TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.
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
Adjustments section of this manual).
TIRES
,,Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 5 of this manual).
o Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rub-
ber.
o Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire darnage_
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. Replace bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
oRaise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.
o Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing blade.
,, Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown.
o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown.
o Tighten bolt securely
iMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat treated.
| _ Assembly |
Blad e_____ | Mandrel |
Flat Was | Trailing |
| Edge Up |
Lock Washer__/ |
|
Hex Bolt (Grade8)*_'__ |
|
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be identified by six lines on the bolt head,
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE; We do not recommend sharpening 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 it is 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 bafancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal- ancer).
o Slide blade onto 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 hori- zontal 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.
or Pin "_
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient 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.
o Keep small vent holes open.
•Recharge at
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter- minals can cause the battery to "leak" power_
,, Open battery box door.
o Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.
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