ground speed by select- ing a low enough gear-to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quaIity of cut desired,

•When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used.

FIG. 11

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND

TRASH_ CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.

•The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip- pings 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 wilt provide the best recutting action of the blades.,

°Avoid cutting your lawn when it isweL 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 and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun°

=For best results, adjust the mower cutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades (See Fig. 12)o For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut and mow slowly°

=Certain types of grass and grass conditions may re- quire that an area be mulched a second time to com- pletely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

oChange your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one weekthen change to east to west the

next week_ This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawno

MAX 1/3

FIG. 12

14

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Sears 917.257643 owner manual Operation, To Start Engine See Fig, Mulching Mowing Tips
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917.257643 specifications

The Sears 917.257643 is a notable riding lawn mower model that represents a blend of performance, reliability, and user-friendly features. This machine is designed to cater to homeowners seeking a robust solution for lawn care. Among its main features, the 917.257643 boasts a powerful engine that provides sufficient horsepower to handle even tougher mowing conditions. This ensures that it can tackle both small and expansive yards with ease.

One of the essential characteristics of the Sears 917.257643 is its cutting system. It typically comes equipped with a wide cutting deck, which allows for a broader swath of grass to be cut in a single pass. This feature not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the overall mowing time. The adjustable cutting height is another significant advantage, allowing users to select the desired grass length based on seasonal requirements or personal preference.

In terms of technology, the Sears 917.257643 incorporates ease of operation into its design. The intuitive control panel is easy to understand, featuring straightforward levers and buttons that allow for smooth operation. Additionally, the mower is equipped with a reliable hydrostatic transmission, providing seamless speed adjustments without the need for manual gear changes. This feature allows users to focus more on mowing rather than managing speed.

The construction of the Sears 917.257643 is robust, designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. Its durable housing and high-quality materials contribute to the longevity of the mower. Furthermore, it often includes ergonomic seating, which adds to the comfort of the operator during longer mowing sessions.

Another characteristic that stands out is its maintenance features. The mower is designed for easy access to key components, allowing for straightforward maintenance routines. Regular upkeep ensures that the lawn mower remains in excellent working order, which is crucial for long-term performance.

In summary, the Sears 917.257643 is more than just a lawn mower; it is a reliable partner in lawn maintenance. Its combination of powerful performance, advanced technologies, and user-centric features makes it a favored choice among homeowners looking to keep their lawns in pristine condition. Its durable build and ease of maintenance further enhance its appeal, ensuring that users can enjoy a well-groomed lawn for years to come.
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