Operator's Manual

22
MAINTENANCE
Figure 36
1. Blade bolt
2. Lockwasher
3. Anti-Scalp Cup
1
2
3
2. Install bladesail facing toward cutting unit with
anti-scalp cup, lockwasher and blade bolt. Tighten
blade bolt to 85-110 ft-lb.
WARNING
Do not try to straighten a blade that is bent, and
never weld a broken or cracked blade. Always
use a new blade to ensure continued safety
certification of the product.
INSPECTING AND SHARPENING BLADE
1. Raise cutting unit to highest position, shut the
engine off and engage the parking brake. Block cutting
unit to prevent it from falling accidentally.
2. Examine cutting ends of the blade carefully,
especially where the flat and curved parts of the blade
meet (Fig. 37-A). Since sand and abrasive material
can wear away the metal that connects the flat and
curved parts of the blade, check the blade before using
the machine. If wear is noticed (Fig. 37-B), replace the
blade: refer to Removing Cutter Blade.
Figure 37
DANGER
If blade is allowed to wear, a slot will form
between the sail and flat part of the blade
(Fig. 37-C). Eventually a piece of the blade
may break off and be thrown from under the
housing, possibly resulting in serious injury to
yourself or bystander.
3. Inspect cutting edges of all blades. Sharpen the
cutting edges if they are dull or nicked. Sharpen only
the top of the cutting edge and maintain the original
cutting angle to make sure of sharpness (Fig. 27). The
blade will remain balanced if same amount of metal is
removed from both cutting edges.
Figure 38
SHARPEN AT THIS
ANGLE ONLY
END VIEW
4. To check blade for being straight and parallel, lay
blade on a level surface and check its ends. Ends of
blade must be slightly lower than the center, and
cutting edge must be lower than the heel of the blade.
This blade will produce good quality of cut and require
minimal power from the engine. By contrast a blade
that is higher at the ends than the center, or if cutting
edge is higher than the heel, the blade is bent or
warped and must be replaced.
5. Install bladesail facing toward cutting unit with
anti-scalp cup, lockwasher and blade bolt. Tighten
blade bolt to 85-110 ft-lb.