Craftsman 917.2720601 User Manual
Page 19
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TRACTOR
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 ad
justed. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires 
(See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” 
section of this manual).
• Keep fires 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 
brake pedal is fuily 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
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 grade 8 heat 
treated.
Trailing 
Edge Up
^
-
Mandrel
Flat Washer.,,,.,,^_\
Assembly
Lock Washer-^'^
'^Hex Bolt (Grade)^
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be identified
by six lines on the bolt head.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen
ing 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 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, or a cone 
balancer. (When using a cone bal
ancer, 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 horizontal position. If either end of 
the blade moves downward, sharpen 
the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.
19
5/8” Bolt or Pin
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 life. 
Keep battery and terminals clean.