Craftsman 917.270631 - Manual (Page 18)

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per­
forming any maintenance.
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 Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
TIRES
» Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS”
on page 5 of this manual).
0 Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rub­
ber.
® Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent
flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant
may be purchased from your local parts
dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry
rot and corrosion.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
o Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades.
o Remove hex bolt, lock washer 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 (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT; Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat
treated.
Blade Mandrel
Assembly
Flat Washer ^
Edge Up
Lock Washer
Hex Bolt (Grade 8)t;j
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identified by six lines on the bolt head.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade, but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration and eventual damage
to mower and engine.
0 The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while it is on the mower,
® To check blade balance, you will need a
5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone
balancer. (When using a cone balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with bal­
ancer).
® Slide blade onto 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 hori­
zontal 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
Your tractor 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.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
® Keep battery bolts tight.
» Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter­
minals can cause the battery to “leak”
power.
a Open battery box door.
® Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
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