Brake Operation; Operator Presence System; Blade Care/Removal/Sharpening; Battery - Craftsman 917.272246 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in
highest gear, then brake must be ad-
justed. (See 'q'O ADJUST BRAKE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual).
• 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 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
interlock systems are working properly. If
your tractor does not function as de-
scribed below, repair the problem
immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
brake pedal is fully depressed 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 running and 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 blades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to
allow access to blades.
2. Remove blade bolt.
3. Install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as
shown.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly.
4. Reassemble blade bolt tighten bolt
securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
Mandrel
Trailing Assembly
Edgi'_ P - Blade _
BladeBolt _': '"_.> .._.'_'4_,_
(Special) "_,._ _"" "_ Star
Center Hole ,-._!
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing 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 bal-
ancer, follow the instructions supplied
with balancer.)
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.
Center Hole
5/8" Bolt
or Pin
Blade
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. How-
ever, periodic charging of the battery with
an automotive 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.
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