Craftsman 247.370251 - Manual (Page 11)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
MOWER
BLADE CARE
Your mower will work better with a sharp blade.
A WARNING: BE CERTAIN TO DISCON­
NECT THE POWER SUPPLY BEFORE
PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE.
TO REMOVE BLADE (See Figure 9):
• Turn mower on its side.
• Use a block of wood between blade and mower
deck to prevent blade from turning when bolt is
removed. Protect your hands with gloves and/or
wrap blade with heavy cloth.
• Remove center blade bolt by turning counterclock­
wise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end wrench.
A
WARNING: PERIODICALLY INSPECT
THE BLADE ADAPTER FOR CRACKS,
ESPECIALLY IF YOU STRIKE A FOREIGN
OBJECT. REPLACE WHEN NECESSARY.
TO REPLACE BLADE (See Figure 9):
• Put blade adapter on motor shaft.
• Fit blade in adapter. Be sure trailing edge of blade
is up towards engine.
• Assemble bolts, washers, and nuts in the exact
order of removal.
• Use block of wood to hold blade and tighten bolt
clockwise. The recommended torque for the center
blade bolt is 450-600 in. lbs. The recommended
torque for the two blade adapter bolts is 200-300
in. lbs. Torque wrenches are available at most
Sears stores and through the catalog.
IMPORTANT: THE BOLT USED TO SECURE THE
BLADE TO THE MOTOR SHAFT IS SPECIALLY
HEAT-TREATED. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE.
A CAUTION: A LOOSE BLADE CAN BE
DANGEROUS AND MAY MAKE THE
MOTOR HARD TO START.
Use only a Sears authorized replacement blade to get
the best cutting results.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening the
blade—but if you do, be sure blade is balanced.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a
grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen white on
the mower.
• Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when running and eventual damage to mower and
motor.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or
wall. Leave about one inch of straight nail exposed.
Place center hole of blade over the head of the
nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a hori­
zontal position. If either end of the blade moves
downward, blade is not balanced. Sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
CLEANING
A
WARNING: DISCONNECT POWER SUP­
PLY BEFORE CLEANING YOUR MOWER.
• Remove any build-up of grass and leaves on or
around motor cover. DO NOT USE WATER.
• Clean the underside of your mower after each use
by turning the mower on its side and scraping to
remove any build-up of grass, leaves, dirt or other
matter. DO NOT USE WATER.
• Occasionally use a dry cloth to wipe mower.
• Wash grass bag periodically with water. Allow to
dry thoroughly in the shade. Do not use heat.
IMPORTANT: Under normal usage, the grass bag is
subject to wear and should be checked periodically.
Be certain any replacement bag complies with the
mower manufacturer’s specifications.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
REAR TRAIL SHIELD
The rear trail shield, attached between the rear
wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the
possibility that objects will be thrown out the rear of
the mower toward the operator. If the shield becomes
damaged, it should be replaced.
TO ADJUST CUniNG HEIGHT
Refer lo “CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT" m
Operation section of manual.
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