Craftsman 917.270921 Owner's Manual page 19

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in
highestgear, 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 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 propedy. 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 is in
the disengaged position.
• When the engine is running, any
attempt 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
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. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
• Raise mower to highest position to
allow 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 assem-
bly, 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.
T--.=-- =.___ , ,_ Mandrel Assembly
===miy _uuu up /
'_ Blade Center j_.
Flat Washer_',_.
Lock Was he.._'___. _ Star
_P--- Hex Bolt (Grade)*_'_
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be idenl_fied
by six lines on the bolt head,
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but if you do be sure the
b ads s balanced.
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 acone
balancer, 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 horizontal position. If either end of
the blade moves downward, sharpen
the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.
5/8" e
Center Hole
BATFERY
Your tractor has a battery charging
_/oStem which is sufficient for normal use.
wever, 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.
19 ° Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I hour.