Craftsman EZ3 917.272220 Owner's Manual page 19

TRACTOR
A_ways observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires morn than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in high-
est gear, then brake must be adjusted.
(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(Bee "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 seat 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
Be sure that operator presence and inter-
lock systems are working properly. If your
tractor does not function as described be-
low, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed
and attachment clutch control is in the
disengaged position.
• 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 at-
tachment 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.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp, Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
• Raise mower to highest position to a_-
low access to blades,
• Remove hex bolt, lock washer and fiat
washer securing blade.
• Install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as
shown.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly.
• 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 h
treated.
TrailingEdge Up _,. _.. Man(
Fiat Washer "_2\_'_._ _/_; Center
Washer _Hex Bolt - ?. Blad_
(Grade 8)*
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identifiedby six lines on the bolt heac
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp,
ing blade, but if you do, be sure the t
is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the bla,
balanced. An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration and eventt
damage to mower and engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attel
to sharpen while it is on the mower.
• To check blade balance, you will n_
a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a
balancer. (When using a cone bala
follow the instructions supplied witl
balancer).
NOTE: Do nor use a nail for balancin,
blade. The lobes of the center hole m
appear to be centered, but are not.
• Slide blade onto an unthreaded pc
of the steel bolt or pin and hold the
or pin parallel with the ground. If bl
is balanced, it should remain in a f
zontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen 1
heavy end until the blade is balam
BA'I-rERY
Your tractor has a battery charging sl
which is sufficient for normal use. H_
ever, periodic charging of the batter_
an automotive charger will extend it.,
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 I
NOTE: The original equipment batte
your tractor is maintenance free. Do
attempt to open or remove caps or c
Adding or checking level of electrol_
19 not necessary.