Craftsman 917.370935 Owner's Manual page 14

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
TIRES
• 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.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are inthe drive wheel area
and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be
sure to clean both rear wheels.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept
sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.
& CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade
approved by the manufacturer of you r mower.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your mower is hazardous, could
damage your mower and void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where itcannot come
in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure
air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/
or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5. Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).
6. Remove debris shield.
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check
the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key
must be in good condition to work properly.
Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and
crankshaft keyway are aligned; and that
the drive belt is inside the tab of the belt
retainer.
2. Install debris shield.
3. Position blade on the blade adapter.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
blade adapter.
4. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo-
site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
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5. Install the blade boltwith the Iockwasher
and hardened washer into blade adapter
and crankshaft.
6. Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the blade
bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
trailing
shield edge
washer
Blade bolt
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or 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,
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 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 or pin
Blade