MAINTENANCE
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
tenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
Iftractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance
at highspeed inhighest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
(See"TO ADJUST BRAKE" inthe Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintainpreper airpressureinall 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
Besure operator presence and interlocksystems are work-
ing properly. If your tractor does not function as described,
repair the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is
fully depressed and attachement clutch control is in
the disengaged position.
• When the engineis running, 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 bladesmustbe kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 9)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades,
• Remove blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer se-
curing blade.
• Installnew 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 HEAT TREATED,
TRAILING
EDGE UP
\
BLADE
CENTER_
HOLE
LOCKWASHER
/
FLATWASHER STAR
_BLADEBOLT(GRADE8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEATTREATEDBOLTCANBE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ONTHE BOLTHEAD.
FIG. 9
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 10)
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 blade will cause 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 willneed 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 lobes of
the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
• Slide blade on toan unthreeded portionofthe steel bolt
or pinand hold the boltor 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.
CENTER HOLE / /
5/8" BoLT__ _ BLADE
OR PIN _
FIG. 10
BA'rrERY
Yourtractor has a battery charging systemwhichissufficient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
• Keep battery and terminals clean.
Keep battery bolts tight.
• Keep small vent holes open.
• Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your t:'actor is
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps
or covers, Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not
16 necessary.
