•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 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 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.
/
/
/,
5/8" Bolt or Pin
Center Hole
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How-
ever, 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
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power.
1.Remove terminal guard.
2.Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.
3.Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
4.Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.
5.Coat terminals with grease or petro- leum jelly.
6.Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmis- sion while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent possible
damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.
•Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.
•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip- pings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use com- pressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the trans-
axle ever leak or require servicing, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
V-BELTS
Check
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFGRE NEXT OIL CHANGE
oilviscchar t4 e
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before start-
ing the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification
•Be sure tractor is on level surface.
•Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•Catch oil in a suitable container.
1.Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.
2.Install the drain tube onto the fitting.
3.Open drain valve by using a 7/16" (11 mm) wrench turning counterclock- wise.
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