Craftsman 917.3773 manual Lawn Mower, Tires, Blade Care, Drive Wheels

CUSTOMERBILITIES

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance.

TIRES

"Keep tires free of gasoline, oil. or insect control chemi- cals which can harm rubber.

oAvoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig, 11)

-Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.

•- Turn lawn mower on its side, Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

•Use a wood block between blade and mower housing

to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

Protect your hands with glovesand/or wrap blade with iqeavy cloth.

"Remove blade bolt byturning counter-clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end wrench.

oRemove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer),

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in gooG condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 11)

-Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

-Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

-Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

-install the blade bolt with the tockwasher and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

,Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

,The recommendec tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs. IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT tS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.

NOTE: We do nor recommend sharpening blade - but if you do be sure the blade is balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the Dlade balanced. An unbalanced blade wilt cause eventual damage to lawn mower or eng ne.

,' 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, drive a nail into a beam or wall

Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed, Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal 3osition. if either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

13

BLADECRANK-

ADAPTERSHAFT

KEYWAY

KEY

BLADE

BL
BC	k		SHAFT
	HARDENED		X
	WASHER	TRAILING	X
LOCK WASHER		EDGE	BLADE ADAPTER

FIG. 11

GRASS CATCHER

(If pure qased as an accessory)

-The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

,Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterio- ration. Through norma use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check front drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely.

The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels,

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both front wheels.

Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and washers.

•Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

,Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and!or drive wheel gear teeth.

•Put wheels back in place.

,If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact your nearest authorized service center.

GEAR CASE

=To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

,The gear case is filled with lulcricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.

If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Pre- mium 1 Grease. Part No. 750355. Do not substitute.