Craftsman 917.288600 Operator's Manual page 20

TRACTOR
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing
any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to
stop at highest speed in highest gear on a
level, dry concrete or paved surface, then
brake must be serviced. (See "TO CHECK
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See PSI on tires).
• Keep tires 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 dueto slow leaks, tire sealant may be pur-
chased from your local parts dealer. Tire seal-
ant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM AND
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Be sure operator presence and reverse
operation systems are working properly. If
your tractor does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should notstart unlessthe brake
pedal isfullydepressed, and theattachment
clutch control is in the disengaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• 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 at-
tachment clutch is engaged, any attempt
by the operator to leave the seat should
shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never oper-
ate unless the operator is in the seat.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS)
SYSTEM
• Whentheengineis running with the ignition
switch in the engine "ON" position and the
attachment clutch engaged, any attempt
by the operator to shift into reverse should
shut off the engine.
• Whentheengineis running with the ignition
switch in the ROS "ON" position and the
attachment clutch engaged, any attempt
by the operator to shift into reverse should
NOT shut off the engine.
2O
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be sharp.
Replace worn, bent or damaged blades.
ACAUTION: Use only a replacement blade
approved by the man ufactu rer of you r tractor.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could
damage your tractor and void your warranty.
ROS "ON" Position
Engine "ON" Position
(Normal Operating)
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or
wrap blade with heavy cloth.
2. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
Mandrel
Assembly
Blade
Blade
(Special)_
Center Hole
3. Install new blade with stamped "GRASS
SIDE" facing the ground.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
mandrel assembly.
4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely
(45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat
treated.
DECK WASHOUT PORT
Your tractor's deck is equipped with a washout
port on its surface as part of its deck wash
system. It should be utilized after each use.
1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on
your lawn, near enough to a water spigot
for your garden hose to reach.
IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor's
discharge chute is directed AWAY from your
house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove
bagger chute or mulch cover if attached.
2. Make sure the PTO (Blade Engage) is
not engaged, set the parking brake, and
stop the engine.