TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION Mandrel Assembly Blade Center Hole If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speedin highest gear then brake must be adjusted. (See =TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Serv ce and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rub- ber. 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 bepurchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents hre dry rot and corrosion. OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM Be sure that operator presence and inter- lock systems are working properly. Ifyour tractor does not function as described below, repair the problem immediately. The engine should not start unless the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and attachment clutch control is in the disengaged position. When the engine is running, any attempt by the 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 For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. BLADE REMOVAL Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades. Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing 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 hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown.
Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated. FlatWasher Lock , _,,, Star Washe r"-,_:._ _. _Hex Bolt (C TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen- ingblade but if you do, be sure the blade isbalanced. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine. The blade canbe sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while it is 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- ancer). 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 onto 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 hori- zontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, s._arpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced. or Pin BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. Keel_ 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 necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter- minals can cause the battery to "leak" power. Remove terminal guard. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove 19 battery from tractor.