Craftsman 917.258694 Owner's Manual page 18

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
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
= Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
o Keep tires free of gasoline, oi{, 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 fiat 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.
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 15)
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even-
tual 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 the mower.
To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter
steel bolt, pin, or a cone baiancer. (When using a cone
balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer.)
, Slide blade on to an u nthreaded portion of the steel bolt
or pin and hold the bolt or pin paraitel 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 lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
CENTER HOLE / /
5/8" BOLT
BLADE
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 14)
, Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
• 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 GRADE8HEATTREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
MANDREL
BLADE ASSEMBLY
TRAILING EDGE
FLAT
LOCK WASHER
HEX BOLT (GRADE 8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
|OENTInED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
FiG. 15
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 will extend its life.
- Keep battery' and terminals clean.
, 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 guard.
• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED
battery cable and remove battery from tractor.
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 jelly.
Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual).
FIG. 14
18