Craftsman 917.256930 - Manual (Page 16)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte­
nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance
at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
(See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Sen/ice and Adjust­
ments section of this manual),
TIRES
» Maintain proper air pressure in al! tires (See "PROD­
UCT SPECIFiCATiONS" on page 3 of this manuai).
= Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi­
cals which can harm rubber.
0
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 15)
0
Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
<• Remove hex bolt, lockwasher and flat washer securing
blade.
» Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown.
" Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in
exact order as shown.
» Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED,
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 16)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even­
tual damage to mower and engine.
® The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
» To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter
steel bolt, pin,’or a coiie balancer. (When using a cone
balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal­
ancer).
® Slide biade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt
or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground,
if blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position. If either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
BATTERY (See Fig. 17)
Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
® Acid solution level in each battery ceil should be even
with bottoms of vent wells. Add only distilled or i ron free
water if necessary. Do not overfill.
® Keep battery and terminals clean.
0
Keep battery bolts tight.
® Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in caps open.
® Recharge at 6 amperes for 1 hour.
16