Brake Operation; Operator Presence System; Blade Care; Battery Care - Craftsman 917.271842 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requiresmore 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
Adjustmentssection of this manual).
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.
• Avoidstumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent
fiat 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 functionas described,
repairthe problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unlessthe
brake pedal is fully depressed and
attachement 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
shouldshut off the engine.
• The attachment clutchshould never
operate unless the operator is in the
seat.
BLADE CARE
For best resultsmower blades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
fiat washer in exact order as shown.
5. Tighten belt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
Trailing Center,
Lock Washe Assembly
Hex Bolt \ Star
(Grade)*_
*A Grade 8 heattreatedboltcan be identified
by six lineson the bolthead.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
Care shouldbe 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 balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with
balaneer.)
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 Ix)It 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
or Pin
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to
allow access to b]edes.
2. Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat
washer securing blade.
3. Install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as
shown.
IMPORTANT: To ensure properassembly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
mandrel assembly.
Center Hole
BA'n'ERY
Your tractor has a battery chargingsystem
which is sufficientfor normal use. How-
ever, pedodic 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.
2O