Blade Care; Blade Replacement - Craftsman 917.98644 Operator's Manual

BLADE CARE
For b est r esults mower blades m ust bekept
sharp. R eplace bent o rdamaged blades.
_I:_CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade
approved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your tractor is hazardous, could
damage your tractor, and void your warranty.
BLADE REPLACEMENT
• Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades.
_CAUTION: When handling the blade,
protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth.
TO REMOVE BLADE
• Squeeze tabs inward to release cap.
Remove by lifting cap from hinge and set
aside.
lp
Tabs
• Slide thumb lock and release pivot to allow
wire-form to swing free from standoffs.
Standoffs
• Open the top plate and remove blade.
NOTE: Blade is held in place by magnets to
prevent free release.
TO iNSTALL BLADE
• Clean area under top plate, the bottom of
the mandrel assembly, and around bosses
thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
• Align bosses and insert blade.
NOTE: Magnets should hold blade in place.
• Close the top plate over the blade and
hook the wire-form over the standoffs.
• Push pivot closed until secured by the
thumb lock.
Lock
Wire-
Standoffs
• Reinstall cap. Hook cap onto hinge and
rotate onto tabs. Press cap firmly into
place, ensuring both tabs lock into cap.
NOTE: Replace cap if worn or cracked.
Hinge
Y
Tabs
Cap
23