Craftsman 917.258920 Owner's Manual page 18

IVlAINTENA
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TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performingany mainte-
nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
tf tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance
at highspeed in highestgear, then brake mustbe 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).
° Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insectcontrolchemi-
cals which can harm rubber_
° Avoid stumps, stones deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause t re 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
Be sure operator presence and interlock systems are
working properly. If your tractor does not function as
described, repair' the problem immediately.
° The engine should not start unless the clutch/brake
pedal is fully depressed and attachement clutch control
{s in the disengaged position.
° When the engine is running,any attempt by the opera-
tor 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 attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
, The attachment ctutchshouldneveroperate unlessthe
operator is in the seat.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re-
place bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades=
, Remove hex bolt,lockwasherandflatwasher secudng
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_
o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in
exact order as shown°
° Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLTtS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.
TRAILING
EDGE UP BLADE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
LOCKWASHER_
STAR
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIRED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
FIG. 13
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)
NOTE: We do not recornrnend sharpening blade- but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade willcause excessive vibrationand 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,
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 on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt
or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel 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.
FIG. 14
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi-
cient for normal use. However, pedodic 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 i hour.
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