Craftsman EZ3 917.259573 Owner's Manual page 18

CUSTOME RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
tf tractor requires more than six (6) feet stepping dts[ance
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, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber,
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
ether hazards that may cause tire damage.
NOTE: Te 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.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharF Re-
place bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig, 13)
o Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
o Remove hex bolt, lock washerand 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 (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque),
iMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if yeu
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
BLADE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
TRAILINGEDGE
FLAT WASHER ._.%
HEX BOLT
(GRADE
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SJ× LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbatanced b}ade wit} cause excessive vibration and ever]..
tuat damage to mower and engine.
• the btade can be sharpened with a file er on a grindhtg
wheet. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
Q "To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter
steel bolt, pin. or acene balancer. (When us nga cone
balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer).
• Slide blade on to an u nthreaded portion of the steeJ bolt
or pin and hold the bolt or ptn parallel with the ground.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position, If ekher end ot the Made moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the biade is balanced.
NOTE: Do not use a nail foi balancing b)ade. -[he lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
CENTER HOLE
518" BOLT
OR PiN
BLADE
FiG. !4
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 wilf extend its life.
, Keep battery and terminals clean.
, Keep battery bolts tight.
o Keep small vent holes open.
= Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I 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 the_ RED
battery cable and remove battery from tractor.
Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
o Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire
brush until bright.
, Coat terminals with grease or petroleum je!ly.
Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the
Assembly section of this manual).
FIG. 13
18