Maintenance; Blade Removal; To Sharpen Blade; Battery Maintenance - Craftsman 917.254791 Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE
TRACTO R
Always observe safety ru_es when performing any maim
tenance,
TIRES
Maintain proper err pressure in atl tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATfONS on page 3 of thts manual).
Keep tires free of gasol.rne, oi!, or Jnsect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber-
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp oblects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage,
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. The
blades can be sharpened with a file or on a gdnd_ng wheel.
We suggest they be sharpened or replaced after every 25
hours of mowing Check blades more often if mowing in
sandy conditions
Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the
mower
Replace bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig, 10)
Ralse mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
Remove hex bolt, lockwasher and flat washer securing
blade
install new or resharpened b_ade with trail}ng edge up
towards deck as shown
Reassemble hex bolt, $ockwasher and flat washer in
exact order as shown.
Tighten belt securely (30-35 Ft Lbs, torque),
iMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 5 HEAT
TREATED.
FLANGES
TRAILING
UP
*A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED BOLT
CAN BE tOENTtFIED BYTHREELtNES
ON THE BOLT HEAD AS SHOWN AT
LEFT,
TO SHARPEN BLADE
(See Fig. 11)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced, An
unbalanced b_ade will cause excessive vibration and even-
tual damage io mower and engine_
. The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding
wheel Do not attempt to sharpen whtle on the mowaro
TO check blade balance, drive a naillnto a beam or wall
Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed.
Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. tf
blade is balanced, it should remain In a horizontal
position If either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end untie the blade _s balanced.
CENTER
HOLE
FIG. 11
BATTERY
(See Fig. 12)
Your unit has a battery charging system which Is sufficient
for normal use However, periodic charging of the battery
wi{h an automotive charger will extend it's _ife
Acid solution level in each ba_,tery col{ sheuEd be even
w{th bottoms of ventwetls_ Add only distilled or iron free
water if necessary. Do not overfit!.
CUT AWAY VIEW
BATTERY
LEVEL
FIG. 12
Keep battery and term}rials clean
Keep battery botts tight,
Keep vent caps tight and smaflvent holes in caps open.
Recharge st 6 amperes for 1 hour.
FtG_ 10
15