CUSTOME RESPONSIBILITIES

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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 al! tires (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).

. Keep tires free of gasoline, o1I,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 prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire seatant may be purchased from your local parts dearer. Tire seatant a%o prevents tire dry rot and corrosion.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re- place bent or damaged blades.

TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced btade wi_ 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 steet bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow tt'e instructions supplied with bal- ancer).

Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hotd 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.

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.

CENTER HOLE

BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)

-Raise mower to highest position to allow access to Mades.

Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer secudng blade.

Install new or resharpened blade with trai}ing edge up towards deck as shown.

,Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown.

,Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque), iMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade- but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

BLADE

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MANDREL

 

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ASSEMBLY

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TRAtUNG EDGE

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FIG. 14

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- cient for normai use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger wilt extend its life.

,Keep battery and terminals clean. * Keep battery bolts tight.

o Keep small vent holes open.

. Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power.

=Open battery box door.

Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat- tery 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 "CONNECT BATTERY" in the Assembly section of this manual).

V-BELTS

*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE

IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.

FiG. 13

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 1O0hours of

operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is

17running or while the transmission is hot.

Page 17
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Sears 917.258552 owner manual Tractor, Brake Operation, Tires, Battery, Transaxle Cooling

917.258552 specifications

The Sears 917.258552 is a standout model in the lineup of lawn tractors offered by Sears. This versatile machine combines robust features and innovative technologies to provide homeowners with an efficient and effective solution for lawn maintenance.

One of the main features of the Sears 917.258552 is its powerful engine. Powered by a reliable 18.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this lawn tractor is capable of tackling various lawn sizes and types. The engine's performance is enhanced by a smooth automatic transmission, which allows for easy speed adjustments on the go, ensuring that users can navigate their yards with ease and precision.

The cutting deck of the Sears 917.258552 measures a generous 42 inches, making it suitable for larger areas without sacrificing maneuverability. The deck design incorporates a durable steel construction, providing longevity and resilience against the rigors of regular lawn care. Additionally, it features a deck wash system, allowing users to clean the underside of the deck efficiently and maintain optimal cutting performance over time.

Another noteworthy technology included in this model is the cutting height adjustment feature. The Sears 917.258552 provides multiple cutting height settings, which can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired grass height. This flexibility allows users to manage their lawns' aesthetics while promoting healthy grass growth.

The tractor's ergonomics are designed with user comfort in mind. The high-back seat provides ample support during extended periods of operation, while the easy-to-reach controls facilitate a hassle-free mowing experience. With a tight turning radius, the Sears 917.258552 can navigate around obstacles effectively, making it an ideal choice for complex landscapes.

Moreover, this tractor is designed for storage and maintenance convenience. It features a compact design that simplifies storage, while the intuitive layout allows for easy maintenance access to key components, such as the battery and fuel system.

In summary, the Sears 917.258552 lawn tractor is an exceptional choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and efficient lawn care solution. With its powerful engine, durable cutting deck, adjustable cutting heights, ergonomic design, and ease of maintenance, this model epitomizes the blend of performance and user-friendly features that Sears aims to deliver in their lawn maintenance products. Whether for residential lawns or larger garden plots, the Sears 917.258552 is equipped to handle the task with efficiency and ease.