Craftsman 917.271742 Tractor, Brake Operation, Tires, Operator Presence System, Blade Care

TRACTOR

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

BRAKE OPERATION

If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be ad- justed. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual).

TIRES

•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 rubber.

•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may

cause tire damage.

NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent fiat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant

may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also preventstire dry rot and corrosion.

OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM

Be sure operator presence and interlock systems are working properly. If your tractor does not function as described,

repair the problem immediately.

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

disengaged position.

•When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without flint 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

1.Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades.

2.Remove hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer securing blade.

3.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.

4.Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer in exact order as shown.

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

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.

MandrelAssembly

TrailingEdgeUp_

\/ B,ade Center_%

Lock Washer_._._ _ .... \^

star

'_Hex Bet Grade)_'- -_

*A Grade8 heat treated bolt can be identified by six lines on the bolt head.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do net recommend sharpen- ing blade - but if you de, 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 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 bal- ancer, follow the instructions supplied

with balancer )

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 portionof the steel bait 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.	,	/
	{
5/8" Boltor Pin-.	./	Blade
Center Hole	_i_)

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficientfor normal use. How-

ever, periodic charging of the battery with

19an automotive charger will extend its life.