Replacement; Drive Wheels; Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.377250 Owner's Manual

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance_
TIRES
• 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' blade must be kept sharp,
Replace bent or damaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig_ 10)
, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place
wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side, Make sure air' filter' and
carburetor are upo
• Use a wood block between blade and mower housing
to prevent blade from turning when removing blade
bolt.
. Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with
heavy cloth.
. Remove btade bolt by turning counter-clockwise. Use
a 9/16" box or open-end wrench=
° Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock
washer and hardened washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key
inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good
cdndition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. I0)
. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft.
Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are
aligned.
• Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2)
holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter,
. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp
edge) is up toward the engine_
= Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened
washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower
housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise,
• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 fto lbs.
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED,
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if
you do, be sure the blade is balancedo
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade 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, drive a nail into a bean] or
wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail
exposed. Place center' hole of blade over the head
of the nail, 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
BLADE ., CRANK_
ADAPTER _ _ /" SHAFT
_,, "_ KEYWAY
LADE
BO_ DE
i HARDENED \
I WAS.ERT.A,L, NG\
LOCK WASHER EDGE BLADE ADAPTER
FIG. 10
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front dj'ive wheels each time before you mow to be
sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings,
etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free
drive wheels
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both front
wheels,
o Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.
° Remove wheels from wheel adjusters,
= Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the
dust cover, pinion and/or drive wheel gear teeth.
- Put wheels backin place.
• tf after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely,
contact your nearest authorized service center,,
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must
be dry when used=
• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterio-
ration, Through normal use it will wear. If' catcher
needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer
approved replacement catcher,. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering_
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