Craftsman 917.276211 Owner's Manual page 19

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to
stop at highest speed in highest gear on a
level, dry concrete or paved surface, then
brake must be checked and adjusted.
(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual)°
TIRES
° Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section 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.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM AND
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Be sure operator presence and reverse
operation systems are working properly.
If your tractor does not function as de-
scribed, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
brake pedal is fully depressed, and
the attachment clutch control is in the
disengaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE
SYSTEM
• When the engine is running, any at-
tempt by the operator to leave the seat
without first setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the
attachment clutch is engaged, any at-
tempt by the operator to leave the seat
should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never op-
erate unless the operator is in the seat.
ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position
(Normal Operating)
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS)
SYSTEM
• When the engine is running with the
ignition switch in the engine "ON" posi-
tion and the attachment clutch engaged,
any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should shut off the engine.
° When the engine is running with the
ignition switch in the ROS "ON" position
and the attachment clutch engaged,
any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should NOT shut off the engine.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp, Replace bent or damaged
blades.
A CAUTION; Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your tractor. Using a blade not approved by
the manufacturer of your tractor is hazard-,
ous, could damage your tractor and vold
your warranty.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to al-
low access to blades.
NOTE; Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth,
2. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
3. Install new or resharpened blade with
stamped "THIS SIDE UP" facing deck
and mandrel assembly.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
mandrel assembly°
4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely
(45-55 Ft. Lbso torque).
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat
treated.
Blade _'_F_
Blade Bolt _-_=_- _-_' [ Assembly
(Special) __.._ Star
Center Hole _-_J
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced° An unbalanced 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
19 to sharpen while on the mower.