MAINTENANCE
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
tenance.
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 Adjustments
section of this manual). "
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See"PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section 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.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to
slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local
parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and
corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
Be sure operator presence and interlock systems are work-
ing properly. If your tractor does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the clutch/brake
pedal isfully depressed and attachement clutch control
is in the disengaged position.
• Whenthe engine isrunning, anyattempt bythe operator
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the attachment 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.
BLADE CARE
Forbest resultsmower blades mustbe kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 8)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
• Remove blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer se-
curing blade.
• install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up
towards deck as shown.
IMPORTANT: TO' ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY,CENTER
HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL
ASSEMBLY.
• Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer
in exact order as shown.
• Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED.
MANDREL
TRAILING ASSEMBLY
EDGEOP
(GRADE 81"
*A GRADE 8 HEATTREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SiX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
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-
balanced bladewillcause excessive vibration and eventual
damage 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
balancer.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobesof
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
• Slide blade on toan unthreaded portion of the steel bolt
or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position. I( either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
/
CENTER ROLE /
5/8" BOLT BLADE
OR PIN
FIG. 9
15
