Craftsman 917.255520 - Manual (Page 15)

MAINTENANCE
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte*
nance.
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD­
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual).
• 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.
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 11)
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
• Tocheck blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall
Leave about one inch of the 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,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp The
blades can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel.
We suggest they be sharpened or replaced after every 25
hours of mowing Check blades more often if mowing in
sandy conditions
• Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the
mower.
• Replace bent or damaged blades
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 10)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades,
• Remove hex bolt, lockwasherand flat washer securing
blade.
• Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown.
• Reassemble hex bolt, locNwasher and flat washer in
exact order as shown.
• Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT; BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 5 HEATTREATEO.
CENTER 1
l| Щ
BLADE
HOLE
u
о "">0 c
..... —-.
III 1ЛМ1
FIG, 11
15