Operator Presence System; Blade Removal; To Sharpen Blade; Battery Care - Craftsman EZ3 917.271014 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per-
formingany maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in high-
est gear, then brake must be adjusted.
(See 'TO 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 rub-
ber.
• 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 inter-
lock systems are working properly. If your
tractor does not function as described be-
low, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed
and attachment clutch control is in the
disengaged position.
• When the engine is running, any at-
tempt 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 at-
tempt by the operator to leave the seat
should shut offthe engine.
• The attachment clutch should never op-
erate 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
• Raise mower to highest position to al-
low access to blades.
• Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat
washer securing blade.
• 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.
• Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
flat washer in exact order as shown.
• Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
Trailing
Edge Blade
Up
Lock Washer
Mandre{
Assembly
(Grade_ Flat Washer
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be identified by
six lines on the bolt head.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ingbtade but if you do, be sure the blade
isbalanced.
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 hori-
zontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
5/8" Bolt Blade
or Pin
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.
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.
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