C RESPONSIBI TRACTOR The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel, Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower. To check blade balance, you wilt need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal- ancer)_ 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 balance& Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- 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 'q'O ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual). TIRES NOTE: Do not use a nail for' balancing blade° The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not. Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual). Keeptires free of gasoline, oil,or insect control chemi- cals which can harm rubber: CENTER HOLE Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE 5/8" BOLT OR PIN BLADE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp,. Re- place bent or damaged blades. Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades. BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 11) Remove hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer securing blade, FIG. 12 o V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear' after 100 hours and replace if necessary., The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. e Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown. o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. TRANSAXLE COOLING Tighten bolt securely (30-35 FtoLbs. torque), IMPORTANT:
BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEATTREATED Keep transaxle free from buiid-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling. NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening btade- but ifyou do, be sure the blade is balanced. CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL LEVEL (See Fig, 13) "_ MANDREL BLADE _ ASSEMBLY ° Block up rear'axle securely. Remove left rear wheel by removing hub bolts_ Remove filler plug from transaxle. Oil level must be even with plug threads, if necessary, fill with SAE 30 motor oil, API-SF or SG. Replace filler plug_ Reassemble wheel to hub.
_" __TRAILING EDGE UP FLAT WASHER',, _ / For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFI- CATIONS" on page 3 of this manual° .ExBoLT(G.ADE TRANSAXLE "A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE ,DEN.nED BYs,xUNES O.THE BOLT.EAO. O (3 o FIG. 11 TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 12) I Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced° An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even- tual damage to mower and engine. FIG. 13 16