CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
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 "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual).
TIRES
•Maintainproper airpre_urs 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.
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, Iockwasher 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
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou do, be sure the blade is balanced.
BLADEMANDREL
TRAlUNG EDGE
HEX BOLT
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIRED 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, 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
518" BOLT
BLADE
OR PIN | J |
FIG. 13
16
