MAINTENANCE
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any main- tenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. (See “TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments sec- tion of this manual).
TIRES
•Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See the side of the tire).
•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 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 AND REVERSE OP- ERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Be sure operator presence and reverse operation systems are working properly. If your tractor does not function as described, repair the problem immediately.
•The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the attachment clutch control is in the disengaged position.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your tractor. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your tractor is hazardous, could damage your tractor and void your warranty.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 10)
•Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
•Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.
•Install new blade with stamped "THIS SIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly.
•Install and tighten blade bolt securely
IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat treated.
BLADE
CENTER 
HOLE
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator |
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake |
BLADE BOLT (SPECIAL)
MANDREL ASSEMBLY
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. |
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
•When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the engine "ON" position and the attachment clutch engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should shut off the engine.
•When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the ROS "ON" position and the attachment clutch en- gaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine.
ROS "ON" POSITION | ENGINE "ON" POSITION |
| (NORMAL OPERATING) |
828
STAR
FIG. 10
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 11)
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An un- balanced blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine.
•The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grind- ing wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, 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.
•Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is 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.
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