16
MAINTENANCE
FIG. 8
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 9)
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 un-
bal anced blade will cause excessive vibration and even tual
dam age to mower and engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file 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.
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main-
te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (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 CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments sec-
tion of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See the side
of the tire for proper PSI).
• 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 flat 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 first 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 approved
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)
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 8)
• 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 coun ter clock wise.
• Install new blade with stamped "THIS SIDE UP" facing
deck and mandrel assembly.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper as sem bly, 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 is heat treated.
02545
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
BLADE
CENTER
HOLE
STAR
BLADE BOLT
(SPECIAL)