Craftsman 917.27224 Tires, Operator Presence System, Blade Care, To Sharpen Blade, Blade Removal

TRACTOR

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performinganymaintenance.

BRAKEOPERATION Iftractorrequiresmorethansix(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 p_event fiat 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 intedock systems are working properly. If your tractor does not function as de- scribed below, repair the problem immediately.

•The engine should not start unless the 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 withoutfirst setting the parking brake should shut off the engine.

•When the engine is running and the attachment dutch 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.

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 (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque),

TrailingEdgeUp j_ _, MandreI

_,_ Sta_Assembly

Flat Washer__Cente			r
Lock	""_>_'__		Hole
Washer	J_	_-_	_-T"_- Blade
_,,		HexBolt	_3
	(Grade 8)*

*A Grade 8 heat treatedbolt can be identifiedby sixlineson the bolt head.

IMPORTANT: Blade belt is grade 8 heat treated.

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 belt, 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 unthreeded

portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the belt or pin parallel with the ground.

If blade is balanced, it should remain in a hedzontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

Center Hole

BLADE REMOVAL

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

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

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

" Blade

or Pin -_

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.