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01202
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per-
form ing any main te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in high est
gear, then brake must be ad just ed. (See
“TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Ser vice and
Ad just ments section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See “PROD UCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS”
section of this man ual).
• 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 pre vent
fl at 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 SYS TEM
Be sure operator presence and interlock
sys tems are working properly. If your trac-
tor does not function as described, repair
the problem immediately.
• The engine should not start unless
the brake pedal is fully de pressed and
attachement clutch control is in the
disengaged po si tion.
• When the engine is running, any at-
tempt by the op er a tor to leave the seat
without fi rst setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the
at tach ment clutch is engaged, any at-
tempt by the operator to leave the seat
should shut off the engine.
• The attachment clutch should nev er op-
erate unless the operator is in the seat.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept
sharp. Re place bent or damaged blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
1. Raise mower to highest position to al-
low access to blades.
2. Remove blade bolt, lock washer and
fl at washer securing blade.
3. Install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as shown.
IMPORTANT:
To ensure proper as sem bly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly.
4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer
and fl at washer in exact order as
shown.
5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft.
Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT
: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE:
We do not recommend sharp-
en ing blade - but if you do, be sure the
blade is balanced.
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 fi le
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 bal-
ancer. (When using a cone bal anc er, follow
the in struc tions supplied with bal anc er.)
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 to an 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 po si tion. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging sys tem
which is suf fi
cient for normal use. How-
ev er, 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 1 hour.
NOTE:
The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or cov ers.
Adding or checking level of elec tro lyte is
not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TER MI NALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi-
nals can cause the battery to “leak” power.
01
214
Blade
Trailing Edge Up
Lock
Washer
Blade
Bolt
Flat
Washer
Center Hole
Star
Mandrel
Assembly
5/8" Bolt
or Pin
Center
Hole
Blade
