Cutting Blades; Blade Replacement; Cleaning; Hardware - Craftsman 917.204130 Operator's Manual

Cutting Blades
For the best mowing results, it is important that blades are well
sharpened and not damaged,
Replace blades that have been bent or cracked when hitting
obstacles,
Let the service workshop decide whether a blade with large
nicks can be repaired/ground or must be replaced, Balance
the blades after sharpening,
Check the blade mounts,
%
_L, CAUTION! Blades are sharp. Protect
your hands with gloves and/or wrap blades with
a heavy cloth when handling.
The sharpening of blades should be carried out
by a Craftsman Service Center or authorized
service workshop.
Blade replacement
1, Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise,
2, Install new or resharpened blade with stamped GRASS
SIDE facing towards ground/grass (down) or THIS SIDE
UP facing deck and cutter housing,
3, Seat the blade's opening firmly onto the cutter housing,
4, Tighten blade bolt securely,
5, Torque blade bolt to 45-60 ft/Ibs (60-81 Nm),
Z
Z
Cleaning
Regular cleaning, especially under the mower deck, will
increase the machine's life-span, Make it a habit to clean the
machine directly after use (after it is cooled), before the debris
sticks,
Do not spray water on the top of the mower deck, Use
compressed air to clean the top side of mower deck, Regularly
clean the underside of the deck with normal water pressure,
Do not use a high pressure washer or steam cleaner, Avoid
spraying engine and electrical components with water,
For models fitted with a cleanout port, attach the quick connect
(from the accessory packet) to any garden hose, After mowing,
snap the hose to the cleanout port and turn on water supply,
Restart the mower and engage the blades to use the spinning
action to wash away debris, Make sure the hose is away from
the mower blades,
Do not rinse hot surfaces with cold water, Let unit cool before
washing,
_ CAUTION! Use protective glasses when cleaning
and washing.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Special blade bolt is heat
treated. Replace with an original replacement bolt if
required. Do not use lower grade hardware than specified.
Hardware
Check daily, Inspect the entire machine for loose or missing
hardware,