Craftsman 917.25891 Owner's Manual page 18

CUSTOM ESPONS B!L E$
TRACTOR
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 must be adjusted°
(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual)°
TIRES
o Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual),
= Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals 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.
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
blade&
o 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_
o Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft° Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced,
MANDREL
BLADE
__ ASSEMBLY
TRAILING
EDGE UP
FLAT WASHER',, __
LOCK WASHER -._
HEX BOLT (GRADE 8)*
_'A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 13)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even-
tual damage to mower and engine.
o The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
o To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter
steel bolt, pin, oracone baIancer. (When using acone
. balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal-
anGer)°
• 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.
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade_ The [obes of
the center hole may appear' to be centered, but are not.
CENTER HOLE /)/
5/8" BOLT_\_ _-ADE
FIG. 13
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi_
cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the
battery with an automotive charger wil! extend its rife.
. Keep battery and terminals clean,
o Keep battery bolts tight.
° Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause
the battery to "leak" power.
° Remove terminal guar&
= Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-
tory cable and remove battery from tractor,
o Rinse the battery with plain water and dry,
• Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush
until bright.
• Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jeIly
o Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manua0.
FIG, 12
!8