Craftsman 917.288600 Operator's Manual page 21

3. Thread the nozzle adapter (packaged
with your tractor's Operator's Manual)
onto the end of your garden hose.
Nozzle Ada
Washout Port
4. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle
adapter and push the adapter onto the
deck washout port at the left end of the
mower deck. Release the lock collar to
lock the adapter on the nozzle.
IMPORTANT: Tug hose ensuring connec-
tion is secure.
5. Turn the water on.
6. While sitting in the operator's position on
the tractor, re-start the engine and place
the throttle lever inthe Fast ",_j_" position.
IMPORTANT: Recheck the area making
certain the area is clear.
7. Movethe tractor's PTO (Blade Engage) to
the ON position. Remain in the operator's
position with the cutting deck engaged
until the deck is cleaned.
8. Move the tractor's PTO (Blade Engage)
to the OFF position. Turn the ignition key
to the STOP position to turn the tractor's
engine off. Turn the water off.
9. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle
adapter to disconnect the adapter from
the nozzle washout port.
10. Movethetractor to a dry area, preferably a
concrete or paved area. Engage the mow-
er deck PTO to remove excess water and
to help dry before putting the tractor away.
WARNING: A broken or missing
washout fitting could expose you or
others to th rown objects from contact
with the blade.
• Replace broken or missing washout
fitting immediately, prior to using
mower again.
• Plug any holes in mower with bolts
and Iocknuts.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. However,
periodic charging of the battery with an au-
tomotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your
tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt
to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or
checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi-
nals can cause the battery to "leak" power.
1. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
2. Rinsethe batterywith plain water and dry.
3. Clean terminals and battery cable ends
with wire brush until bright.
4. Coatterminals with grease or petroleum
jelly.
5. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING
BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins should
be kept clean to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission
while engine is running or while the trans-
mission is hot. To prevent possible damage
to seals, do not use high pressure water or
steam to clean transaxle.
• Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades
are intact and clean.
• Inspectcooling finsfordirt, grass clippings
and other materials. To prevent damageto
seals, do not use compressed air or high
pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and
fluid maintenance is not required for the life
of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever
leak or require servicing, contact your nearest
Sears or other qualified service center.
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after
100 hours of operation and replace if neces-
sary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace
belts if they begin to slip from wear.
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