Install Mulcher Plate; To Convert To Bagging Or Discharging; Check Tire Pressure; Check Brake System - Craftsman ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR 944.602951 Owner's Manual

ASSEMBLY
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.
• Start the engine. After engine has staded, move throttle
control to idle position.
• Release parking brake.
• Slowly move the motion contmlleverforward and slowly
drive tractor off skid.
• Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place
motion control lever in neutral position.
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.
INSTALL MULCHEFI PLATE
Of p reWou. y r emoved) (See F j. 5)
• Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
• Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck
opening and slide into place, as shown,
• Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck.
• Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield
from mower. Raise and hold shield when
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to
rest on plate while in operation.
DEFLECTOR MULCHER
SHIELD PLATE
LATCH
HOOKS
FIG. 5
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Your
mower isnow ready for discharging or installation ofoptional
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades. The muicher
blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in =PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" inthe Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed
correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
Afteryou learn howto operate yourtractor, checktoseethat
the brake is properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE"
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
,/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERA TEAND ENJO Y YOUR NEW TRAC
TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THI
BEST PERFORMANCEAND SATISFACTION FROM 7741.
QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
/ All assembly instructions have been completed.
,/ No remaining loose parts in carton.
,/ Batteryisproperiypreparedandcharged. (Minimurr
hour at 6 amps).
,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely
/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purpose
the tires were overinflated at the factory).
,/ Be sure mower deck is propedy leveled side-to-si_
frent-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must b
properly inflated for leveling).
4" Checkmoweranddrivebelts. Besuretheyareroute
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
,/ Checkwiring. See that all connections are still secur_
and wires are properly clamped.
,,I Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in
drive position.
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA A TTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
/ Engine oil is at proper level.
/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline.
/ Become familiar with all controls - their location and
function. Operate them before you start the engine.
/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
,/ It is important to purge the transmission before operating
your tractor for the first time. Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions (See =TO START
ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Opera-
tion section of this manual).
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