Craftsman 917.270831 - Manual (Page 16)

control out slightly for a few seconds
and then continue to push the control
in slowly. This may require an engine
warm-up period from several seconds
to several minutes, depending on the
temperature.
• The attachments can be used during
the engine warm-up period and may
require the choke control be pulled out
slightly. ,
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 perfor­
mance. See TO ADJUST CARBURE­
TOR” in the Service and Adjustments
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 TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the
Service and Adjustments section of
this manual.
• The left hand side of mower should be
used for trimming.
• Drive so that clippings are discharged
onto the area that has been cut. Have
the cut area to the right of the tractor.
This will result in a more even distribu­
tion of clippings and more uniform
cutting.
• When mowing large areas, start by
turning to the right so that clippings will
discharge away from shrubs, fences,
driveways, etc. After one or two
rounds, mow in the opposite direction
making left hand turns until finished.
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be
mowed twice to reduce load and
possible fire hazard from dried
clippings. Make first cut relatively
high; the second to the desired height.
• 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 discharge of
material. Regulate ground speed by
selecting a low enough gear to give
the mower cutting performance as well
as the quality of cut desired.
• When operating attachments, select a
ground speed that will suit the terrain
and give best performance of the
attachment being used.
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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 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 wi|l biodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will
provide the best recutting 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 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. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut on each pass
and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
niulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or perpen­
dicular 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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16