16
MAINTENANCE
FIG. 12A
TRACTOR
Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main-
te nance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest
speed in high est gear on a level, dry concrete or paved
surface, then brake must be checked and ad just ed. (See
“TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Ser vice and Ad just ments sec-
tion of this manual).
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (Refer to tire
specifications on sidewalls of tires).
• 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 pre vent flat tires due to
slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local
parts dealer. Tire sealant also pre vents tire dry rot and
corrosion.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYS TEM AND REVERSE OP-
ERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See FIG. 11)
Be sure operator presence and reverse operation 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 brake pedal is
fully de pressed, and the attachment clutch con trol is
in the dis en gaged position.
CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
• When the engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor
to leave the seat without first 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.
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the engine "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch
engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into
reverse should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running with the ignition switch in
the ROS "ON" position and the at tach ment clutch en-
gaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse
should NOT shut off the engine.
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place
bent or damaged blades.
0
2
8
2
8
ROS "ON" POSITION
ENGINE "ON" POSITION
(NORMAL OPERATING)
CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your tractor. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your tractor is
hazardous, could damage your tractor
and void your warranty.
FIG. 11
TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 12B)
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp en ing blade - but if
you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An un-
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even tual
damage to mower and engine.
• The blade can be sharpened with a file 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.
BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 12A)
• Raise mower to highest position to allow access to
blades.
• Remove blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer se cur 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 flat washer
in exact order as shown.
• Tight en blade bolt se cure ly (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS HEAT TREATED. IF BOLT NEEDS
REPLACING, REPLACE ONLY WITH APPROVE BOLT SHOWN
IN THE REPAIR PARTS.
02545
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
BLADE
TRAILING
EDGE UP
BLADE BOLT
CENTER
HOLE
STAR