Craftsman 3One 917.252590 Owner's Manual page 17

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance,
BRAKE OPERATION
tf tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance
at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual)
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in alt tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
- Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber.
° Avoid stumps stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause t re damage,
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re-
place bent or damaged blades°
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)
. Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
o Remove hex bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer securing
blade_
- Install new or resharpened blade with trai_ing edge up
towards deck as shown
- Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in
exact order as shown.
• Tighten bolt securely (30-35 FL Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED,
NOTE: We do net recommend sharpening blade- but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced,
BLADE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
FLAT WASHER
TRAILING
EDGE UP
/
HEX BOLT(GRADE 8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIXLINES ONTHEBOLTHEA_
FIG. 13
ESPONS B L TUES
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. !4)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced.. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even-
tuai damage to mower and engine.
° The blade can be sharpened with afite or on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower_
• To check blade ba]ance, you will need a 5/8" diameter
steel bolt, pin, or a cone baiancer. (When using a cone
balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer).
o Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt
or pin and hotd 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
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
CENTER HOLE /
FIG, 14
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffF
cient for normal use. However, 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 (See "CONNECT BAT-
TERY" in the Assembly section of this manua0,.
o Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour°
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to "leak" power
• Remove terminal guard,
° Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor,
° Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of
baking soda to one gallon of water, Be careful not to get
the soda solution into the ceils.
• Rinse the battery with plain water and dry,
° Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
o Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual)
17