Maintenance (Continued)
Blade Service
WARNING: Before you inspect the blade or the blade adapter, disconnect the wire to the spark plug. If the blade hits an object, stop the engine. Disconnect the wire to the spark plug. Check the unit for 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. Check the blade adapter (A, Figure 22) for damage. Check for a bent or damaged blade, a badly worn blade, or other damage. Before you operate the unit, damaged parts must be replaced with factory replacement parts. For safety, replace the blade every two years. Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become brown. Remove the blade as follows.
Removing the Blade
WARNING: Before you remove the blade, disconnect the wire to the spark plug. The blade has sharp edges. When you hold the blade, use gloves or cloth material to protect your hands.
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 keep the blade from rotating.
4.Remove the bolt (B, Figure 22) that holds the blade with a 9/16” (14mm) wrench.
5.Check the blade (C) according to the “Blade Service” instructions. Replace a badly worn or damaged blade with a factory replacement blade.
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 cause an accident.
7.Fasten the 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 blade to a torque of 30 foot pounds.
WARNING: Always keep the bolt that holds the blade tight. A loose bolt or blade can cause an accident.
A
C |
D |
A | B |
|
C |
D | B |
|
Figure 22: Removing the blade
Sharpening the Blade
WARNING: Vibration is the result if the blade is not correctly balanced. A blade that is damaged with cracks can break and cause an accident.
1.Sharpen the blade two times a year or every 25 hours.
2.If the blade is on the unit, do not sharpen. Remove the blade according to the instructions in “Removing The Blade”.
3.Clean the blade with a brush, soap, and water. Check the blade. Look for cracks, nicks, or other damage. Replace a blade that is badly worn, bent, or damaged with a factory replacement blade.
4.Sharpen the blade (A, Figure 23, next page) with a file
(B). Make sure you keep the original beveled cutting edge.
5.Make sure the blade is balanced. Use a screwdriver (C) and hold the blade parallel to the ground (D) as shown. A blade that is balanced will stay parallel to the ground. If the blade is not balanced, the heavy end will rotate toward the ground. Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
6.A new blade will cut better than a badly worn blade. Every two years replace the old blade with a factory replacement blade.
Checking the Level of Cut
Test the unit in a small area. If the height of cut is not level or if the cut grass is not discharged, the cause can 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.
Maintenance
15