Craftsman 247.370320 - Manual (Page 10)

MAINTENANCE
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Follow the Service Recommendation Schedule on page
11 .
MOWER
BLADE CARE
Your mower will work better with a sharp blade.
A
WARNING: DISCONNECT POWER SUP­
PLY BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAIN­
TENANCE OR ADJUSTMENTS.
TO REMOVE BLADE (See figure 9):
• Turn mower on its side.
• Use a block of wood between blade and mower deck
to prevent blade from turning when nut is removed.
Protect your hands with gioves and/or wrap blade
with heavy cloth.
• Remove hex nut, and open blade insulator.
• Remove cotter pin, blade nut, flat washer, blade in­
sulator and carriage bolts.
Blade
FIGURE 9.
TO REPLACE BLADE (See figure 9):
Use only a Sears authorized replacement blade to get
the best cutting results. Do not use substitutes.
NOTE: All parts must be assembled in the exact order
as shown.
• Fit blade in adapter. Be sure trailing edge of blade
is up towards motor.
• Tighten blade nut securely (30-35 ft. lbs. torque).
• Re-insert cotter pin and bend ends to secure.
NOTE: If after tightening nut, the slot in nut is not
aligned with hole in shaft, tighten nut just enough to
allow cotter pin insertion.
A
WARNING: A
DANGEROUS.
LOOSE BLADE CAN BE
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening the blade—
but if you do, be sure blade is balanced.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grind­
ing wheei. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the
mower.
• Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when running and eventual damage to mower and
motor.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or
wall. Leave about one inch of straight nail exposed.
Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position. If either end of the blade moves downward,
blade is not balanced. Sharpen the heavy end until
the blade is baianced.
CLEANING
A
WARNING: DISCONNECT POWER SUP­
PLY BEFORE CLEANING YOUR MOWER.
• Remove any build-up of grass and leaves on or
around motor cover. DO NOT USE WATER.
• Clean the underside of your mower after each use
by turning the mower on its side and scraping to
remove any build-up of grass, leaves, dirt or other
matter. DO NOT USE WATER.
• Occasionally use a dry cloth to wipe mower.
• Wash grass bag periodically with water. Allow to dry
thoroughly in the shade. Do not use heat.
IMPORTANT: Under normal usage, the grass bag is
subject to wear and should be checked periodically. Be
certain any replacement bag complies with the mower
manufacturer's specifications.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
REAR TRAIL SHIELD
The rear trail shield, attached between the rear wheels
of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility
that objects will be thrown out the rear of the mower
toward the operator. If the shield becomes damaged,
it should be replaced.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Refer to “ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT” in Operation
section of manuai.
10