Brake Operation; Blade Care - Craftsman 917.275022 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
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" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly.
4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely
(45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat
treated.
el
Assembly
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual).
• 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
Be sure operator presence and interlock
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
attachment clutch control is in the
disengaged position.
• 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
attachment clutch is engaged, any
attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never
operate unless the operator is in the seat.
BLADE CARE
Blade Bolt
(Special)
Hole
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing 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 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 bal-
ancer, follow the instructions supplied
with balancer.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, but are not.
• Slide blade on to 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
horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
/
5/8" Bolt
G
For best results mower blades must be kept
sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to
allow access to blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
2. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
3. Install new or resharpened blade with
stamped "THIS SIDE UP" facing deck
and mandrel assembly.
Hole
BATrERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. How-
ever, periodic charging of the battery with
an automotive 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
17attempt to open or remove caps or covers.