Craftsman 917.273800 - Manual (Page 10)

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.
ACAUTION: D o not remove deflector
shield from mower.
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 mulching blades are designed
for discharging and bagging also.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes. Cor­
rect 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 replac­
ing 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
After you learn how to operate your trac­
tor, 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 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.
/ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel
control is in ‘transmission engaged”
position (see “TO TRANSPORT” in the
Operation section of this manual).
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, reg­
ular 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
ating condition.
/ it is important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the first
time. Follow proper starting and trans­
mission purging instructions (See “TO
START ENGINE” and “PURGE TRANS­
MISSION” in the Operation section of
this manual).
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