fractal,
Just went and checked on the tractor, the plate is just in front of the differential lock pedal, just above the left foot rest, just below the left front screw knob of the removable cover over the trans. Also just to the right of your left ankle when sitting on the seat..... You are right this manual (like most) can be a little vague, sorry I did not have the chance to pin it down a bit more before my earlier post /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.
Sounds like yours has come off, glad to hear something positive came out of the investigation.
Jim