Craftsman 247.27050 Series Operator's Manual

31SERVICE AND MAINTENANCEMower Blade CareWARNINGBefore performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the “OFF”position, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF”position and remove the key from the switch. Protect your hands by usingheavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck,be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharpen the cutting edges of theblades evenly so that the blades remain balanced and the same angle of sharpnessis maintained.If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharpened many times, or if anymetal separation is present, it is recommended that new blades be installed. Newblades may be obtained through Sears Parts & Repair or by calling 1-888-331-4569.The blades may be removed as follows.1. Remove the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Deck Removal)then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.2. Use a 1-1⁄8” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly whenloosening the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may be placedbetween the deck housing and the cutting edge of the blade to help inbreaking loose the hex nut securing the blade. See Figure 43.Figure 433. When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed so that the windwings are pointing upward toward the top of deck.4. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft-lbs.5. Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation).Transmission Drive BeltSeveral components must be removed and special tools used in order to change theriding mower’s transmission drive belt. See your Sears Service Center or to scheduleservice, simply contact Sears at 1-888-331-4569.Tractor CreepingCreeping is the slight forward or backward movement of the mower when thethrottle is on and the speed control levers are in the neutral position. If your mowercreeps, see an authorized service dealer.