Craftsman 917.273663 owner manual Battery, Operator Presence System, Blade Removal

TRACTOR

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

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 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 that operator presence and interlock systems are working properly. If your tractor does not function as described below, repair the problem immediately.

•The engine should not start unless

the brake pedal is fully depressed and attachment clutch control is in the disen-

gaged position.

•When the engine is running, any at- tempt 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 at- tempt by the operator to leave the seat should shut off the engine.

•The attachment clutch should never op-

erate 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

1.Raise mower to highest position to al- low access to blades.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

2.Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

3.Install new or resharpened 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.

4.Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque).

IMPORTANT:	Special	blade bolt is heat
treated.		Mandrel
Trailing		Assembly
Edge Up		s\
\	Blade	_--_?_."-_'
Blade Bolt	__..	'_,_-._
(Special) ___		_" Star
	Center Hole	_

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening 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 file or on a grinding 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.

Center Hole

Blade

5/8" Bolt or Pin

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How-

ever, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.

•Keep battery and terminals clean.

•Keep battery bolts tight.

•Keep small vent holes open.

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

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