Poulan 161608 - Manual (Page 16)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
16
FLAT WASHER
HEX BOLT
(GRADE 8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
TRAILING EDGE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
FIG. 11
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any main te 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 Service and Ad just ments section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS”
on page 3 of this man ual).
• 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.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent fl at 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. Re place bent or dam-
aged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 11)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.
• Remove hex bolt, lock washer and fl at washer securing blade.
• Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as
shown.
• Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and fl at 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. 12)
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 fi le 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
cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied
with bal anc er).
• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the
BLADE
LOCK WASHER
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.
5/8" BOLT
OR PIN
CENTER HOLE
FIG. 12
BLADE
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient 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.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to
“leak” power.
• Open battery box door.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable fi rst then RED bat tery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See “CONNECT BATTERY” in the As sem bly sec tion of this
manual).