Brake Operation; Tires; Operator Presence System; Blade Care - Craftsman 917.273011 Owner's Manual

Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tra_-tbr re-quires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in highest
gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See
=1-OADJUST 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, 0il, 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. Tire sealant 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 engineis running, any
attemptby 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
peat should shut off the engine.
• Theattachment 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 securingblade.
• InstallLn_w or resharpened blade with
trailin_ge t_ towards deck as shown.
center hole in blade must align with star in
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.
Trailing Blade Mandrel
Edge U_
Cente_Assembly
Rat Washer__'_1_^.
Was e:. ' tar
_"Hex Bolt (Grade 8)*
*A Grade 8 heat treated boltcan be
identifiedby six lines on the bolthead.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do 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).
• Slide blade onto 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 hori-
zontal position. If either end of the blade
moves downward, sharpen the heavy
end until the b[ode is balanced.
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, but are not.
Center Hole
5/8" Bolt Blade
or Pin
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use.
However. periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its
life.
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