Craftsman 917.20381 Operator's Manual page 17

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when perform-
ing any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than 5 feet (1,5 m)
to stop at highest speed in highest gear on
a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then
brake must be serviced. (See "TO CHECK
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
TIRES
° Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See the side of tires for proper PSI.)
• 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 AND
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Be sure operator presence and reverse
operation systems are working properly. If
your tractor does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
brake pedal is fully depressed, and the
attachment clutch control is in the disen-
gaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• 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 at-
tachment clutch is engaged, any attempt
by the operator to leave the seat should
shut off the engine,
• The attachment clutch should never oper-
ate unless the operator is in the seat.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS)
SYSTEM
• When the engine is runningwiththe ignition
switch in the engine "ON" position and the
attachment clutch engaged, any attempt
by the operator to drive in reverse should
shut off the engine.
• When the engine isrunning with the ignition
switch in the ROS "ON" position and the
attachment clutch engaged, any attempt
by the operator to drive in reverse should
NOT shut off the engine.
Ros "On" Engine "On" Position
Position (Normal Operating)
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades mustbe sharp.
Replace worn, bent or damaged blades.
A(_CAUTION: Use onlya replacement blade
approved bythe manufacturer of your tractor.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could
damage your tractor and void your warranty.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to aUow
access to blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and!
or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
2. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise. _iii
3. Install new blade with stamped '_RASS
SIDE" facing the ground.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
mandrel assembly.
4. Instalf and tighten blade bolt securely
(45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm).
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat
treated.
8tar
Center__._!HoIe __
Blade Do, "'" "_ _andrel
(Spec,.,)_ __.._ Assembly
Blade ----"-_..._
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery chargingsystem
which is sufficientfor normal use. However,
periodic charging of the battery with an au-
tomotive 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.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
17