ance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. Refer to Figure 13. Place the blade with the side marked bottom (or with part number) fac- ing away from the adapter. Align the blade bell support over the blade with the tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt 450 in. lb. min., 600 in.lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
CAUTION: Cutting grass in sandy soil condition causes abrasive wear to the blade.
After prolonged use, especially in sandy soil condi- tions, the blade will become worn and lose some of the original shape. Cutting efficiently will be reduced and the blade should be replaced. Replace with an approved factory replacement blade only. Possible damage resulting from blade unbalance condition is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
Deck
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pres- sure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electric compo- nents, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instruc- tions carefully.
Under normal conditions service air cleaner as in- structed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usu- ally indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recom- mended at the start of each mowing season; check
Blade Adapter
Blade
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 13
engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
NOTE: This spark ignition system meets all require- ments of the Canadian
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine perfor- mance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
Rear Flap Replacement
The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower deck, and is designed to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown from the rear of the mower toward the op- erator. If the rear flap becomes damaged, replace as follows.
To remove the old rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire rod which secures it to the deck using a pair of
OFF SEASON STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower for storage.
•Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.
•Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage in- structions.
•Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
•Store mower in a dry, clean area.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equip- ment in an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
CAUTION: Never fold or unfold handle
without disconnecting spark plug.
NOTE: Be careful not to bend of kink cables.
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