Tractor; Tires; Operator Presence System; Blade Care/Removal - Craftsman 917.273373 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Alwaysobserve safety rubs when per-
forming any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATmON
If tractor requiresmore than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in highest
gear,then brakemust be adjusted.(See
"TOADJUST BRAKE"in the Serviceand
Adjustmentssection of this manual).
TmRES
, Maintain properair pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS"
sectionof this manual).
* Keeptires free of gasoline,oil, or insect
controlchemicalswhich can harm rub-
ber.
* Avoidstumps,stones, deep ruts,sharp
objectsand other hazardsthat may
causetire damage.
NOTE:Toseal tire puncturesand prevent
flat tires due to slow leaks,tire sealant
may be purchasedfrom your local parts
dealer.Tire sealant also preventstire dry
rot and corrosion.
OPERATORPRESENCESYSTEM
Be sure operator presenceand interlock
systems are working properly. If your trac-
tor does not functionas described,repair
the problemimmediately.
The engine should not start unless the
clutch/brakepedal is fully depressed
and attachementclutch control is in the
disengagedposition.
When the engine is running,any at-
tempt by the operatorto leavethe seat
withoutfirst setting the parkingbrake
should shut off the engine.
When the engine is runningand the
attachmentclutch is engaged,any at-
tempt by the operatorto leavethe seat
should shut off the engine.
The attachmentclutch should neverop-
erate unless the operator is in the seat.
BLADE CARE
For best resultsmowerblades must be
kept sharp. Replacebent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mowerto highest positionto al-
low accessto blades.
2. Removeblade bolt, lockwasher and
flat washer securing blade.
3. Install newor resharpenedblade
with trailing edge up towardsdeck as
shown.
mlVlPORTANT: Toensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade mustalign with star
on mandrelassembly.
4. Reassemblebladebolt, lockwasher
and flat washer in exact orderas
shown.
5. Tighten bladebolt securely (27-35 Ft.
Lbs.torque).
mMPORTANT:Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing,replace onlywith
approvebolt shown in the Repair Parts.
Mandrel Ass
Trailing
Edge Up Center
Hob
Lock Washer
Blade Bolt
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-
ening 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 balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with
batancer.)
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.
5/8" Bolt Blade
Pin
Center Hob
18