Craftsman 917.271052 Owner's Manual page 17

TRACTOR
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen
performingany maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at hlgh speed In
highest gear, then brake must be adz
justed. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" In the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual),
I]RES
• Maintain proper air pressure In all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual),
° Keep tires free of gasoline, oli, or Insect
control chemicals which can harm
rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects andother hazards that may
cause tire damage.
NOTE= To seal tire punctures and prevent
flat tires due to slow leaks, 1ire sealant
may be purchased from your local parts
dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tlre dry
rot and corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
Be sure operator presence and intertock
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 fuliy depressed
and attachement clutch control ls In the
disengaged position,
° When the engine is running, any
altempt by the operator to leave the
seat w thout first se'ding timeparking
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,
- 1"he attachment clutch should never
operate unless the operator is In the
seat.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
IMPORTANT'. To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align wittq 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 heat
treated,.
Mandrel
Center
Edge Up HoLe
Flat Washer---_-._.
Lock Washer--'> "1_
¢_P--Hex Bolt (Grade)
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be identified
by six lines oh the bOtt head,
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE= We do not recommend sharpen..
ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
ts balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced, An unbalanced btade will
cause excessive vibration and eventual
damage to mower and engine,
° The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a gdndlng wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower',
. To check blade balance, you wil! need
a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone
batancer. (When using a cone bal-
ancer, follow the Instructions supplied
with balancer.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, but are not.
* Stlde blade on to an unthreaded portion
of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt
or pin parallel wtth the ground. If blade
ts 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.
5/8" Bolt or Pin
Blade
BLADE REMOVAL
° 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,
Ce Hole
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging
system which is sufficient for normal use.
However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger wilt extend
17 its life.