Craftsman 917.252530 Owner's Manual page 17

TRACTOR
Always obsewe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
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 Adjust-
ments section of this manual), i:_::, ,:
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in alt tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re-
place bent or damaged blades. ..... :
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 14)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades. ,
• Remove hex bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer securing
blade.
• Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown.
• Reassemble hex bolt lock washer and f at washer n
exact order as showi.
• Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
MANDREL
_ ASSEMBLY
TRAILING EDGE
FLAT WASHER ,!
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
FIG. 14
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 15)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even-
tual damage to mower and engine,
• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while onthe 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 bal-
ancer).
• 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.
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of
he center hole may appear to be centered, but are not,
CENTERHOLE / /
- AOE
FIG. 15
BATTERY (See Fig. 16)
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi-
cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the
battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.
° Acid sol ution level in each battery cei! should be even
with bottomsof vent wells. Add onlydistilled oriron free
water if necessary. Do not overfill.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight,
• Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in caps open.
• Recharge at 6 amperes for 1 hour.
17