TRACTOR

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper- forminganymaintenance.

BRAKEOPERATION

If tractorrequiresmorethansix (6)feet stoppingdistanceat highspeedin highest

gear,thenbrakemustbe adjusted.(See "TOADJUSTBRAKE"in the Serviceand

Adjustmentssectionof thismanual).

TIRES

Reassemble hex boll, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown.

Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

TrailingI _Up Blade MandrelAssembly

Center

Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual).

Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rub- ber.

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.

OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM

Be sure that operator presence and inter-

lock systems are working propedy. If your tractor does not function as described

below, repair the problem immediately.

The engine should not start unless the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and attachment clutch control is in the

disengaged position.

When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake should shut off the engine.

When the engine is running and the attachment clutch is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat should shut off the engine.

The attachment clutch should never

operate unless the operator is in the seat.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

BLADE REMOVAL

Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.

Remove hex boll, lock washer and flat washer securing blade.

Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown.

IMPORTANT." To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly.

Lock

_p._.. Hex Bolt

(Grade 8)"

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-

ing 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 gdnding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel boll, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal-

ancer.)

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

Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the boll 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.

Center Hole

5/8" Bolt 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.

Keep small vent holes open.

Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The odginal equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not

19attempt to open or remove caps or covers.

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Craftsman 917.271023 manual Operator Presence System, Blade Care, Blade Removal, To Sharpen Blade, Battery