Craftsman 917.379480 - Manual (Page 9)

To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar. Wait until blade
and all moving parts have stopped and
turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do
not intend to restart the engine soon.
Fuel Valve
lever
MOWING TIPS
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
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 right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a smalt
overlap 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 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 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 eariy afternoon. At
this time tiie grass has dried and the newly
cut area will not be exposed to the direct
sun.
• 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
overioading the engine and leaving
clomps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut patii and
mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass condi­
tions may require that an area be mulched
a second time to completely hide frie
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicutar 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 he^3 prevent matting and graining of
the lawn.
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