Use and Care Guide
23
Sharpening Frequency
Sharpening the blade twice during a mowing season is usually sufcient under normal
circumstances. Sand causes the blade to dull quickly. If your lawn has sandy soil, more
frequent sharpening may be required.
When Sharpening the Blade:
•
Make sure that the blade remains balanced.
•
Sharpen the blade at the original cutting angle.
•
Sharpen the cutting edges on both ends of the blade, removing an equal amount of material
from each end.
To Sharpen Blade in a Vise:
a. Remove the blade from the mower.
b. Secure the blade in a vise. (Fig. 17)
c. Wear proper eye protection and gloves and be careful not to cut yourself.
d. Carefully le the cutting edges of the blade with a ne tooth le or sharpening stone,
maintaining the original cutting edge angle.
e. To check the blade balance: clamp a nail or a screwdriver with a round shank in the
horizontal position. Position the blade so that the nail or round shank of the screwdriver
supports the blade through its center hole. Balance the blade horizontally. If either end of the
blade rotates downward, remove some metal from the heavy (or lower) end until the blade is
balanced. It is balanced when neither end drops (Fig. 18).
f. Replace the blade on the mower and tighten it securely.
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
WARNING
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at
high speed.
It may cause damage to the mower and could break, causing
personal injury.