MAINTENANCE
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual).
TIRES
•Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PROD- UCT 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 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 operator presence and interlock systems are working properly. If your tractor does not function as described, repair the problem immediately.
•The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is fully depressed and attachement clutch control is in the disengaged position.
•When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first 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 (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.
BLADEMANDREL
ASSEMBLY
CENTER
HOLE
BLADE BOLT (SPECIAL)
STAR
FIG. 13
I M P O R T A N T : TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL ASSEMBLY.
•Install and tighten blade bolt securely
IMPORTANT: SPECIAL BLADE BOLT HEAT TREATED.
CENTER HOLE
BLADE
5/8" BOLT OR PIN
FIG. 14
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening 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 even- tual damage to mower and engine.
•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, 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.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- cient for normal use. However, 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
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not neces- sary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to “leak” power.
•Remove terminal guard.
•Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.
•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.
•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
•Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the
17 SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual).
