Craftsman 917.257480 Owner's Manual page 8

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HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig, 2)
CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield=
Wash hands or clothing Immediately if
accldentallyin contactwith battery acid.
Do not smoke. Fumes from charged
battery acid are explosive°
Read the instructions included with the
battery vent caps. Always wear gloves,
clothing and goggles to protect your
hands, skin and eyes.
Your unit 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
• See instructions packed with vent caps in parts bag.
• Fill battery with acid Fill each cell until it reaches the
bottom of the vent wells, Do not overfill
• Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty
minutes. After standing, check the level of acid_ If
below the vent wells, add more acid until the correct
fevel is reached.
While battery isstanding (after adding acid) and later, while
battery is being charged, cominue with assembly of unit.
• To maximize the life of your battery, it is necessary that
the battery be charged before use, Use a 12 volt battery
charger, Charge battery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1
hour. Observe all safety precautions required for bat-
tery charging, Failureto charge battery can result in a
shortened battery tife_
. Check the acid level after the battery is charged, if the
acid has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or
iron free water.
• install the vent caps to cover the vent welts_ Wash the
top of the battery with water to remove any acid, then
wipe dry.
• Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no
damage has occurred in handling.
• Dispose of excess battery acid. Neutralize acid for dis-
posal by adding it to four inches of water in a five gallon
plastic container. Stir with a wooden or plastic paddle
while adding baking soda until the addition of more
soda causes no more foaming,
• Follow instructions on how to install battery.
CUT AWAY VIEW
BATTERY
CELLACID
LEVEL
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.
• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
° Ptace seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt
• Assemble adjustment bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer
loosely, Do not tighten,
• Tighten shoulder bolt securely.
• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seal
• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached
which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the
way down (See Fig. 6).
• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
• Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
. FLAT WASHER
ADJUSTMENT • LOCKWASHER
BOEr
FIG. 3
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The ti_es on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance,
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual,
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting resuits, mower housing should be properly
leveled, See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed
correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you lealn how to oper-ute your tractor, check to see
that the brake is properly adjusted See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manuat
FIG. 2 8