Craftsman 917.274810 - Manual (Page 19)

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, but are not,
• 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.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for norma! use. How­
ever, 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
terminals can cause the battery to “leak”
power.
1
.
3.
5.
Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery 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 petro­
leum jelly.
Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING
BATTERY" in the Service and Adjust­
ments section of this manual).
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL.
Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
I I
I I r
30 32 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
___ oil_visc_chat. 1
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 32°F.
Check your engine oil level more frequent­
ly to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op­
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start­
ing the engine and after each eight (8)
hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/
dipstick securely each time you check the
oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API
service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil.
2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain
valve and install the drain tube onto the
fitting.
Oil Drain Valve
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt
and chaff which can restrict cooling.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear
after 100 hours of operation and replace if
necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Re­
place belts if they begin to slip from wear.
19
Drain
Tube
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward
slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close
and lock the drain valve by pushing
inward and turning clockwise until the
pin is in the locked position as shown.