Poulan PP1644JA User Manual - Page 15

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust. ments section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 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. BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. BLADE REMOVAL (See Fig. 13) • Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades. • Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing blade. • Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown. • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED. BLADE MANDREL ASSEMBLY O O TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14) 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). • 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. NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not. CENTER HOLE 5/8" BOLT OR PIN FIG. 14 BLADE 0 FLAT WASHER LOCK WASHER HEX BOLT (GRADE 8)* TRAILING EDGE *A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD. FIG. 13 15