Craftsman 917.271840 - Manual (Page 20)

■mACTDR
Always observe safety rules when
performing 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 ail tires
(See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals 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
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.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
Be sure operator presence and interlock
systems are working properly. If your
tractor does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed
and attachement clutch control is in the
disengaged position.
• When the engine is running, any attempt
by the operator to leave the seat without
first setting the parking brake should
shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the
attachment clutch is engaged, any
attempt by the operator to leave the seat
should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never
operate unless the operator is in the
seat.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to
allow access to blades.
2. Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat
washer securing blade.
3. Install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as
shown.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
mandrel assembly.
4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
flat washer in exact order as shown.
5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grads 8 heat
treated.
iTj n I /--i— Center,
Edge Up I Hole
Lock Washer
Hex Bott
(Grade)*^
Flat Washer
Mandrel
Assembly
Star
*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.
• The blade can be sharpened with a RIe
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 bott, pin, or a cone
balancer. (When using a cone balancer,
follow the Instructions supplied with
balancer.)
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
horizontai position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
5/8” Bolt
or Pin
Blade
Center Hole
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. How­
ever, periodic charging of the battery with
an automotive charger will extend its iife.
• Keep battery and terminals clean,
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep smail vent holes open,
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
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