17
MAINTENANCE
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade
with heavy cloth.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.
• Install new or resharpened blade with stamped "THIS
SIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly.
IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER
HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL
ASSEMBLY.
• Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs.
torque).
IMPORTANT: SPECIAL BLADE BOLT HEAT TREATED.
FIG. 13
02544
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
BLADE
BLADE BOLT
(SPECIAL)
CENTER
HOLE
STAR
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main-
te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than fi ve (5) feet to stop at highest
speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved
surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See
“TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PROD UCT
SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this man ual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals 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 pre vent fl at tires due to
slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local
parts dealer. Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot and
corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND REVERSE OP-
ERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Be sure operator presence and reverse operation sys tems
are work ing properly. If your tractor does not function as
described, repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is
fully de pressed, and the attachment clutch con trol is
in the dis en gaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• When the engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor
to leave the seat without fi rst setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the at tach ment 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.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the engine "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch
engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the ROS "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch en-
gaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse
should NOT shut off the engine.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place
bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer
of your tractor. Using a blade not ap-
proved by the manufacturer of your
tractor is hazardous, could damage
your tractor and void your warranty.
8
2
8
ROS "ON" POSITION ENGINE "ON" POSITION
(NORMAL OPERATING)
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp en ing blade - but if
you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An un-
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even tual
damage to mower and engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a fi le or on a grind-
ing 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 balancer, follow the instructions supplied with
bal anc er.)
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.