Manual

Maintenance(Continued)
BladeService
WARNING:Beforeyou inspectthe blade or the
blade adapter, disconnectthe wire tothe spark
plug. If theblade hits anobject, stopthe
engine. Disconnectthewire to thesparkplug.
Checkthe unitfor damage.
Frequently check the blade for wear or damage such as
cracks. Frequently check the bolt that holds the blade. Keep
the bolt tight. If the blade hits an object, stop the engine.
Disconnect the wire to the spark plug. Checkthe blade
adapter (A, Figure 22) for damage. Checkfor a bent or
damaged blade, a badly worn blade, or other damage.Before
you operate the unit, damaged parts must be replacedwith
factory replacementparts. For safety, replace the blade every
two years. Keepa sharp edge on the blade. A bladethat is
not sharp will causethe ends of the grass to become brown.
Remove the blade asfollows.
Removingthe Blade
WARNING:Beforeyou removethe blade,
disconnectthe wire to the spark plug. The
bladehas sharp edges. Whenyou holdthe
blade, useglovesor clothmaterial to protect
yourhands.
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Lift the side of the mower that has the muffler or spark
plug.
3. Use a piece of wood to keepthe bladefrom rotating.
4. Removethe bolt (B, Figure22) that holds the blade
with a 9/16" (14ram) wrench.
5. Checkthe blade (C) according to the "Blade Service"
instructions. Replacea badly worn or damaged blade
with a factory replacementblade.
6. Mount the blade with the curved edges toward the
housing. If the blade is upside down, the blade will not
cut correctly and can causean accident.
7. Fastenthe blade with the original washer (D) and bolt.
Make sure the outside rim of the Belleville washer is
toward the blade.
8. Tighten the bolt that holds the bladeto a torque of 30
foot pounds.
WARNING:Alwayskeep the boltthat holdsthe
blade tight. A loose boltor blade can causean
accident.
Figure 22. Removing the blade
Sharpeningthe Blade
4_ WARNING:Vibration is the result if the blade
is notcorrectlybalanced.A bladethat is
damagedwith crackscan break andcause
anaccident.
1. Sharpenthe bladetwo times a yearor every 25 hours.
2. If the blade is on the unit, do not sharpen. Removethe
blade according to the instructions in "Removing The
Blade".
3. Cleanthe bladewith a brush, soap, and water. Checkthe
blade. Look for cracks, nicks, or other damage. Replace
a blade that is badly worn, bent, or damagedwith a
factory replacementblade.
4. Sharpenthe blade(A, Figure23, next page) with a file
(B). Makesure you keepthe original beveledcutting
edge.
5. Make sure the blade is balanced. Usea screwdriver (C)
and hold the blade parallel to the ground (D) as shown.
A bladethat is balancedwill stay parallel to the ground.
If the blade is not balanced,the heavyend will rotate
toward the ground. Sharpenthe heavyend until the
blade is balanced.
6. A newblade will cut better than a badlyworn blade.
Everytwo years replacethe old bladewith a factory
replacementblade.
Checking the Level of Cut
Testthe unit in a small area. If the height of cut is not level
or if the cut grass is not discharged, the causecan be: (1)
the blade is bent or damaged, (2) the blade is not sharp, (3)
a worn blade, (4) or a broken blade adapter.Before you use
the unit, correct the problem.
15
m.
€1D