Craftsman 917372833 Owner’s Manual

r.RnFTZ

MODEL NUMBER 917.372833

Assembly
Operation

Customer

Responsibilities

Service

OWNER'S MANUAL

®Adjustments
®Repair Parts

Caution:
Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

153581 12.08.95 ks

Printed in U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACH INE tS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

SAFETY RULES

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.

Learn how to quickly stop mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults
to use mower without proper instructions.

= Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially

small children and pets.

° Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-

scribed in this manual.

* Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in

any manner. Always have damage repaired before using

your mower.

• Do notuse accessory attachments that are not recommended

by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.

- The blade turns when the engine is running.
PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear it of

all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause

severe injury,

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and

while using your mower.

• Dress propedy. Do not operate mower when barefoot or

wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.

° Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not filt gas tank

indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is hot.

Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your

mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

° Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
OPERATION:

° Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being

cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating

your mower. Always be sure of your footing- keep afirm hold
on the handles and walk.

° Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep

clear of the discharge opening at all times.

° Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using

your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the

engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and

keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object.
Fellow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-
age before restarting and operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the

engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Exces-

sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger-

ous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow

across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

loseyourfooting. Do not mowexcessiv, ely steep slopes. Use

caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when
changing directions - maintain good footing,

° Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,

grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

° Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts often to be

sure they are tightened properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for

proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-
tion.

° Keep all safety devices in place and working.
° To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves

or excessive grease and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deterioration and wear and
replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are

recommended by and comply with specifications of the
manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower,

° Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
° Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building

where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

i wllllll i

portant safety precautions. It means
Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTIONt!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-

&

not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs,

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

2

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possibie dependability and

performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center/Department, We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions wil]

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 917.372833

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATEOF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERtAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT :SPECtFilCAT|ONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.5

DISPLACEMENT: 12,6 CU. IN. ....

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.6 QUARTS , ,:
ANDTYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR :

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION Jt9LM, RJ19LM
(GAP: ,030") STD361458

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .005" - .007"

EXHAUST: .007" - ,009"

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN,

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITmES

• Read and observe the safety rules.
= Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.

. Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

LIMITED TWOYEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Moweris maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wiii repair free of charge any

defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from

the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
* Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,

air cleaners and spark plug.

- Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER!DEPARTMENT iN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE 1NTHE UNITED STATES.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFiCATiONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLITIES ..................... 3, 12-14

WARRANTY ......... ......................................................... 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................... 6

OPERATION .................................................................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12

i EX

A

Accessories .................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor .............................. 16

Drive Belt ............................... 15

Engine Speed ........................ 16

Handle Height ........................ 16

Height of Cut ............................ 9

Air Filter:

Replacement .......................... 14

Service ................................... 14

Assembly ........................................ 6

B

Blade:

Sharpening ............................ 13

Replacement .......................... 13

C

Controls:

Drive Control ............................ 8

Engine Zone Control ................ 8

Engine Speed Control .............. 8

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 8

Customer Responsibilities ... 3, 12-14

Air Filter ................................. 14

Blade Care/Replacement ....... 13

Drive Wheels ......................... 13

Engine .................................... 14

Lubrication ............................. 14

Spark Plug ............................. 14

Cutting Levels ................................. 9

Engine:

Air Filter, ................................ 14

Oil Change ............................. 14

Oil Level ................................. 14

Oil Type ................................. t4

Starting .................................. 10

Stopping ................................. 10

Storage .................................. 16

Fuel:

Capacity ................................... 3

Storage .................................. 16

Type ....................................... 10

Handle Adjustment:

Assembly ................................. 6

Cutting Height ........................ 16

Lubrication:

Engine .................................... 14

Lawn Mower .......................... 12

Maintenance Agreement ................ 3

Maintenance Schedule ................. 12

Mowing Tips ................................. !0

Oil:

Engine .................................... 12

Storage .................................. 16

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 15

STORAGE ........... ;....................................................... 17

TROU BLESHOOTING ................................................. 19

REPAIR PARTS- LAWN MOWER .......... . ............. 20-24

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 25-30

PARTS ORDERINGISERVICE ................................... 32

E

F

Operation:

Drive Control ............................ 9

Engine Control ......................... 9

Grass Catcher .......................... 9

Mower ...................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar ............................... 9

Options:

Accessories ............................. 5

R

Repair Parts:

Engine ............................... 25-30

Lawn Mower ..................... 20-24

Responsibilities, Customer ,. 3, 12-14

H

S

Safety Rules ................................... 2

Service and Adjustments .............. 15

L

M

O

Carburetor .............................. 16

Drive Belt ............................... t5

Engine Speed ........................ t6

Handle ................................... 16

Spark Plug .................................... 14

Specifications ................................. 3

Speed Control:

Engine ...................................... 8

Starting the Engine ....................... 10

Stopping the Engine ..................... 10

Storage ......................................... 16

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 19

W

Warranty ......................................... 3

4

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORI

t'n Itll __ ........................................

These accessories were available when this !awn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn

mower. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

i,,i, ,i,,,,

STABILIZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

i

GAS CANS

UllUUnll nHP

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

5

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn

mower, Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the

factory with the exception of those parts left unassembted
for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,

boEts,etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been
placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, alt parts and hardware you

assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

, Remove loose parts included with mower.
, Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat.
Remove all packing materials except padding between

upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
oughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig, 1)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

= Raise handles until lower handle section locks into

place in mowing position.

* Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,

remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.

, Remove handle padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

= Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your

mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handte" in the
Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS
(See Fig. 2)

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plate. Store
mulcher plate in a safe place.

You can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-

tor.

o To return to mulching operation, install mutcher plate

into discharge opening of mower. Be sure all tabs are
seated properly.

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR

UPPER HANDLE

LIFT UP

LOWER HANDLE

SLOTS

MULCHER PLATE

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without mulcher plate in place or ap-
proved clipping deflector or grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to op-

erate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.

\

MOWING POSITION

FIG. 1

TABS

FIG. 2

.... I ILI_L_ ......

6

ASSE

LY

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)

o Insert ieg of tubular frame through front opening of

grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem of bag.

NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg of the
tubular frame.

- When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,
immediately workthe end of frame down insidethe bag

as shown in inset.

® Slide sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until

both ends offrame are exposed out of the front open-
ing.

• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully

seated as shown in inset.

• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm

water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before

using.

, Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed while operating

lawn mower.

- Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the

grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear
door hinge bracket.

o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when the rear door is lowered onto the grass
catcher frame.

LOWER

(Frames must
be fu|ly seated)

TUBULAR

FRAME /

FIG. 3B

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

FiG. 3C

without clipping deflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
to operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open,

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM FLIP LiD

FIG. 3A

HINGE

BRACKET

REAR DOOR

GRASS

CATCHER
FRAME

FORMED

TABS

FiG, 4

7

OPERATIO

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER, Compare the
illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this

manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product; Learn and understand
their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST

OR WARNING ON OFF

ENG|NE ZONE CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

- ...... . . iJ

GRASSCATCHER

SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCECONTRQLBAR

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE KNOB

GASOLINE CAP(AT
REAR OFENGINE)

ENGINE OIL CAP W/DIPSTICK

DRIVE COVER

MULCHER PLATE

PRIMER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL HOUSING

WHEEL ADJUSTER

(ON EACH WHEEL)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUHREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute

and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL _ must be held
down to the handle to start the engine, Reiease to stop the

engine,
PRIMER =pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cytinder for use when starting a cold engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-
pelted forward motion of lawn mower.

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL - located on the side of the
engine which allows you to sefect either fast (@) or slow

(_) engine speed.
MULCNER PLATE - must be removed to convert to bag-

ging or discharging operation.

8

,i ¸ ,......................

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage, Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your j

lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety

.... mask over the sP,ectac!es or standard safety glasses, ................

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Donotrunyour lawn mower
without muicher plate in place and door

deflector or grasscatcher in place.
closed or without an approved clipping

Never attempt to operate the Sawn

mower with the rear door removed or

m .......... //! i ..................................

ENGINE SPEED (See Fig. 5)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the

side of the engine. Fast ('#_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting and better grass bagging, Slow

(_) positionisfor _ightcutting, trimming and fuel economy,

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

- Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the tawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

Raise wheels for low cut and lowerwheels for high cut.
Wheels are set in low cut for shipping. Adjust cutting

height to suit your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.

* To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-

ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your

requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same

setting.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig, 7)

, To remove grass catcher, release operator presence

control bar to stop engine.

= Lift up rear door and remove the grass catcher by the

handle.

- Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 8)

Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence control bar down to the handle and pushing

the drive control lever forward until it clicks; then
release the lever.

, Forward motion will stop when the operator presence

control bar is released° To stop forward motion without
stopping engine, release the operator presence control
bar slightty until the drive control disengages. Hold
operator presence control bar down to handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.

propped open.

CAUTION: Federalregulations reqruire --
an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not

under any circumstances attempt to

defeat the function of the operator con-
trol. The blade turns when the engine is
running,

ENGINE
SPEED

CONTROL
LEVER

FIG. 5

LOWER WHEELS RAISE WHEELS
FOR HIGH CUT FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 6

FiG. 7

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLBAR

DRIVE
CONTROL

DRtVECONTRO_

FiG. 8

To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground
while turning fawn mower.

9

OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OiL (See Fig, 9)

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.

, Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.

- Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the ful! line
on the dipstick.

= Use20 ozs. of oil. Fortypeand grade of oil to use, see

"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this
manual.

Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill,

* Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill

to full line on dipstick.

, To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

o After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil,

and every 25 hours thereafter. You may need to
change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

GAS (See Fig. 9)

o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohot or using ethanol or methanol) can

attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel

system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor-

age of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are

empty, Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage instruc-

tions for additional information. Never use engine or

carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

ENGINE OIL CAP

W/DIPSTICK

GASOLINE

FILLER CAP

FiG. 9

MOWING TiPS

o 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.

For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1)
wheel adjuster setting higher than the front for better

discharge of grass.

o For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,

the engine speed should be set inthe fast (4_) 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 mowerover the area a second time.

Ifa trail of grass clippings isleft on the right side of a rear

discharge lawn mower, mow in a clockwise direction
with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next

pass.

o Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of

grass clippings and chafL This will help engine airflow
and extend engine life.

Pores incloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt
and dust with use and catchers wili collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catchers off with water

and let dry before using.

To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times

before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an engine which has

already run for a few minutes.
Move throttle control lever to fast (,¢_)position.

Hold operator presence controi bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.

To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps. Inwarmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine wil! not start, if you do flood engine,
wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

t0

OPERATION

MULCHING MOWING TiPS

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

TRASH. SEE "CLEANING" IN CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.

• 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 will provide the best recutting action of the
blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet. 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 lawn mower cutting height

so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third
of the grass blades (See Fig. I0). 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut by

overlapping previously cut path 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.

• 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.

HIHPH] I ................... ii ........ ..... I Ill I II _[

MAX 1/3

FIG. 10

ii