Maintenance; Blade Removal; To Sharpen Blade; Check Transaxle Oil Level - Craftsman 917.255950 Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte*
nance
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals
which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other
hazards that may cause tire damage
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. The
blades can be sharpened yvith a file or on a grinding wheel.
We suggest they be sharp.ened or replaced after every 25
hours of mowing, Check blades more often if mowing in
sandy conditions.
• Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the
mower,
• Replace bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See FIG, 18)
• Raise mower' to highest position to allow access to
blades
• Remove hex bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer secudng
blade
° Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up to-
wards deck as shown.
o Reassemble hex bolt, tockwasher and fiat washer in exact
order as shown.
• Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft Lbs. torque)
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 5 HEAT
TREATED_
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See FIG. 19)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbal-
anced 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 t!le mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall.
Leave about one inch ofthe straight nail exposed. Place
center hole of blade over the head of the nail 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.
BLAD
FIG. 19
CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL (See
FIG. 20)
. Block up rear axle securely or use a tractor'jack,
• Remove left rear wheel by removing hub bolts,
° Remove filler plug from transaxle. Oil level must be even
with plug threads. If nec'essary, fill with SAE 30 oil API-
SD. SE. or SF, Replace filler' plug,
• Reassemble wheel to hub.
BLADE
WASHER ......
LOCKWASHE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
HEX
BOLT
GR. 5
A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED BOLT
CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THREE
LINES
ON THE BOLT HEAD AS SHOWN AT
LEFT
O
TRANSAXLE
FILLER
PLUG
FIG. 20
FIG. 18
16