OUSTOME RESPON ILITIES

TRACTOR

TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance.

BRAKE OPERATION

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

TIRES

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

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.,

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_

oTo check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancero (When using a cone balancer, follow 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 horizontal 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 not.

CENTER HOLE

BLADE CARE

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

518" BOLT OR PIN

BLADE

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)

°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°

oReassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown°

°Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbso torque).

IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED

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

BLADE

MANDREL

TRAILING EDGE

LOCK WASHER

HEXFLATBOLTWASHER!

(GRADE

*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE

IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD,

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

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 lifeo

,Keep battery and terminals clean.

• Keep battery bolts tight,

o Keep smallvent holes open°

-Recharge at 6-t0 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 battery cable and remove battery from tractor.

Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

°Clean 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).

17

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Craftsman 917.259172 manual Oustome Respon Ilities, Tractor

917.259172 specifications

The Craftsman 917.259172 is a versatile lawn tractor designed to meet the needs of homeowners seeking an efficient and reliable machine for maintaining their lawns and garden landscapes. This riding mower is equipped with a powerful engine and a set of features that enhance its performance, making it ideal for residential use.

At the heart of the Craftsman 917.259172 is a robust 17.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. This reliable engine provides the power needed to tackle various mowing tasks with ease. The automatic transmission allows for smooth and effortless operation, enabling users to easily adjust their speed according to the terrain. Whether navigating through uneven grounds or tackling larger lawns, this tractor adapts seamlessly, ensuring a consistent mowing experience.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.259172 is its 42-inch cutting deck. This wide deck allows for efficient mowing, reducing the number of passes needed to cover larger areas. The deck also features adjustable cutting heights, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred grass length. With five different cutting positions, it caters to the varying needs of different types of grass and weather conditions.

The tractor is designed with user comfort in mind. It incorporates a soft-grip steering wheel, making it easier for users to maneuver around their gardens. The padded seat offers comfort for extended mowing sessions, ensuring that operators can work without fatigue. Additionally, the compact size of the tractor enhances its maneuverability, allowing users to reach tight spots with ease.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.259172 showcases a simple yet effective control panel, making it user-friendly. The easy-to-read gauges help keep track of fuel levels and cutting height, providing essential information at a glance. For added convenience, this lawn tractor features a rear bagger attachment option, allowing for efficient clippings collection and disposal.

Durability is a key characteristic of the Craftsman 917.259172. Its steel frame construction and quality materials ensure longevity and resilience against wear and tear caused by regular mowing tasks. Users can trust that this lawn tractor will remain robust and reliable over the years, providing great value for their investment.

In summary, the Craftsman 917.259172 offers a combination of power, versatility, and user-friendly features that make it a top choice for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently. With its strong engine, wide cutting deck, and comfort-driven design, this lawn tractor stands out as an excellent option for those seeking a reliable mowing solution.