Tractor; Operator Presence System; Blade Care/Removal; To Sharpen Blade - Craftsman 917.270412 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
Always observe safety rules when per- flat washer in exact order as shown.
forming any maintenance° = Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
BRAKE OPERATION torque).
tf tractor requires morn than si_ (6)_feet IMPORTANT; Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat _
stopping distance at high speed in highest treated.
gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See .... Mandrel Assembly
"TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and _-age up
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, oil, 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.
o The engine should not start unless the
clutch/15rake pedal is fully depressed
and attachment clutch control is in the
disengaged position.
o When the engine is running, any
attempt by the operator to leave the
seat without first setting the parking
brake should shut off the engme_
o When the engine is running and the
attachment clutch is engaged, any
attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
o The attachment 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 securing blade.
= Install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as shown.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly.
Blade
Center Hole
Lock
Washer -,,..._ .._" Star
.,- "=' Flat Washer
Hex Bolt (Grade 8)*
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identified by six lines on the bolt head.
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 wilt 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 wilt need a
5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone
balancer. (When using a cone balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer)o
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade_ The lobes of the center' hole may
appear to be centered, but are not.
o 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 blade is balanced.
Center Hole
5/8"
or Pin
Blade
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.
t8