Craftsman EZ 917.270941 Owner's Manual page 19

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in
highest gear, then brake must be ad-
justed. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals 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
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 is in the
disengaged position.
• When the engine is running, any
attempt 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
attachment clutch is engaged, any
attempt by the operator to leave the
seat should shut off the engine.
• The 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.
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.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly.
• Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer an_
flat washer in exact order as shown.
• Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
torque). Mandrel Assembly
Trailing Edge Up
Blade Center
Hole
I
Flat Washer\
Lock Washer
f
_---Hex Bolt (Gradel
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be identifie(
by six lines on the bolt head.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 hea
treated.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but if you do, be sure the
blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration and eventual
damage to mower and engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a fil
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attem_
to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, you will nee
a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a co
balancer. (When using a cone bal-
ancer, follow the instructions suppliec
with balancer.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole ma_
appear to be centered, but are not.
. Slide blade on to an unthreaded
portion of the steel bolt or pin and hol
the bolt or pin parallel with the grounq
If blade is balanced, it should remain
a horizontal position. If either end of
the blade moves downward, sharper
the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.
5/8" e
Center Hole
BA'I-rERY
Your tractor has a battery charging sys'
which is sufficient for normal use. How
ever, periodic charging of the battery
an automotive charger will extend its li
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
Keep small vent holes open.
19 ° Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hol