Craftsman 247.28933 - Manual (Page 22)

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
TIRES
A warning
Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall
of tire. Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s recom­
mended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate.
4. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and push the
adapter onto the deck wash nozzle at the left end of the mower
deck. Release the lock collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle.
See Figure 13.
The recommended operating tire pressure is:
• Approximately 10 psi for the rear tires
• Approximately 14 psi for the front tires
IMPORTANT: Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting deck to
mow unevenly.
CLEANING STEERING GEARS
Once a year, or it a tight spot is experienced when turning the steering
wheel, remove the steering gear cover on each end of the pivot bar
and clean the two steering gears.
1. From beneath the cover base plate on each end of the pivot bar,
remove the three hex screws securing the steering gear cover.
Remove the covers and clean the gears. It is not necessary to
lubricate the gears. Refer to Figure 12.
2. Insert the tab of the LH steering gear cover into the square hole
in the LH base plate, position the cover, and secure with the three
hex screws. Do not over tighten. Repeat to install the cover on the
RH side.
CLEANING THE TRACTOR AND DECK
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do
NOT allow debris to accumulate around the deck pulleys or any other
part of the machine.
Periodically remove the belt covers and remove any accumulated
grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys and the deck belt.
IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer to clean your tractor is
NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical components,
spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.
Using Deck Wash System^“
Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck's
underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Your trac­
tor's deck is equipped with a water nozzle on the left end of the deck.
Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough
to a water sillcock (spigot) for your garden hose to reach.
IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed
AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
2. Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the parking brake, and
stop the engine.
3. Thread the nozzle adapter (packaged with your tractor's Opera­
tor's Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.
5. Turn the water on.
6 . While sitting in the operator's position on the tractor, re-start the
engine and place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.
7. Move the tractor's PTO (Blade Engage) into the ON position.
Remain in the operator's position with the cutting deck engaged
fora minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
8 . Move the tractor's PTO (Blade Engage) into the OFF position.
Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the tractor's
engine off.
9. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to disconnect the
adapter from the nozzle.
BATTERY
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be
checked.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of
corrosive build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of
petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
• Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal
to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect
the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from its terminal first, followed by the
POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect
the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE
(Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct
terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and result in
damage to your engine’s alternating system.
22