Poulan CO185H42STB User Manual - Page 18

TRACTOR IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Trailing Edge Up Flat Washer Blade Lock Washer Blade 01 214 Mandrel Assembly Star Adjustments section of this manual). Bolt Center Hole 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 rubber. • 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 be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM Be sure operator presence and interlock systems are working properly. If your tractor does not function as described, repair the problem immediately. • The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is fully depressed and attachement 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 TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. 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 can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding 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 balancer.) 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. should shut off the engine. Center • When the engine is running and the attachment clutch is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat 5/8" Bolt 01202 or Pin Hole Blade should shut off the engine. • The attachment clutch should never op- erate unless the operator is in the seat. BLADE CARE BATTERY For best results mower blades must be kept Your tractor has a battery charging system sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. which is sufficient for normal use. How- ever, periodic charging of the battery with BLADE REMOVAL an automotive charger will extend its life. 1. Raise mower to highest position to al- • Keep battery and terminals clean. low access to blades. • Keep battery bolts tight. 2. Remove blade bolt, lock washer and • Keep small vent holes open. flat washer securing blade. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. 3. Install new or resharpened blade with NOTE: The original equipment battery on trailing edge up towards deck as shown. your tractor is maintenance free. Do not IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, attempt to open or remove caps or covers. center hole in blade must align with star Adding or checking level of electrolyte is on mandrel assembly. not necessary. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 18