Craftsman 917.25156 Owner's Manual page 18

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nanceo
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" i.n 'the.Sbr_ice and AdjrJ_3F
ments section of this manua])o
TIRES
o
o
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. Re-
place bent or-damaged blades.
s
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 13)
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 _r on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while,on the mower.
T.Q check blade balance,you will need a 5/8" diameter
steel bolt, pin, oracone balance'r. (When using acone
batancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer).
° Slide blade on toan unthreaded portionof 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 notuse a nail for' balancing blade. The lobesof
the center hole may appear to be centered,, but are not.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 12)
• 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.
° 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 HEATTREATED.,
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade- but if you
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
FIG. 12
FIG. 13
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi-
cient for normal use_ However, periodic charging of the
battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.
° Keep battery and termin_lean.
° Keep battery bolts tighL
° Keep small vent holes open_
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour_
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to "leak" power'.
• Remove terminal guard..
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tery cable and remove battery from tractor.
o Rinse the battery with plain water and dry°
° Clean terminals and battery' cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or pet_'oleumjelly;
° Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of thi_ maniJal)_ -_
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