4.Sit on seat in operatingposition, depressclutch/brakepedal andset the parking brake.

5.Placemotion controlleverin neutral

(N) position.

6.Presslift lever plungerand raise

attachmentlift leverto its highestposi- tion.

7.Start the engine.After engine has started, movethrottle controlto idle position.

8.Releaseparking brake.

9.Slowly movethe motioncontrol lever forwardand slowlydrive tractoroff skid.

10.Applybraketo stop tractor,set parking brake and place motioncontrollever in neutralposition.

11.Turnignition keyto "STOP"position. Continuewith the instructionsthat follow.

REPOSITION RIGHT REAR GAUGE WHEEL

For shipping purposes, the right rear gauge wheel assembly is mounted upside down on the mower. Remove the gauge wheel assembly and reinstall from the bottom as shown. To adjust gauge wheels, see the Operation section in 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.

_CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower.

Deflector

Shield

Plate

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 mulching blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.

CHECKTIRE 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.

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Craftsman 917.273648 manual Reposition Right Rear Gauge Wheel, Discharging, Check for Proper Position ALL Belts

917.273648 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273648 is a powerful and versatile riding lawn mower designed for homeowners who seek efficiency in lawn maintenance. This riding mower is equipped with a robust 24-horsepower Kohler engine, ensuring it can tackle even the most challenging terrains with ease. Its reliable performance is matched with an easy-start feature, allowing you to fire up the engine without hassle.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.273648 is its cutting deck, which measures 46 inches. This wide cutting deck allows for a more extensive mowing area, reducing the time spent on large lawns. The deck is engineered from high-quality steel, providing durability and resilience against wear and tear. Additionally, the deck height can be adjusted to six different positions ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, giving users the flexibility to achieve their desired grass length.

The mower also incorporates advanced technologies such as a hydrostatic transmission, allowing for smooth and seamless speed adjustments while driving. This feature enhances the mowing experience, making it comfortable to navigate around obstacles without needing to shift gears manually. The tight turning radius of the Craftsman 917.273648 enables efficient maneuvering, making it easier to turn around flower beds or other landscaping features.

In terms of operator comfort, the Craftsman 917.273648 includes an ergonomic seat with ample padding, designed to minimize fatigue during extended mowing sessions. The controls are intuitively laid out, ensuring that users can operate the mower with minimal effort. Furthermore, the mower is equipped with an oversized lap bar, making it simple to control steering and braking.

Safety features are also a priority with this model. It comes with a safety switch that automatically shuts off the mower if the operator leaves the seat, preventing accidents. The rear engine placement enhances visibility while mowing, ensuring that users can safely navigate their landscapes.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.273648 combines power, comfort, and safety in a reliable riding mower. With its robust engine, versatile cutting deck, and user-friendly features, it stands out as a top choice for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently.