Install Mulcher Plate; Check Deck Levelness; Check For Proper Position Of All Belts; Check Brake System - Craftsman 917.273471 Owner's Manual

2. Adjust gauge wheels before operat-
ing mower. See "TO ADJUST GAUGE
WHEELS" in the Operation section of
this manual.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(If previously removed)
1. Raise and hold deflector shield in
upright position.
2. Place front of mulcher plate over front
of mower deck opening and slide into
place, as shown.
3. Hook front latch into hole on front of
mower deck.
4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
Shield
Plate
Latch Hooks
_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.
TO CONVERTTO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher plate and store
in a safe place. Your mower is now ready
for discharging or installation of optional
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE: It is not necessary to change
blades. The mulcher blades are designed
for discharging and bagging also.
CHECKTIRE 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 hous-
ing should be properly leveled. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing
motion and mower blade drive Pelts in the Ser-
vice and Adjustments section of this manual.
Verify that the Pelts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor,
check to see that the brake is properly adjust-
ed. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
,/CHECKLIS T
Before you operate and enjoy your new
tractor, we wish to assure that you receive
the best performance and satisfaction from
this Quality Product.
Please review the following checklist:
,/All assembly instructions have been
completed.
,/No remaining loose parts in carton.
,/Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).
,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
,/All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-
ping purposes, the tires were overin-
flated at the factory).
,/Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
,/Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
,/Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor, pay
extra attention to the following important
items:
•/ Engine oil is at proper level.
•/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regu-
lar 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 oper-
10 ating condition.