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CUSTOMER ESPON$1BRLITmE$

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 'q'OADJUST 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).

oKeep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control 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 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.

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TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)

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 /

BLADE CARE

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

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)

oRaise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.

oRemove 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.

oTighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft Lbs., torque). IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT fS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED,

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

ORPIN,,'i..)/"

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 life.

Keep battery and terminals clean_ ° Keep battery bolts tight.

. Keep small vent holes open.

Recharge at 6_10 amperes for I hour_

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

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

BLADE

MANDREL ASSEMBLY

TRAILING

EDGE UP

,Remove terminal guard.

,Disconnect BLACK batten./cable first then RED bat- tery cable and remove battery from tractor.

°Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

= Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush

FLAT WASHER

LOCK WASHE

-HEX BOLT (GRADE 8)*

*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD,

FIG. 13

until bright.

o Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelty.

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

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Craftsman 917.259592 owner manual Tractor, Blade Care, Blade Removal See Fig, Battery