Craftsman 917.254531 Owner's Manual page 15

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance_
CUSTOMER ESPONSIBILITmES
BRAKE OPERATION
If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at
high speed in highest gear,,!han brake must be adjusted,
(See 'TO ADJUST BRAKE in Service and AdjLJstments
section of this manual),
TIRES
- Maintain proper air pressure in all 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 tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. The
blades can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel.
We suggest they be sharpened or replaced after every 25
hours of mowing. Check biades more often if mowing in
sandy conditions.
- Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the
mower_
o Replace bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 10)
o Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades,
• Remove hex bott, lock washer and flat washer securing
blade,
° Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown,
- 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 8 HEAT TREATED.
DE f'_ _" "_ MANDREL
_'A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BYSIXLINESONTHE BOLTHEAD.
FIG. 10
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 11)
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 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 balancero (When using a cone
balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bat-
ancer).
, 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.
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
5/8 _ BOLT BLADE
OR PIN J
FIG. 11
15