Craftsman 917.271743 Owner's Manual page 10

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(if previously removed)
1. Raise and hold deflector shield in
upright position°
2. Place front of mutcher 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.
&CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mowen Raise and hold shield
when attaching mulcher plate and allow it
to rest on plate while in operation..
Mufcher
Plate
Shield
Latch
Hooks
TO CONVERT TO 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 de-
signed 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" 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
belts in the Service and Adjustments
10
section of this manual° Verify that the
belts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your
tractor, check to see that the brake is
properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
,!CHECKLIST
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:
v" All assembly instructions have been
completed,
,/No remaining loose parts in carton.
¢" Battery is properly prepared and
charged.. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps)o
,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely..
v" All tires are properly inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).
v" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front4o-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 a!l connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
,/Before driving tractor, be sure free-
wheel control is in drive position.
While learning how to use your tractor,
pay extra attention to the following
important items:
¢" Engine oil is at proper level..
v" 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
'q-o START ENGINE" and "PURGE
TRANSMISSION" in the Operation
section of this manual)..