TRACTOR

Always observe safety ruleswhen
performing any maintenance.
BRAK_ OPERATION
If tractor requiresmore than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in
highest gear, then brake must be ad-
justed. (See "[0 ADJUST BRAKE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
sectionof this manual).
•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil,or insect
controlchemicals which can harm
rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objeu-'tsand 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
intedocksystems are working properly. If
yourtractor 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 clutchcontrol 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 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 flat
washer securing blade.
3. Install new or resharpenod blade with
trailingedge up towards deck as
shown. 19
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 _ _ Mandrel
_________Star_ Assembly
FlatWasher _-_._ Center
Lock__ I_lo'e
Washer ./"_ Blade
--(Grade 8)"
*A Grade8 heattreatedboltcan be
identifiedby six linesontheboff head.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do rot recommend sharpen-
ingblade -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 afile
oron agdnding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, you will need
a5/6" diameter steel bolt, pin, or acone
balancer. (When using a cone bal-
ancer, follow the instructionssupplied
with balancer.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, butare not.
•Slide blade on to an unthreaded
portionof the steel bolt or pin and hold
the bolt or pin parallel with the ground.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in
ahorizontalposition. If either end of
the blade moves downward, sharpen
the heavy end untilthe blade is
balanced.
B,ade
orPin