Sears Craftsman 917.257720 - Manual (Page 16)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte­
nance. '
BRAKE OPERATION
If unit 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 Adjust­
ments section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PROD­
UCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 3 of this manual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi­
cals which can harm rubber.
• 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. Re­
place bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
• 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 (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
• 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, ora cone balancer. (When using a cone
balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal­
ancer).
• Slide blade 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.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable.
Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL
(See Fig. 15)
• Block up rear axle securely or use a tractor jack.
» Remove left rear wheel by removing hub bolts.
• Remove filler plug from transaxle. Oil level must be
even with plug threads. If necessary, fill with SAE 30
motor oil, API-SG. Replace filler plug.
• Reassemble wheel to hub.
• For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFI­
CATIONS” on page 3 of this manual.
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even­
tual damage to mower and engine.
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