Craftsman EZ3 917.258863 Owner's Manual page 17

CUSTOM
LITIES
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nanceo
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance
at high speed in highest gear, then brake mustbe adjusted.
(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust-
merits section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
o Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber.
i
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damager
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°
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp° Re_
place bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 12)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades°
= Remove hex bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer securing
blade_
° Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown.
° Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in
exact order as shown°
° Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 13)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced.. An
unbalanced blade willcause excessive vibration and even-
tual 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 bal-
ancer),
• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion ofthe 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°
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not°
. CENTERHOLE / /
FIG. 13
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours
and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable.
Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear,.
TRANSAXLE COOLING
Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which
can restrict cooling.
CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL (See Fig, 14)
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade- but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
BLADE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
TRAILING
EDGE UP
HEX BOLT (GRADE
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
FiG. 12
° Block up rear axle securely_
° Remove left rear wheel by removing hub bolts_
• Remove filler plug from transaxleo Oil level must be
even with plug threads° If necessary, fill with SAE 30
motor oil, API-SF, SG or SH. Replace filler plug.
° Reassemble wheel to hub.
- For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFI-
CATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.
o oo
TRANSAXLE
FILLER PLUG
17
FIG. 14