Ok. So when we bought this house my friend decided to give me her Craftsman Mower. Not knowing much about mowers at all, i want to be able to start mulching with this guy, but i am stumped. I found the manual for it online, and it tells me that it comes setup in mulching mode when it comes out of the box. Does this mean it comes with a mulching blade? It says that i need a Mulching plug in order to mulch, but i don't ever recall my friend giving me one with the machine. I tried online to find the part but i can't find it.

So what do i need to do to get this to start mulching? Do i really need that mulching plug? There is a rear door that covers the rear discharge hole, is that enough to create pressure? Do i need to change the blade into a mulching blade?

Model is:
Craftsman 917.376470
675 Series Briggs&Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled
Electric Start
22" Multi-Cut

I have a Craftsman mower that is very similar to what you have. The factory blades are high lift, however, I believe the mulching plug is necessary for the best possible performance. You can certainly cut with out the plug, but the blades will not be cut as fine as if the plug was inserted.

I just found the mulch plug you need. Mulch Plug

Here's the online manual. It's part number 4. Online Manual

PART NUMBER: 166649

wow, i swear i've gone over that list like 10 times. thanks alot!

did u have to replace your mower blade and get a gator blade of some sort?

Nope, not on that mower. Although, to be honest, I don't use that mower very often. I have a much nicer Simplicity Regent with a 44" deck that I equipped with Gators a few years back.

I'm not familiar with that model, but many mulching mowers don't use a special blade, Instead, they block the place where the grass would normally go out, so the blade chops it several times before it drops.

thanks bp, i went ahead and ordered that piece last night. i got a gator blade too, i hope it works out very well.

That should be a great set up. I personally have never had an issue with my Craftsman. I think it's 6.5HP B&S and 13 years old. Granted, like I said previously, I don't use it much any more. But I don't think the oil or spark plug has ever been changed and I guarantee it will start on the first pull if I go out there tomorrow.

Sharpen that Gator Blade before you put it on. The edge comes painted and kinda dull.

what would i need to sharpen it? i don't really have much in terms of tools here. i read you don't really need to sharpen it? would letting it run like that out of the box rip out my seedlings?

A friend of mine got one and said after you use it the paint on the edge wears off so I don't think the sharpening is critical.

well i got the blade today, and installed it no problem. it fit perfectly, all i need now is some grass to cut and it thats not gonna happen for a couple more weeks.

i want to modify the rear skirt and make it a better striper, i think i'll do that in a few weeks when i actually have grass that i can stripe. i found a website that shows how to do it and it looks simple enough.

here u go

Ghetto Lawn Striper

BuckeyeChuck wrote:A friend of mine got one and said after you use it the paint on the edge wears off so I don't think the sharpening is critical.

The paint will wear off and then you're left with a dull, unpainted edge.....that's all. Trust me, for best results, sharpen the blade. I've been using Gators for a number of years, on several different LT's, and they ALL performed best with a sharpened blade.

There are a few different ways to sharpen a blade:
1. A simple file will do. It takes a while, but it does the job.
2. Grinding wheel. Nice option, does a great job quickly.
3. Angle Grinder. This is the option that I use. It's quick and easy, but you will need a vice or something to hold the blade steady.Ryobi AG452K 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder

While you are sharpening it, pay attention to how much steel you are taking off. It's important that the blade stay balanced. To check, simply hang the blade from the center hole using a nail. If it leans to one side, sharpen that side again until it's balanced.

Finally, stay away from the rotary tools that attach to a drill. They don't do the job, a waste of money. And, don't put the blade up-side-down. The wings should point up toward the deck of the mower.........not that I've ever made that mistake.