Craftsman 917.258911 owner manual Tractor, Brake Operation, Tires, Blade Care, Battery

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TRACTOR

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-

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BRAKE OPERATION

tf tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See 'TOADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual).

TIRES

oMaintain proper air pressure in alf tires (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).

•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insectcontrol chemi- cals which can harm rubber_

oAvoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage,.

NOTE; To seal tire punctures and prevent fiat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer., Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion_

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp° Re- place bent or damaged blades.

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 12)

•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.

•Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer'in exact order as shown.

•Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbsotorque). IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT tS GRADE 8 HEATTREATEDo

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade- but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced_

_,MANDREL

BLADE[_,_. ASSEMBLY

FLAT WASHER._.,,_;;_ _L		/
LO C K WASHER ,,_	_'__._._../
FlEX BOLT (GRADE	B)* _,,,_	""_

*A GRADE 8 BEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLt' HEAD.

FIG. 12

TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 13)

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even-

tual 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, fellow the instructions supplied with bal- ancer).

°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 horizonta! position° If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center'hole may appear to be centered, but are noL

CENTER HOLE

5f8" BOLT	BLADE
OR PIN

FIG. 13

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- cient for normal use° However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life,,

°Keep battery andterminaIs clean,

•Keep battery bolts tight.

•Keep small vent holes open_

•Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour:

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power..

°Remove terminal guard.

•Disconnect BLACK battery'cable first then RED bat- tery cable and remove battery from tractor_

°Rinse the battery with plain water and dry

•Clear] terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright_

•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.

°Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the Assembly section of this manual)_

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