Craftsman 917.255561 - Manual (Page 15)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte­
nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
(See 'TO ADvJUST BRAKE" in Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD­
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual),
• Keeptires 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.
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 ater 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.
• R emove h ex b o It, i o ck washer and flat was h er securing
blade.
' Install new or resharpened blade with trailing 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 GRADES HEAT TREATED-
FIG. 10
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.
• 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
ancer).
• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel boit
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,
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
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