15
MAINTENANCE
FIG. 10
FIG. 9
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient
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 1 hour.
NOTE:
The original equipment battery on your tractor is
maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps
or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not
nec es sary.
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
te nance.
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 Ad just ments
section of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PROD UCT
SPECIFICATIONS” 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 prevent 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 SYSTEM
Be sure operator presence and interlock sys tems 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 is fully depressed and attachement clutch control
is in the disengaged position.
• When the engine is running, any attempt 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 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
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place
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 fl at washer secur-
ing 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 fl at washer
in exact order as shown.
• Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT
: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
BLADE
TRAILING
EDGE UP
FLAT WASHER
LOCK WASHER
BLADE BOLT (GRADE 8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
5/8" BOLT
OR PIN
BLADE
CENTER HOLE
CENTER
HOLE
STAR
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-
bal anced blade will cause excessive vibration and even tual
dam age to mower and engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a fi le 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
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
position. If either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
