Craftsman 250 Utility Vehicle User Manual


 
3. Remove the 5/8" hex flange nut which holds the
blade to the blade spindle and the spindle shaft.
4. Remove blade fromthe spindle. See Figure 11.
Ball _dng
Iq-
.,_ SpindleShaft
Flange Nut-___ Blade
Figure 11
Sharpening
1. When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of gdnd as a guide. It isextremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
gnnding toprevent an unbalanced blade. An
unbalanced blade willcause excessive vibration
when rotatingat high speeds, may damage the
mower and/or cause personal injury.
2. Test the blade for balance by balancing iton a
roundshaft screwddver. Remove metal from the
heavy side until itbalances evenly.
Reassembly
1. Before reassembling the blade to the unit, lubdcate
the spindle shaft with light oil (or engine oil).
2. Be sure to propedy align "star"fittingon blade with
=star" on spindle shaft.
NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure toinstall the
blade with the side marked =Bottom" (or with part
number) facing the ground when the mower is in the
operating position. Also make sure that the entire blade
and spindle assembly is reattached in the right order.
See Figure 11.
3. Place the flange nut, removed eadier, and secure
blade firmlyto the spindle. Blade Mounting
Torque: 95-122 N-M or 70-90 ft,-Ib, maximum.
4. Flipthe deck back to itsoperating position and
reattach to the mower. Secure the deck to the deck
hanger linksby three hairpinclips and flat washers
removed eadier.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation, all nuts and bolts
mustbe checked periodically forcorrect tightness.
Maintaining Engine
Changing Engine Oil
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground against
engine.
2. Place the blade control lever in the disengaged
(OFF) positionand engage the parking brake.
3. Remove cutting deck by removingthe three hairpin
clipsand flat washers that hold the deck to the
hanger links.
4. Making sure that allthree belts are out ofthe way,
carefully unscrew the oildrain plug and collect
spent oil ina container. Hold the container close to
the drain plug to avoid spillage. See Figure 12.
5. Reinstall drain plug and reattach the cutting deck.
6. Refill with fresh engine oil. For instruction,refer to
page 11, Filling Up Oil.
Figure 12
,_ WARNING: Make sure not to spilloilon thebelts while drainingspent oilor removingthe oil
container.
Changing Air Cleaner
The engine on yourlawn utilityvehicle has an oval air
cleaner cartridge and a pre-cleaner. See engine parts
liststarting on page 37 of this manual for the part
numbers. Regular maintenance ofthe air cleaner will
improve your vehicle's engine performance and extend
life ofthe engine.
1. Service the air cleaner at the startof the season,
and every 25 hours ofoperation. You will have to
clean itmore frequently ifitis operated in extremely
dusty conditions. Replace air cleaner parts ifthese
are very dirty.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground against
engine.
3. Place the blade control lever inthe disengaged
(OFF) positionand engage the parking brake.
4. Pivot the seat up and access the engine.
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