Brake Operation; Operator Presence System; To Sharpen Blade; Blade Care/Removal - Craftsman 917.270623 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming_any maintenance.
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
Adjustments section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
on page 3 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. "tiresealant 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
below, 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
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 blade_'1_ust be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
• Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades.
• Remove hex belt, 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 mamlmt assembly.
• Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
flat washer in exact order as shown.
• "lighten belt securely (27-3.5 R. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat
treated.
Trailing Center Mandrel
Hole
Lock Star
Washer'_!_ 7
Hex Bolt (Grade 8)*
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identified by six lines on the belt head.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We de not recommend sharpening
blade, but if you do, be sure the blade is
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 it is 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;
follow 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 onto an unthraaded portion
of the steel holt 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.
CenterHole
5/8" Bolt
or Pin •
Blade
BATrERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is suff'_-'ient for normal use. Howev-
er, 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 I hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
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