Manual - Craftsman 917.98636 Operator's Manual

TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per form-
ing any main te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than 5 feet (1,5 m)
to stop at highest speed in high est gear on
a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then
brake must be serviced. (See "TO CHECK
BRAKE" in the Ser vice and Ad just ments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See the side of tires for proper PSI.)
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, 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 pre vent
flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may
be purchased from your local parts dealer.
Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot and
corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Be sure operator presence and reverse
operation sys tems are work ing properly. If
your tractor does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the
brake pedal is fully de pressed, and the
attachment clutch con trol is in the dis en-
gaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• When the engine is running, any attempt
by the op er a tor to leave the seat without
first setting the parking brake should shut
off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the at-
tach ment clutch is engaged, any attempt
by the operator to leave the seat should
shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should never oper-
ate unless the operator is in the seat.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS)
SYSTEM
• When the engine is running with the ignition
switch in the engine "ON" position and the
at tach ment clutch engaged, any attempt
by the operator to drive in reverse should
shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running with the ignition
switch in the ROS "ON" position and the
at tach ment clutch engaged, any attempt
by the operator to drive in reverse should
NOT shut off the engine.
Ros "On"
Position
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be sharp.
Re place worn, bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade
approved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could
damage your tractor and void your warranty.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/
or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
2. Remove blade bolt by turning coun ter-
clock wise.
3. Install new blade with stamped "GRASS
SIDE" facing the ground.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper as sem bly,
center hole in blade must align with star on
mandrel assembly.
4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely
(45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm).
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat
treated.
Center Hole
Blade Bolt
(Special)
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging sys tem
which is suf fi cient for normal use. How ev er,
periodic charging of the bat tery with an au-
tomotive charger will ex tend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
• Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of elec tro lyte is
not necessary.
18
Engine "On" Position
(Normal Operating)
Star
Blade
Mandrel
Assembly