Tractor Brake Operation; Operator Presence System; Blade Care; Blade Removal - Craftsman EZ3 917.270711 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming,any maintenance.
BRAKEOPERATION
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 all tires
(See PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" '
on page 3 of this manual)..
• "Keep tires free of.gasoline, oil, Orinsect
control-chemicals Whichcan harm rub-
ber,
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
NOTE: :r_seaHire- 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 that operator presence and inter-
lock systems are working properly. If your
tractordoes-not function as described
below, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless_ the
clutch!brake pedal is fullydepressed
and attachment 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 runningand 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 I_lades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
- blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
• Raise mower to I_[ghestposition to allow
- access to blades.
• Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat
washer securing blade.
• Instal!.new orresharpened bladewith
• trailing _up towards:deck as shown.
IMPOFrrAN'ri To ensureproper assembly,
Centerl:_oleih:blade must•align with star
on-mmt!ltel as=embly.:
• o
• Re_mble' hex bolt, lockwasher and
--tla_ash-_r in exact Orderas shown.
• TIghtan bolt securely (27-,35 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat-
treated.
Trailing Blade Mandrel A ssembly
Center
Hole
Rat
Star
Lock Washer_._.
<_<'Hex Bolt (Grade 8)*
*A Grade 8 heat treated boltcan 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 unbalancedblade 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 notattempt
to sharpen while it is 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 instructionssupplied with bal-
ancer).
NOTE: Do not use a nail.for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, butare not.
• Slide blade onto 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 hod- .
zontal position. If either end of the blade
moves downward, sharpen theheavy
end untilthe blade isbaianced_
CenterHole /
/
5/8" Bolt
or Pin
Blade
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficientfor normaluse.• Howew
er, periodic charging of the .battery.withan
automotive charger will extend its:life. . ::.
• . KeeP battery andterminals clean..:.:- . . ...
• Keep.battery bol_,tighL : .
•- Keep small.vent hOlesopen..
• "Recharge at 6-10 amperes fo_L1_hour. : "
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