Brake Operation; Tires; Operator Presence System; Blade Removal - Craftsman EZ3 944.609050 Owner's Manual

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If 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 airpressure 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.
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 operator presence and interlock systems are
working properly. If your tractor does not function as
described, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the clutch/brake
pedal is fully depressed and attachement clutch control
=s in the disengaged position.
• When the engine is running, any attempt by the opera-
tor to leave the seat without first setting the parking
brake should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the attachment clutch
is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never operate unless the
operator is in the seat.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re-
place bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 12)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
• Remove hex bolt, Iockwasher 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 HEATTREATED.
TRAILING
EDGE UP
BLADE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
FLAT WASHEI_
LOCK WASHER
HEX BOLT (GRADE 8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
FIG. 12
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 13)
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade- but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade willcause 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 balancer. (When using a cone
balancer, fellow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer.)
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 horizontal
position. If either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
CENTER HOLE
5/8" BOLT
BLADE
FIG. 13
BA'n'ERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi-
cient for normal use. However, pedodic 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.
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