17MAINTENANCETRACTORAlways observe safety rules when performing any main-te nance.BRAKE OPERATIONIf tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distanceat high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.(See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustmentssection of this manual).TIRES• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-cals which can harm rubber.• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects andother hazards that may cause tire damage.NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent fl at tires due toslow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your localparts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot andcorrosion.OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEMBe sure operator presence and interlock systems 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 isfully depressed and attachement clutch control is inthe disengaged position.• When the engine is running, any attempt by the operatorto leave the seat without first setting the parking brakeshould shut off the engine.• When the engine is running and the attachment clutchis engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave theseat should shut off the engine.• The attachment clutch should never operate unlessthe operator is in the seat.BLADE CAREFor best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replacebent or damaged blades.BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13)• Raise mower to highest position to allow access toblades.NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap bladewith heavy cloth.• Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.• Install new or resharpened blade with stamped "THISSIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly.IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTERHOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDRELASSEMBLY.• Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs.torque).IMPORTANT: SPECIAL BLADE BOLT HEAT TREATED.5/8" BOLTOR PINBLADECENTER HOLEFIG. 14BATTERYYour tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficientfor normal use. However, periodic charging of the batterywith an automotive charger will extend its life.• Keep 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 ismaintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove capsor covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is notnecessary.TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALSCorrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can causethe battery to “leak” power.TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but ifyou 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 eventualdamage 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 themower.• To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diametersteel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using acone balancer, follow the instructions supplied withbalancer.)NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes ofthe center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel boltor pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground.If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontalposition. If either end of the blade moves downward,sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.FIG. 1302544MANDRELASSEMBLYBLADEBLADE BOLT(SPECIAL)CENTERHOLESTAR