TRACTOR TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 13) Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even- tual damage to mower and engine_ BRAKE OPERATION The bladecan be sharpened witha fileor on a grinding wheel, Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower° ° To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steelbolt,pin, or a cone balancer,, (When usinga cone batancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal- ancer).
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 Adjust- ments section of this manual). TIRES ° Slide b_ade onto an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and holdthe 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 untilthe blade is balanced. 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:
Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not. 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. BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re- place bent or damaged blades° BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 12) ° Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades° FIG. 13 ° Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing blade. BATrERY = Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown.
Your tractor has a batter;/charging system which is suffi- cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotivecharger will extend its lifeo Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. - Keep battery and terminals clean. ° Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: BLADEBOLT tS GRADE 8 HEATTREATEDo = Keep batter'), bolts tight. o Keep small vent holes open. NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou do, be sure the blade is balanced. ° Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
MANDREL BLADE ASSEMBLY' TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. TRAILING EDGE UP Remove terminal guard, ° Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED bat-, tery cable and remove battery from tractor. FLAT _,= / WAS ° Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. ° Clean terminals and batterycable endswithwire brush until bright. ° Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. = Reinstal_ batterY (See "CONNECT BATTERY" in the Assembly section of this manual)° HEX BOLT (GRADE 8)* GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIRED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD, FIG. 12 _ 18