Tractor Brake Operation; Tires; Blade Care; Blade Removal - Craftsman 917.255930 Owner's Manual

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TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance,
BRAKE OPERATION
If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at
high s_eed in highest gear, than brake must be adjusted
(See TO ADJUST BRAKE in Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
TIRES
. Maintain proper airpressure in all tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual),
* Keep tires free of gasoline, oiI, 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_ The
blades can be sharpened with a file or on agrinding wheel.
We suggest they be sharpened or replacedafter 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. 18)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
. Remove hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer securing
blade.
• Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown_
o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in
exact order as shown_
, Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft, Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 5 HEATTREATED.
BLADE
MANDREL
"ASSEMBLY
WASHER
LOCK WASHER
©
HEX BOLT
S)*
*A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED BOLT
CAN BE IDENTIFIED BYTHREE
LINES ON THE BOLTHEAD AS
SHOWN AT LEFT,
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TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 19)
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 gdnding
wheel Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower,
• To check blade balance, drive a nailinto a beam or wall,
Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed.
Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail, 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
O
. I
BLADE
FIG. 19
CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL
(See Fig. 20)
• Block up rear axle securely or use a tractor jack
. Remove left rear wheel by removing hub bolts.
. Remove filler plug from transaxle, OiI level must be
even with plug threads. If necessary, fill with SAE 30
oil API-SG, Replace filler plug
• Reassemble wheel to hub,
O
o
TRANSAXLE
FILLER PLUG
FIG, 20
FIG. 18
16