Brake Operation; To Sharpen Blade - Craftsman EZ3 917.270611 Owner's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming 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).
TIRES
o Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
on page 5 of this manual).
,, Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rub-
ber.
, 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. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
= Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades.
o Remove hex bolt, lock washer 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 (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat
treated.
Assembly
Rat Was Trailing
Edge Up
Lock Washer__ _
Hex Bolt (Grade
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identified by six lines on the bolt head.
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
excessivevibration and eventual damage
to mower and engine.
o The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grindingwheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while it is on the mower.
o 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 instructionssuppliedwith bal-
ancer).
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 onto an unthreaded portion
of the steel bolt or pin and holdthe bolt
or pin parallel withthe ground. If blade
is balanced, it should remain in a hori-
zontal position. If either end of the blade
moves downward, sharpen the heavy
end untilthe blade is balanced.
Center Hole
5/8" Bolt
or Pin
Blade
BATTERY
Yourtractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. Howev-
er, periodic charging of the battery with an
automotive charger will extend its life.
° Keep battery and terminalsclean.
° 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
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyteis
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter-
minals can cause the battery to "leak"
power.
o Remove terminal guard.
= Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.
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